Ado Chale - NOMAD x Phillips Paris Monday, September 28, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Provenance

    Private collection, Belgium
    Acquired from the above by the present owner

  • Catalogue Essay

    This extraordinary "Goutte d'Eau" coffee table was made by the Belgian artisan and designer Ado Chale in the early 1970s. It shows a high level of detail, notably on the cast bronze table top. The design shows a serene drawing of a water drop, hence its title. Chale, a self-taught craftsman, became inspired by pre-Colombian culture during one of his many travels which lead him to include influences from that culture in his designs. This table is a larger model and is an early design from the 1970s. The use of an almost architectural base in brushed metal makes the tabletop float in a way that gives the heavy and sturdy table an interesting lightness. The table, which is almost a sculpture in itself, is signed on the side of the tabletop. The tabletop has aged wonderfully, giving it a stunning patina which emphasizes the naturalistic pattern. 

    Ado Chale (b. 1928) is a Belgian artist and designer who is known for his furniture designs which reference the natural world in both use of materials and form. In 1962 Chale opened his first gallery and was an active member of the Brussels avant-garde scene. In his gallery, Chale showcased jewelry from fellow artists as well as his own creations. Among others, Ado Chale is one of the key designers in Belgian postmodern design. His style was characterized by the use of gemstones as decorative element, references to natural elements and inspiration from his travels. “My designs have succeeded each other and have evolved over my discoveries, mostly in mineralogy, iron bronze and aluminum. Technical constraints have constantly pushed my development.” In recent years, we have seen a real rediscovery and appetite for Chale’s early creations. 

    An example of one of Ado Chale’s "Goutte d’Eau" tables was included in the retrospective "Ado Chale: Alchemist. Artisan. Designer" at BOZAR, Brussels in September 2017.

Morentz

22

"Goutte d'Eau" coffee table

1970s
Bronze, steel.
74 x 150 x 33 cm (29 1/8 x 59 x 12 7/8 in.)
Edge of tabletop signed. Together with a certificate of authenticity from the artist.

Estimate On Request

Contact Specialist

NOMAD

enquiry@nomad-circle.com

NOMAD x Phillips

Virtual Destination 28 September - 11 October 2020