Well this is an unexpected surprise!
We’ve been fortunate enough to receive a wonderful mid-century coffee table. It was designed in 1962 by Vico Magistretti for Gavina and it is called the ‘Caori’ coffee table (even though one Skinner auction said 1969 the ‘official’ site says 1962).
In the design of this piece Magistretti was influenced by the tenets of Japanese design, most notably the simplicity or restraint of design. As such it is a great combination of function and good design.
It measures 50 inches long, 38 inches wide and stands about 18 inches tall. There are drawers at either end and two compartments on the long sides. These are accessible through doors which fold down. In the center of the brushed steel top is a hatch which is easily opened and provides access to a divided interior compartment. This compartment was divided (as built) for magazines or records, although it was initially conceptualized as a dry bar.
Our piece is in good condition. It was initially painted white but it was repainted a cafe au lait color at some distant point (If I were to bet I’d say the 1970’s). There are several surface blemishes to this paint work but the underlying woodwork is in good condition.
In other words, it’s completely useful as is or it’d be a great candidate for repainting, either into one of the original production colors or something with slightly greater aesthetic tension in terms of the original intent of the design constructs (like bright yellow or turquoise).
Apparently these are rather rare, so we’re asking SOLD (including local delivery of course).
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Material Culture Museum 