Item Description
A superb and rare example of extendable table design by the celebrated Japanese-Italian master designer Kazuhide Takahama, produced by Simon International. At rest, the table presents as a clean, minimal square form: four square-section, gently rounded legs support a top finished in deep, glossy black lacquer, with a broad apron below that conceals the piece’s true ingenuity. A concealed leaf mechanism allows the table to extend smoothly from a compact square into a full rectangular dining or work surface — the two leaves meeting at a discreet, near-invisible hinge line when closed, and locking flush when extended, so that the tabletop reads as a single continuous plane in either configuration. This dual functionality is characteristic of Takahama’s design philosophy: a quiet, considered rationalism, distilling a piece down to its essential geometry while embedding real, everyday practicality within that restraint. The extension mechanism itself, visible when the table is opened, reveals beautifully finished joinery and metal slides — evidence of the exceptional manufacturing standards Simon International was known for during this period of Italian design. The black lacquer is of magnificent quality throughout, with a deep, mirror-like gloss that has been beautifully maintained, and the extension mechanism operates smoothly. Fine surface texture and reflections in the lacquer speak to the hand-finished, old-world quality of the lacquering process itself, rather than a modern sprayed finish. A rare find on the market and a wonderful example of thoughtful, functional Italian design from a true master — equally suited as a compact side or occasional table, and instantly transformable into a full dining or work table when needed. Dimensions: 100 x 100 x 75 cm closed, 100 200 x 75 cm open.
