Item Description
This is an exceptional and rare example of Jean Prouvé’s iconic CB11 low table, a design that stands as a testament to the engineer-architect’s legendary resourcefulness during the Occupation of France. Executed circa 1943, this piece embodies the very essence of Prouvé’s ethos: the marriage of raw, industrial materials with a profound sense of structural honesty and elegant proportion. In an era marked by material scarcity, Prouvé turned to locally sourced, robust components. The result is a work of striking geometry and tactile richness. The table features a substantial disc of Comblanchien stone, a classic French limestone prized for its fine grain and warm, honeyed hue. This heavy, grounded top rests upon a minimalist yet powerful support structure: a tripod base of slender, tapered oak legs, braced by a central tripod of forged steel. The interplay of materials is quintessential Prouvé. The organic warmth of the wood and the timeless solidity of the stone are anchored by the cool, utilitarian precision of the steel. The tension in the design—where the delicate taper of the oak legs belies their strength, and the seemingly fragile steel struts provide essential structural integrity—creates a piece that is at once monumental and airy. This model, a precursor to his more widely known “Table à roulettes,” is celebrated by collectors for its scarcity and its direct reflection of Prouvé’s “construction philosophy.” It is not merely a functional object but a piece of French design history—a rare artifact from the formative years of one of the 20th century’s most influential figures. Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The Comblanchien stone top presents with a beautifully aged surface, showing the subtle character and patina consistent with its age. The oak legs have a warm, original patina with minor, stable signs of wear. The steel structure remains sturdy and sound. Dimensions: 13.75 in (35 cm) Height x 37.40 in (95 cm) Diameter Creator: Jean Prouvé (1901–1984) Place of Origin: France Date of Manufacture: circa 1943 Materials: Comblanchien Stone, Oak, Steel
