EERO SAARINEN (1910-1961) FOR KNOLL INTERNATIONAL
'TULIP' DINING TABLE, DESIGNED 1956
£688
Auction: 8 May 2013 at 12:00 BST
Description
the circular rosewood top on tapered pedestal with spreading enamelled aluminium base
Dimensions
152.5cm diameter, 72cm high
Footnote
Note: The only veneers offered by Knoll in the 1950s and '60s when this table was made (by Knoll International Canada Limited) were walnut, cherry and teak, however the Brazilian Rosewood veneer used for this table was specially selected and, uniquely, the top veneered so that the figuring would be symmetrically centered. This was even more expensive as it resulted in a substantial loss of veneer when it was laid up. It was especially selected by the current owner and is unique.
Additionally the use of Brazilian rosewood, even in the 1960s as Brazilian Rosewood was becoming rare. This table has a further idiosyncrasy in that it is slightly larger than the standard Saarinen table produced at the time (approx. 138cm)