French Modern Neoclassical Brass & Red Lacquer Dining Table, Maison Jansen, 1970

A rare and elegant Italian and French midcentury dining table designed by Giovanni Banci (Italy) for Maison Jansen (France) in the Modern Neoclassical Style. The piece is composed of a solid brass frame with a distinctive neoclassical cruciform stretcher base. Six posts rise from the cross form stretcher and support an octagonal form table top. The top is composed of red lacquer and in-laid brass arranged to form intertwining octagonal patterns. The whole composition is original, and yet, reflective of the harmony and purity implicit in neoclassical design. Most importantly, the table is practical, it allows a generous width and is designed to seat 10.

The designer, Giovanni Banci, was an important Italian designer who had designed many pieces for Hermes showrooms and had important sculptural commissions in Florence, Italy. Maison Jansen was world known a leader in the decorative arts in France and throughout the world. Jansen combined old world craftsmanship of the 18th century with modern creations.