The Noguchi Table: Art and Functionality Combined in One Extraordinary Piece

The Noguchi table is, in many imaginable ways, a masterpiece. Not only because it was a design that completely revolutionized the preconceived schemes that were had for that moment of the structure that a table of its category should have, but it dared to be part of the modernist trend that was beginning to invade the world of architecture, interior design, decoration, and, of course, furniture design. The physical, technical, and functional characteristics that its creator, Isamu Noguchi, presented in this model, generated very positive reviews and caught the attention of many people, both common users and specialists who saw in the work of this artist an important contribution to this revolutionary trend which would later be named "Mid-Century Modern".

One of the most distinctive characteristics of this piece is that its shapes and lines are biomorphic; that is, they emulate the smooth shapes and curvilinear designs of the natural world, making them look as if they're trying to emulate a living being. In fact, the Noguchi Table is said to be a piece with such a unique and artistic aesthetic that it can come to seem like a very special type of sculpture. Most of the people who buy this table place it in the center of the living room to add more functionality and reinforce the aesthetics. It has also become a very present model in common areas, office spaces, and places of a great influx of people such as building lobbies and rest areas. Many others, more knowledgeable about the trend and its implications, when they see a Noguchi table they know that they're facing one of the most iconic models of the twentieth century and one of the most representative pieces of its style.

Source: Apres Furniture UK

Much More Than A Coffee Table

The best-known piece by Isamu Noguchi was first introduced in 1947 by the Herman Miller brand, and from the first moment it stood out for its attributes and for the innovative proposal it represented. The piece has been in continuous production since then and, as expected, it has given rise to all kinds of replicas manufactured and sold by different stores and companies around the world, some of them made with very good quality materials, surprisingly faithful to the original model, and priced to represent a fraction of the original product. Such is the case of the one offered by Manhattan Home Design, the details of which can be checked here: https://manhattanhomedesign.com/noguchi-tribecca-coffee-table/. This is a perfect example of a high-fidelity replica with very similar characteristics to those of the original piece.

Technically, the Noguchi table is a piece forged with its very own personality and with a very fair balance between functionality and aesthetics. Its structure consists of a triangular-shaped tempered glass top with obtuse tips that form wide-open angles. It's a table with asymmetric proportions, and this is one of the aspects that make it a difficult-to-emulate design. In other words: almost all models moderately similar to the Noguchi table have a direct influence on it or are obviously inspired by its structure.

Without a doubt, the most striking part of the Noguchi table is its wooden base. The table legs provide efficient and reliable support for the glass surface and are the component of the piece that shows off the biomorphism and attracts the most attention. Besides, this wooden base is hand-carved and made from walnut wood, which enhances its artistic value.

The Man Behind The Masterpiece

Isamu Noguchi was born on November 17, 1904, in Los Angeles. He was famous for several reasons and many of his creations became very popular and recognized, but none of them reached the impact and so-marked influence that his coffee table had and continues to have, at least in the world of furniture design. This artist was mainly recognized for being a Japanese-American sculptor and landscaper. Its success in these areas started at the beginning of the twentieth century and lasted for several decades.

Source: Créma

Currently, there are reproductions of his works adorning all kinds of spaces around the world, and there's even a museum dedicated to his memory in Queens, New York, with many of his original designs exposed to the public. His works have always stood out for presenting subtleties from the eastern world combined with sophisticated features from the western world. Among other things, Isamu Noguchi's life was always influenced by his social circles. He was the son of the Japanese poet Yone Noguchi and the American writer Léonie Gilmour, so it could be said that he had art in his genes. Also, he was a lover of the famous painter Frida Kahlo.

The Noguchi Table has become one of the most relevant reference points to explain the importance of the Mid-Century Modern style and what it's the biomorphic and organic trend, expressed through simple pieces but of great artistic and functional quality. Without a doubt, it's a very suitable option for anyone who has adopted this decorative style or the first big step to get to know it.