Inlaid Wood Table c. 1936

This 'Inlaid Wood Table' was made by Sebastian Simonet sometime in the 20th century. Look at the obsessive geometry of it all, it feels like a drawing made in a dream! The repeated triangles at the center feel almost hypnotic, surrounded by those stylized, almost art deco, border patterns. It is all rendered in these delicious earth tones, a palette of warm browns and reddish hues that feels really satisfying. It is all so evenly coloured, it feels like a meditation. I love the details on the table's legs, the suggestion of carving with all of the little decorative flourishes. The whole piece feels so complete, yet so simple. It reminds me a bit of some of the Pattern and Decoration artists of the 70s. Think of Joyce Kozloff's tile paintings, with their similar use of geometric patterns. But this feels more like a folk art object, something made with love and care, just for the joy of making. It feels deeply ambiguous and has a beautiful and understated presence.