Vintage Italian Sunburst Effect Teak and Brass Coffee Table, 1970s

The sunburst design for table tops can be found in many vintage mid century designs from Denmark, in the Georg Jensen Kubus table, to the UK with tables produced by McIntosh. It’s a time consuming and highly skilled process that involves creating a perfectly blended radial match of veneers that combined together create a ‘sunburst’ effect.

I’m afraid little is known about the designer and maker of this piece other than it originates in Italy. This is typified by the use of a polished brass, rather than wooden base and by the perimeter brass insert. Generally Italian tables of this era had a glass or marble top, so it is rarer to find one with a wooden top like this. And what also sets it apart is the quality of the veneer work – it’s on a completely different level to the vast majority that you see with a rich depth of colour and perfectly matched radial teak veneers.

It dates from the 1970s and is in very good vintage condition with just light marks to the top and on the base commensurate with age and use.