Plana Table

A coffee table in solid wood, extremely complex in terms of technology yet very simple in terms of design, this piece was created by Charlotte Perriand in 1969 for the Japanese embassy in Paris. The ideas for this table derives from the impact made on Perriand when she saw a colossal rock, whose enormous weight was undercut by the way the waves had eroded it, rendering it smooth. Thus the thick table-top and the concave edges, which enhance the beauty and serve to lighten the look. The contrast between the figurative impact and the rational perception of the real weight of the piece are what make it unique. Thanks to the meticulous manufacturing techniques employed, the table is able to withstand the risk of warping, which is the usual fate of wooden objects.