Claude Lalanne

Acquired directly from the artist by the present owner

The present pair of rare “Bambou” side tables elegantly illustrates Claude Lalanne’s ability to blur the lines of art and design. Emblematic of her singular whimsy, these tables composed of patinated bronze and copper are infused with subtle nods to the natural world. Lalanne integrated the bamboo form directly into the structure of the piece, cleverly fabricating a drawer handle out of the body of the grass. The plant form appears again effortlessly in both the tabletop and the tray below, with its soft curves and pointed leaves. Without distracting from the intention of the piece, Claude infused the works with a softness inherent to nature. Drenched in a golden patina, the delicate hue establishes a harmony between the structural aspects of the table and the bamboo itself. Although she often created highly ornate, surrealistic pieces, these particular side tables reflect a quieter approach to combining the organic and the functional. 

Boundlessly fascinated by the vegetal world, Claude’s exploration of nature led her to create deeply poetic works of furniture throughout her lifetime. Both she and her husband François-Xavier Lalanne, known together as the duo “Les Lalanne,” forged a unique artistic identity by straddling the line between artist and artisan. They distinguished themselves with an inventive oeuvre that was as sculptural as it was utilitarian. The present “Bambou” tables embody the expertly balanced dichotomy Claude was able to achieve in her creation of sculptural and functional masterworks.