Maison Charles Chessboard Coffee Table

Low table with metal base and spacer.
Bronze legs.
Square top in onyx and stone marquetry.
Signed Maison Charles on the spacer.

La Maison Charles was founded in 1908 by Ernest Charles and specialized in the reproduction of antique bronze fixtures. Little by little, the company forged a reputation and set a benchmark. Maison Charles became a family business in 1920 when Emile Charles, Ernest Charles' eldest son, took over the company. 12 years later, he joined forces with his brother Pierre.

In 1959, his grandsons Jean and Jacques, graduates of the Ecole Boule for one and of the Arts Appliqués for the other, joined the company and created the most characteristic elements: "Les lampes Charles" so representative of the Maison, namely the famous Pineapple, Corn ear, Pine cone, Lotus, Medici vase...

In the 70s, Chrystiane Charles, Jean's wife and a Beaux Arts gold medalist in sculpture, took over Artistic Direction of Maison CHARLES. She proposed a series of signed and numbered sculpture-lamps inspired by nature: Amaryllis, Orchid, Tulips...Three times, her creations were recognized and awarded the Lampe d'Or de la Création at the Salon International du Luminaire.

In 2001, Maison Charles was taken over by Michael Wagner, who became president of the company. The Ateliers moved to the site of the former Christofle goldsmith's shop.

Today, specializing in bespoke pieces for private clients, art galleries and interior designers, La Maison Charles also produces, in limited series, the House's best-sellers.