Eero Saarinen (1910-1961) For Knoll International. 'tulip' Arabescato Table, Circa 1990-2000

Circular dining table, “Tulip” model, designed in 1957. White Arabescato marble top with grey veining and a glossy finish. One-piece cast aluminium base coated in white Rilsan. Top thickness: 2 cm. The glossy varnish also provides protection against stains.

H. 72 cm · Ø 137 cm · Base Ø 66 cm. Signed, with an embossed mark underneath the base.

Among the most iconic pieces produced by Knoll, the Saarinen Table and the Tulip Chair, both designed by Eero Saarinen, hold a prominent place. Both are distinguished by their central pedestal base, inspired by the shape of a tulip, giving them a light and instantly recognizable silhouette.

With their soft curves and minimalist aesthetic, these designs helped redefine modern furniture by moving away from traditional four-legged structures. Saarinen sought in particular to visually lighten the space and eliminate the clutter beneath tables and seating, while creating furniture that was elegant, functional, and timeless.

The Pedestal Collection, created by Eero Saarinen for Knoll in 1957, brings together a series of tables and seating designed around a simple principle: replacing the traditional four legs of furniture with a single central pedestal base.

Saarinen sought to eliminate what he described as the “slum of legs” created by tables and chairs. The result is furniture with more fluid lines, featuring a sculptural tulip-shaped base that visually frees up the space and creates a sense of lightness.

The collection notably includes the Tulip Chair, the Armchair, as well as several versions of the Saarinen Table: round, oval, coffee table, and side table. It has become one of the most representative furniture collections of 20th-century modernist design.