Postmodern Goat Skin Lacquered Dining Table
Decorative Art / Furniture • Manner of Karl Springer or Aldo Tura
Style & Movement
Postmodernism / Hollywood Regency / Mid-Century Modern Revival
Medium & Technique
Goat skin (tessellated vellum), high-gloss lacquer, wood substrate, and joinery
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1970s - 1980s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 36 x 36 x 30 inches; square format with extensible seam
Subject Description
A square dining or gaming table featuring a tessellated goat skin parchment top arranged in a geometric, organic pattern. The surface is encased in a thick, amber-toned protective lacquer. The design features a stepped apron and chamfered square legs that transition smoothly into the tabletop.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; visible surface wear consistent with age and storage in a non-climate controlled environment
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$500 - $900 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; typical of high-end residential interiors from the 1980s, currently located in a utilitarian or garage setting
Art Historical Significance
Represents the 1970s-80s luxury design trend of using exotic materials like vellum and shagreen, popularized by designers like Karl Springer to evoke Art Deco opulence for a modern audience.
Notable Features
Tessellated parchment pattern creates a natural mottled aesthetic; the high-sheen finish is characteristic of 'glamour' furniture from the late 20th century.
Condition Issues
Visible surface scratches in the lacquer, potential yellowing due to UV exposure, minor chipping on the edges, and possible moisture damage given the storage environment (garage floor).
Conservation Recommendations
Professional buffing of the lacquer to remove surface scratches; maintain in a climate-controlled environment to prevent the parchment from lifting or bubbling.