A truly exceptional and deeply personal one-of-a-kind coffee table by Dutch artist and sculptor Paul Kingma, created in the Netherlands in 1999. More than a piece of furniture, this remarkable table is a unique work of functional art in which Kingma translated the story of one family into his unmistakable sculptural language.
The table was specially commissioned as a 70th birthday present for the grandmother of the family. At the heart of the composition, Kingma created an abstract silhouette representing her, distinguished by a delicate golden necklace incorporated into the mosaic. Surrounding her are brass circular elements symbolising her son and daughter and their respective families, turning the tabletop into an intimate family portrait rendered in stone, metal and mineral.
One of the most meaningful elements is the genuine ammonite fossil embedded in the composition. The grandmother personally selected the ammonite for its spiritual symbolism: its spiral represents the circle of life, continuity and remembrance, while for her it also served as a lasting tribute to her late husband. This personal provenance gives the table an emotional depth rarely encountered in Kingma's work.
The monumental round tabletop is composed of richly textured natural stone in earthy shades of brown, ochre and olive, interspersed with brass, coloured mineral fragments, fossils and other carefully selected materials. Fine metal lines divide the surface into strong geometric fields, while the highly detailed central composition provides a striking counterpoint. The substantial rounded edge and low black cylindrical base reinforce its powerful Brutalist character.
Paul Kingma is celebrated for his highly individual tables combining concrete, stone, fossils, minerals and metals. Every surface was composed individually, making each table inherently unique. This commissioned example is particularly compelling because its materials and composition were chosen not merely for their visual qualities, but to tell a documented personal story.
At 110 cm in diameter, the table has a generous presence while its 41 cm height makes it perfectly proportioned as a statement coffee table. An outstanding collector's piece for an interior combining Dutch design, Brutalism, Mid-Century Modern and sculptural furniture.
Designer: Paul Kingma
Origin: The Netherlands
Year: 1999
Type: One-of-a-kind commissioned coffee table / functional art
Materials: Natural stone, brass, metal, mineral and stone inlays, ammonite fossil and composite material
Dimensions: Ø 110 × H 41 cm
Base: Black cylindrical pedestal base
Provenance: Privately commissioned as a 70th birthday gift; the composition incorporates symbolic references to the recipient and her family.
