Late 20th Century Mexican Paper Mache Lion Coffee Table by SerMel Tonala Style of Sergio Bustamante

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Incredible Handpainted and Handmade paper mache lion coffee table in turquoise green by SerMel Tonala Jalisco, Mexico in the style … Read more Incredible Handpainted and Handmade paper mache lion coffee table in turquoise green by SerMel Tonala Jalisco, Mexico in the style of Sergio Bustamante. It is signed SerMel Tonala Jal, Mexico 91. It is in wonderful vintage condition. It is sturdy but there are some cracks to the painted finish and some repaired chips but nothing outstanding. Please see photos. Circa Late 20th century.

This. This is epitome of you didn’t know you needed one till you saw it! A paper mache turquoise green lion coffee table! It is the most amazing coffee table I believe I have even seen. It is comprised of an almost life size paper mache lion lying on his back with feet up, mouth wide open, and holding a biomorphic shaped piece of glass. It is hand painted a gorgeous bright turquoise green with a cream-colored detailed face. Signed SerMel Tonala Jal, Mexico 91 letting us know it was made at the SerMel workshop in Tonala, Jalisco, Mexico and, we believe, made in 1991. But therein lies a puzzle and why we have said “in the style of” rather than “by” or “attributed to” Sergio Bustamante. We have seen a few attributed to Bustamante but none are signed by him. They too only have the SerMel signature. And we have seen a few that say they were made circa 1970s but this one clearly has a 91 on it. And by that time Sergio Bustamante was no longer at the SerMel workshop he helped to establish. So, intrigue abounds. I have sent a message to Mr. Bustamante via social media but have not received a reply. But no matter this is an absolutely astonishing coffee table!

The SerMel Workshop was founded in 1963 by Sergio Bustamante and Melquiades Preciado in Tonala, Jalisco, Mexico. The workshop’s name was created from the combination of the first three letter of each of their names, Ser-Mel. Their original artwork was immediately recognized in Mexico and around the world and garnered awards. By the end of the 1970s Bustamante left the workshop and went out on his own. The workshop was left in the hands of Melquiades and his brothers Luis and Fausto. Melquiades was the mayor of Tonala and the president of the state’s House of Folk Art. He dedicated his life to the community and to promoting Jalisco’s crafts. Melquiades passed in 1992 but the SerMel Workshop continued production under the leadership of his brothers and their children until October 2013.

Sergio Bustamante is a renowned Mexican artist. He was born in Culiacan, Sinaloa in 1949 and studied architecture at the University of Guadalajara but abandoned this pursuit when his talents and interests lead him to the fine arts and crafts. He founded SerMel Workshop along with friend and fellow artist Melquiades Preciado in Tonala, Jalisco, Mexico circa 1963. In 1966 he had his first exhibition at the Galleria Misracha in Mexico City where is showcased his paintings and paper mache figures. In the 1970s after a trip to Amsterdam where is was inspired and further developed his talents, he returned to Guadalajara and established, along with other artists, another studio, Family Workshop Studio in Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, Mexico. His work in paper mache led him to sculptures in wood and bronze most all in animal themes. In 1979 he introduced is innovative furniture designs. In the 1980s he began working in ceramics and by 1992 had come full circle to again work in large paper mache sculptures. He is still working today.

This table is a phenomenal work of art and the most unique piece of furniture I’ve run across in a very long time. You need to make it yours!

Table Size:
 O/A Height – 20 Inches
 Glass Tabletop Height – 14.5 Inches
 O/A Width – 54 Inches
 O/A Depth – 23 Inches
 Lion Base Size – 20H x 48L x 27D Inches
 Glass Size – 43H x 34.5L x 3/8W Inches
 Base Weight – 18.4 Pounds
 Glass Weight – 19.7 Pounds
 Total Weight – 38.2 Pounds

Crated Size:
 Height – 32 Inches
 Width –49 Inches
 Depth – 40 Inches
 Weight –170 Pounds See less