Coffee Table with Agate Top by Paul Kingma, Netherlands, 1988

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This exceptional and entirely unique coffee table was designed and handcrafted by Paul Kingma in 1988, and stands as a … Read more This exceptional and entirely unique coffee table was designed and handcrafted by Paul Kingma in 1988, and stands as a powerful example of postwar Dutch artistry. Kingma, known for his expressive and material-rich tabletops, created each piece as a singular work, often on commission, using natural stone, slate, and minerals embedded into custom-poured concrete. His tables blur the line between functional design and sculptural expression, drawing inspiration from both Brutalist architecture and the organic beauty of natural materials. The tabletop in this work is formed from a dark, textured concrete slab, inlaid with a richly rhythmic composition of dark slate, agate, and mineral fragments. The subtly raised stones and irregular patterning lend the piece a tactile, almost geological quality. At the edge, an aluminium artist’s plaque, signed and dated “P. Kingma ’88,” confirms the authenticity and period of creation. The table is supported by an industrial black-painted steel base, composed of two C-shaped supports. While more commonly paired with square tops, this use with a rectangular tabletop is a rare variation. The result is a compelling contrast between the raw tactility of the top and the clean, geometric structure below, a classic Brutalist juxtaposition of nature and industry.

Each Kingma table is one-of-a-kind, and this 1988 example captures a mature phase in his artistic journey, marked by compositional confidence and sophisticated material interplay. It remains in very good original condition, with light signs of age that enhance its character. Highly collectible, especially in early and signed examples, Paul Kingma’s tables are increasingly sought after by collectors of European postwar design, and stand as sculptural landmarks within any refined interior. This piece offers both a rich design narrative and a rare acquisition opportunity. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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