1960's Bronze Ramshead Maison Jansen Style Two Tier Coffee Table

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Description

An exceptionally elegant brass and glass coffee table in the style of Maison Jansen, combining French neoclassical inspiration with the … Read more An exceptionally elegant brass and glass coffee table in the style of Maison Jansen, combining French neoclassical inspiration with the glamorous sophistication associated with mid-20th-century Hollywood Regency interiors. The table is distinguished by its elongated oval form, beautifully modeled ram’s-head mounts, graceful curved supports, and two tiers of glass, creating a piece that is simultaneously sculptural, luxurious, and remarkably light in appearance.

The upper surface consists of a generously proportioned oval glass top set within a slender brass gallery. Its transparent surface allows the architectural quality of the base to remain fully visible while reflecting light and emphasizing the warm golden character of the metal. Beneath is a second oval glass shelf, providing useful display space while maintaining the table’s open, airy appearance.

The most compelling details are the sculptural ram’s heads positioned at the upper ends of the legs. Carefully modeled with curling horns and expressive features, these classical motifs recall the animal ornament found in French Empire and neoclassical decorative arts. From the heads, the brass supports sweep downward in elegant curves before terminating in stylized hoof-form feet. Delicate chased and cast decoration along the supports adds another layer of refinement.

The combination of brass, glass, ram’s heads, hoofed feet, and neoclassical ornament is strongly associated with furniture described in the marketplace as being in the manner or style of Maison Jansen; closely related examples are documented with these characteristic elements.

Who was Maison Jansen?

A useful cataloging point: Maison Jansen was not a person, but a celebrated Parisian decorating firm. It was founded in Paris in 1880 by Dutch-born Jean-Henri Jansen and became one of the most internationally influential decorating houses of the 20th century, eventually operating studios in major cities around the world.

Maison Jansen became renowned for mixing historically informed French styles—particularly Louis XVI, Directoire, and Empire influences—with contemporary sophistication and theatrical glamour. Under the influential designer Stéphane Boudin, the firm decorated residences for royalty and prominent international clients. Boudin also participated in Jacqueline Kennedy’s celebrated restoration and redecoration of the White House.

This table beautifully captures that Jansen aesthetic: classical imagery interpreted with glamorous materials, elegant proportions, and a distinctly luxurious French sensibility. Unless the table bears a Jansen mark or has documented provenance, however, I would catalog it as “in the style of Maison Jansen” rather than attributing it directly to Maison Jansen.


Dimensions: 18.5 inches high x 47.25 inches wide x 23 inches deep See less