Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen AX Series Tigerwood Coffee Table
Description
The Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Danish 'AX Series' Tigerwood Coffee Table is a striking example of Danish Mid-Century Modern design, renowned for its elegant use of exotic materials and sculptural form. The "AX Series" was a landmark achievement for the Danish design duo, who founded their Copenhagen-based studio in 1944 and became influential figures in the expansion of Danish furniture design. In 1950, they designed the AX Chair, which was the first Danish chair to feature both a seat and back made of double-curved laminated wood. The AX Table followed shortly after and was exhibited in 1951 as part of the prestigious "Good Design" show sponsored by the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
The defining feature of this specific coffee table is the use of Tigerwood, also known as Goncalo Alves, a premium hardwood prized for its dramatic, striated grain patterns that resemble jungle cat stripes. The table features a sleek, rectangular top that showcases this rich, figured wood, while the base utilizes the signature sculptural frame of the AX series with delicately curved supports. The combination of the exotic tigerwood veneer and the refined, architectural base creates a piece that is both a functional table and a sculptural object.
The Tigerwood variant of the AX coffee table is considered rare, as pieces from this series are most commonly found in teak or beech. The use of tigerwood elevates the piece to a high-end collector's item due to the material's scarcity and striking visual impact.