Tue Poulsen & Erik Wørts coffee table

This rare coffee table was designed by Tue Poulsen and Erik Wørts and produced by Willy Beck in Denmark during the 1960s. The table features a square frame in wengé wood, a dark and dense hardwood known for its rich grain pattern and durability. The top is inlaid with a series of hand-glazed ceramic tiles designed by Poulsen, each displaying unique surface textures and earthy tones ranging from deep browns and ochres to muted greens. The tiles are laid out in a geometric grid, combining rectangular and circular motifs, and one tile is signed “Tue”.

The construction is solid and precise, with the wengé frame presenting a clear, rectilinear form supported by square legs connected with stretchers for stability. The overall appearance is both architectural and decorative, with the ceramic surface providing a tactile, almost sculptural quality.

Tue Poulsen was a Danish ceramicist known for his architectural ceramics and collaborations with furniture designers, often producing tile tops for tables and other interior pieces. Erik Wørts was a respected Danish cabinetmaker and furniture designer, noted for his clean and functional modernist designs. Their collaboration represents a meeting of fine cabinetmaking and ceramic artistry, resulting in a piece that is both functional and a work of art.

This coffee table exemplifies the Scandinavian mid-century ethos of combining natural materials and artisan craftsmanship, making it an important and collectible design.