Pia Manu Coffee Table in Enameled Concrete and Brazilian Quartzite

Pia Manu, coffee table, enameled concrete, Brazilian quartzite, Belgium, 1970s

This very rare hand-crafted coffee table was made in the 1970s by the Belgian atelier Pia Manu, known for its experimental and artisanal approach to design. The round table is crafted from enameled concrete and enriched with refined Brazilian quartzite inlay, forming a subtle radial pattern across the tabletop.

The combination of robust materials and meticulous craftsmanship gives the piece a powerful, sculptural presence. The natural texture of the concrete contrasts beautifully with the dark, glossy stone fragments, creating a rich and layered surface.

The four solid legs enhance the organic character of the design while providing a strong architectural base. This table is a remarkable example of 1970s Brutalist design and perfectly illustrates the artistic vision of Pia Manu.

Signed “PIA MANU”

Biography
Pia Manu is the name associated with a Belgian design workshop founded by sculptor Jules Dewaele (1922–2012) in Ingelmunster, Belgium. Pia Manu became especially prominent during the 1970s, when its monumental tables, stone surfaces, and textured metal structures aligned with the international rise of Brutalist design in architecture and decorative arts. Their work entails unique or limited production pieces from natural materials such as stone, ceramics, slate, and metal. Leadership gradually passed to Koen Dewaele, Jules Dewaele’s son, ensuring continuity of the workshop’s craft traditions.