About the Piece
A sculptural pair of 1970s McGuire Sheaf of Wheat rattan side tables, featuring one of the most recognizable Organic Modern forms associated with John and Elinor McGuire and McGuire of San Francisco. These examples are unmarked. This is consistent with a number of period McGuire Sheaf of Wheat tables currently and historically represented in the design market, including examples listed as McGuire on 1stDibs that are specifically documented by their sellers as unmarked. McGuire furniture can carry plaques or other identifying marks, but the absence of a label is not unusual among examples of the Sheaf of Wheat form. Sold as a pair, the tables have the distinctive sculptural hourglass or gathered-wheat silhouette. Numerous slender lengths of rattan or pencil reed are arranged vertically, flaring dramatically outward at the upper and lower sections before being tightly gathered at the waist by substantial wrapped rattan bands. The construction gives each table the appearance of a bundle of wheat tied at its center—a simple but highly architectural interpretation of a natural form and a design vocabulary closely associated with the relaxed sophistication of California Modern interiors. Viewed from above, the cut ends of the individual reeds form an extraordinary tightly packed circular surface resembling a natural mosaic. Below, the individual reeds curve inward toward the waist before spreading outward again to create a broad pedestal foot. The tables were originally finished in an antique whitewashed finish, which has mellowed naturally over approximately five decades. Today, the surfaces range from creamy ivory and pale straw to warmer honey-colored areas, with rubbing and variations that emphasize the individual reeds and sculptural construction. We have deliberately retained this aged surface rather than refinishing the tables. The resulting patina gives the pair considerably more character than a newly restored finish and works particularly well in contemporary interiors where authentic natural materials are valued. Each base measures only 15 inches high × 19.5 inches in diameter, making these unusually versatile low occasional tables. Their compact proportions work particularly well beside a low sofa, lounge chair or daybed, between two occasional chairs, or as sculptural pedestals for ceramics and decorative objects. The tables may be used exactly as photographed without glass, allowing the remarkable radial construction of the reed tops to remain completely visible. They can alternatively support circular glass tops slightly larger than the bases, creating more generous functional surfaces while leaving the sculptural Sheaf of Wheat construction visible beneath the glass. The design is closely associated with McGuire of San Francisco, the influential California furniture company founded by John and Elinor McGuire. Their sophisticated use of rattan, bamboo and other natural materials helped move these materials from casual porch furniture into important residential interiors and established an aesthetic that remains remarkably relevant today. The pair is especially suited to Organic Modern, California Modern, Coastal Modern, Mediterranean, Bohemian and wabi-sabi interiors, where the warmth and irregularity of natural materials provide contrast against plaster, limestone, travertine, linen and bouclé. Presented in original vintage condition with rubbing, finish loss, discoloration and other minor imperfections consistent with age and use. The original antique-white finish has developed considerable variation and patina. Please examine the detailed photographs for condition. A particularly attractive matched pair whose sculptural form, compact proportions and beautifully aged surfaces embody the relaxed sophistication for which McGuire's California design vocabulary became known. Dimensions, each: 15 in. H × 19.5 in. diameter Sold as: Pair / Set of 2 Period: 1970s Materials: Rattan / pencil reed / wood Style: Organic Modern / California Modern Creator: McGuire / John and Elinor McGuire Markings: Unmarked Condition: Original vintage condition with age-related wear and losses to the original antique-white finish.
- Dimensions: Height 15 in, Diameter 19.5 in
- Origin: United States
- Materials: Bamboo, Rattan, Reed
