South African Design: Past & Present

Timed Online Auction, 13 June - 9 July 2025

Interior Elements: Wood, Metal, Fibre, Ceramic & Glass Art
About the Session

This sale traces the heritage of South African design across centuries of creative expression highlighting diverse design objects through two sessions. Uniting the sessions is a celebration of the versatility of materials - metal, wood, glass, clay, fibre - and how artists and artisans have transformed them over time into works of wonder, rich in both tradition and innovation.


Current Bid

-
Lot 62
  • 'Orb of the Night' coffee table, South Africa, 21st century
  • 'Orb of the Night' coffee table, South Africa, 21st century


Lot Estimate
ZAR 18 000 - 20 000
Current Bid
Starting at ZAR 18 000
Location
Cape Town
Delivery
Additional delivery charges apply
Shipping
Condition Report
May include additional detailed images
Need more information?
 

About this Item

Namibia
'Orb of the Night' coffee table, South Africa, 21st century
the rectangular top with isometric pattern Panga Panga wood inlay, raised on textured curved tapering oak legs
40cm high, 106,5cm wide, 71,5cm deep

Notes

Wessel Gresse, Namibian born photographer turned carpenter, specializes in solid wood joinery. This unique, once-off piece pays homage to nature and the moon.

"The more I worked on this table, the more I realised that perfection in nature does not look like smoothly worked surfaces. Inspired by the moon and her crater-filled surface, I decided to breathe life into my work by adding texture to the legs and rails. My use of an isometric pattern for the table-top was inspired by how ancient cultures perceived geometry to be a connection between the earthly and the divine - just like the moon. Orb of the Night inspired me to push the limits of creating an organic piece. Using Oak for the structure, I wanted to contrast the soft curve of the legs with the hardness of the wood itself. The dark colour of Panga Panga also created a beautiful contrast with the Oak, just like the moon sitting in the night sky"

Orb of the Night comes to life by the blending together of a variety of influences. The table top depicts an isometric pattern, influenced by Gresse's interest in Kumiko and Sacred Geometry. These patterns are created by methodically replicating precise measurements and angles, with the intention of creating dimension on a flat surface - Japanese carpentry utilizes the same precision in the creation of their intricate Kumiko patterns. The shape of the table legs gives a nod to the work of David Savage, who incorporated curves inspired by the ocean, beaches, hedgerows, as well as the human form. Just like Savage used what was around him to draw inspiration for his creations, Gresse also taps into memories of his childhood in Namibia. The shape and texture of the table legs are influenced by the textures and patterns found in the woven baskets of the Okavango tribes.

View all Wessel Gresse lots for sale in this auction



Other lots that might interest you
Imbuia sideboard for Binnehuis, late 1970s/ early 1980s
Imbuia sideboard for Binnehuis, late 1970s/ early 1980s
ZAR 18 000 - 20 000
Oak table for Binnehuis, South Africa, circa 1980s
Oak table for Binnehuis, South Africa, circa 1980s
ZAR 6 000 - 7 000
Set of six oak and imbuia Windsor dining chairs for Binnehuis, South Africa, 1980s
Set of six oak and imbuia Windsor dining chairs for Binnehuis, South Africa, 1980s
ZAR 18 000 - 20 000
Set of eight Weightless chairs, South Africa, 21st century
Set of eight Weightless chairs, South Africa, 21st century
ZAR 20 000 - 30 000
Drinks Cabinet, South Africa, 21st century
Drinks Cabinet, South Africa, 21st century
ZAR 65 000 - 75 000
The Muizenbar, South Africa, 21st century
The Muizenbar, South Africa, 21st century
ZAR 65 000 - 75 000