R05 Prototype Dressing Table in Walnut by Pierre Chapo, France, 1960s

A very rare copy of the already lesser-known model R05 from the hand of Pierre Chapo. Almost all of his designs that have seen the light of day and have been completed in the Chapo workshop are made of solid elm. Different types of hardwood were used in the workshop to create prototypes. For this R05 dressing table, which has the title “coiffeuse a sept tiroirs” in the original catalog, a dark walnut wood has been used that has acquired a beautiful warm, golden patina over the years. The starting point of the basis of Chapo’s designs is always based on the golden ratio and follows the strict principles of form, function, and material. with this R05 we see, among other things, the well-known dovetail joints and notches on the ends. Seven handle-less drawers of different sizes each show a beautiful color shade of walnut wood. Gold streaks alternate with dark blond lines. Precisely because the regular designs are made of elm, it is all the more special that a completely solid walnut has been used here. It even contributes to the adage of Chapo who, as Hugues Magen explains, developed his own signature that was never exaggerated, but rather a combination of the raw material and modern refined design. The clean lines of the drawers, which relate wonderfully to the emptiness next to them, are, as it were, framed by the top and the side parts. In short, beauty in all its simplicity. This beautiful item is in very good condition with minimal traces of use.