Aster

Overview

Aster is a coffee table designed by Vincent Van Duysen; Molteni&C dates its datasheet 2023. The page calls it an object made entirely by hand, and says each table has a slightly different character because of that. The datasheet lists two sizes, both round: Ø 50 cm and Ø 40 cm.

Image source: Molteni&C — Aster · © Molteni&C and the respective rights holders. Quoted to accompany INTEBEE's independent design commentary and research. · View official product page ↗ · Image use & copyright policy

Construction

The base is a sand-cast brass casting made with an earth mould, which gives the hammered effect described on the page. The ring is welded to the legs, and a vibratory finishing step with stones smooths the structure to a wavy surface. The top is annealed glass with a slight ripple on its underside; the sheet is placed in a mould with a textured bottom and fused at 180 degrees. The datasheet lists the top as back-painted textured glass.

Specifications

• ATV50, small table: Ø 50 cm and 40 cm (the vertical value is not labelled on the drawing)
• Structure finishes: polished brass, patinated black brass, silver brass
• Textured glass top finishes: green, smoked

Made by hand, no two alike

The page presents Aster as a contemporary work of art that combines aesthetics and functionality, and says each table has a slightly different character because it is made entirely by hand. Molteni&C describes it as the ultimate expression of compositional rationality and craftsmanship.

A cast base and a fused top

The base starts as a casting in an earth mould and is then welded and tumbled with stones, while the glass top is formed in a mould with a textured bottom. The page says the glass top can be customised and that the table has a sculptural quality. Van Duysen is the brand's Creative Director, a role the page dates from 2016.