A whimsical faux bois concrete garden table by Emile Taugourdeau (French, 1917-1989). This outdoor table from France has been designed in faux bois fashion, lending it's appearance to resemble that of a tree; the circular cast concrete top a thickly sliced slab, adorned with beautiful polychrome fragmented tile mosaic inlay, over a naturalistic tree trunk base, with rounded frieze, rising on tripod legs designed to appear as various limps. The heavy reinforced concrete is carved and sculpted with detailed texture, mimicking a live tree bark exterior. The round-shaped top and base has a central hole, allowing an umbrella to be placed at it's center.

The wonderful example of French folk art and whimsical faux bois design is a great way to add functional rustic character and middle earth charm into your garden, patio, courtyard, or sun-room.

The ideal size and proportions for a variety of different uses, including as an outdoor centre table, breakfast or dining table, patio table, garden ornament, planting workbench or monumental guéridon.

Dimensions:
29.75" High, 45.25" Diameter
Very heavy. Solid reinforced concrete/cement. The table comes apart into two pieces, for easier transport and setup.

Very good condition. Original vintage condition, with evidence of outdoor use.

Professional shipping/Delivery available.
Pickup available near Dallas, TX

About the artist:
Émile Taugourdeau (1917-1989), was a mason turned artist who lived in Thorée les Pins, France. In his forties, Taugourdeau left his job due to an injury he received during World War II.

Around 1954 he made an ornament decorated with mosaic to embellish his garden. This was the beginning of a lifetime activity of decorating the garden, then in 1974, Emile Taugourdeau’s duck died, which prompted him to sculpt the duck in cement in order to immortalize it, a venture that ignited a fifteen-year creative passion (or some might say obsession) that thrived over the years, creating sculptures of human figures, birds, animals, structures, plants and trees. Taugourdeau made majestic creations for some 35 years, embellishing his yard located on a rural country road with over 300 various sculptures and creating his own 'Zoological Garden' that was open for the public to visit.

Taugourdeau passed away in 1989. His widow continued to take care of the garden and around 2002 the site still could be visited. But when she also had died the garden was no longer cared for and the site became an art environment in decay, overgrown with greenery, his garden fell into disrepair and his artistic pieces began to find their way into the hands of the public. This delightful large garden or patio outdoor table is part of that history.