Maria Pergay

MARIA PERGAY (Romania, 1930–France, 2023).
“Evéntail” swivel coffee table, c. 1970.
Silver-plated metal, walnut burl veneer.
Measurements: 35 x 60 x 60 cm.
A three-tiered, swiveling coffee table. This sculptural piece combines a sophisticated aesthetic with an ingenious modular design, making it a standout feature in any space. The Éventail (which means “fan” in French) was designed around 1970–1972.
Maria Pergay was one of the most influential designers of the 20th century and a pioneer in the use of stainless steel in furniture and decorative objects, which is why she was known as “Madame Steel.” Born in Romania and based in Paris since 1937, she began her career collaborating with prestigious firms such as Hermès and Dior before developing her own distinctive style based on sculptural elegance and innovation in metalwork. Her designs, notably the Ring Chair and the Flying Carpet, revolutionized postwar French design and established her as a key figure in the contemporary movement. Her works are part of the collections of institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and her legacy remains a fundamental reference in international design.