Belgian Brutalist Black Oak Sideboard by De Coene, 1970s.

A monumental Brutalist-style sideboard made in the 1970s by the Belgian manufacturer De Coene, one of the most recognisable examples of Belgian Brutalism. It is made of solid oak stained a deep black, through which the natural grain remains clearly visible. The front consists of six doors covered with a rhythmic grid of square panels, each carved with a recessed, concentric circle. The play of light and shadow on these reliefs gives the piece a sculptural, almost architectural presence, while the recessed plinth makes the massive body appear to float slightly above the floor. With an impressive width of 273 cm, the sideboard offers a great deal of storage. Behind the doors, the interiors are finished in light natural oak that contrasts beautifully with the black body: four spacious compartments with shelves and a central section with five drawers. The piece is ideal for a large living room, dining room or representative office, where it becomes a striking, collectable statement. The piece has been gently and professionally refreshed by a talented and experienced carpenter with over 20 years of experience, with respect for its original finish. Thanks to this work, the sideboard looks stunning and will serve its new owner for many years without fear of damage or wear from everyday use. De Coene was founded in 1887 in Kortrijk by Jozef De Coene. It began by making custom furniture inspired by Henry van de Velde, Art Deco and the Arts & Crafts movement, and became the first company in Belgium to produce plywood, which allowed it to manufacture on a large scale. In the 1970s the company became famous for its series of black-stained oak furniture with geometric, carved fronts, which are now among the most sought-after examples of Belgian design from this period. The circular-pattern version is considerably rarer than the better-known models with diamond or wave motifs.