Jan Ernst Studio's 'Mirage' coffee table attests to a narrative of movement

Jan Ernst Studio unveils the Mirage coffee table, a sculptural and functional art piece created for a bespoke interior in Bakoven, Cape Town, South Africa. The launch marks a significant milestone for the design studio, highlighting its ongoing exploration of material contrasts—this time combining ceramics and bronze—to further establish its innovative design presence.

The coffee table was commissioned for a discerning collector in Bakoven, an area famous for its dramatic landscapes. Inspired by Cape Town's coastline and the ethereal beauty of the nearby Atlantis Dunes (about an hour away from the Mother City), the table design encapsulates nature’s 'transient elegance'.

"The table reflects the crescent-shaped dunes, their wind-sculpted forms and the fleeting mirages created by sunlight on golden sands. Its interlocking shapes invite exploration, transforming any space into a dynamic tableau of light, shadow and movement," states the press release shared by Jan Ernst Studio.

"The Mirage coffee table is more than a functional piece—it's a narrative of movement, transformation and the fleeting beauty of nature. Our collaboration with Andrea Graff Interiors has brought this vision to life, creating a centrepiece that resonates with the client's space and spirit," says the studio's founder Jan Ernst, a multidisciplinary artist and product designer.

The product design's process of creation mirrors the organic evolution of the natural world. A hand-shaped steel mesh formwork is carefully crafted for the furniture design, its curves reflecting the fluid movement of wind over sand. Layers of Plaster of Paris are then applied, each stroke an intuitive response to the material's potential. The final piece is cast in bronze, offering timeless durability while maintaining its delicate, sculptural design. The interplay of warm, golden tones with light creates a constantly shifting visual experience, making the Mirage coffee table as dynamic as the landscapes that inspired it.

"This release heralds a year of bold exploration for Jan Ernst Studio. By combining ceramics with bronze, the studio bridges tradition and innovation, expanding its material palette while remaining true to its philosophy of organic design," mentions the project's description.