Genaro Alvarez Mosaic Panel Agave Landscape Clothes Washers Mexico, circa 1955

Classic glass tile mosaic coffee table from the Mexico City Studio of the noted artist Genaro Alvarez dating from the mid-1950s. There are three different compositional designs in the creation of this mosaic top. The first is the abstract pictorial of a universe of white, crème and grey surrounding a "Black Hole" with a galaxy of yellow and black swirling along its serpentine "lariat" of a double ended orbit path marked by gold tiles. The second is the consistent placement of the background tiles in concise repetitive patterns of concentric half circular arcs. The third is the placement of gold mirrored tiles adding points of sparkle over the entire surface as the intersection points of a grid, a very interesting and sophisticated addition. The integration of these three design elements adds an unexpected complexity and cohesion to the overall composition. Genaro Alvarez is recognized as one Mexico's great mid century masters of mosaic design of his era and had an international reputation and clientele with several major architectural installations here in the United States. From Don Shoemaker dot com. "One artist that was recognized for his mosaic furniture creations is Genaro Alvarez. The Genaro Alvarez Studio, (located in Mexico City) was known for its mosaic work in murals and floor designs as well as decorative furnishings such as lamps, trays and furniture using various types of natural rocks...

Edmond Spence two piece drop front desk with a matched bookcase manufactured in Mexico by Industria Meublera S.A. in the late 1950s or early 1960s. An interesting blend of design inf...