Tree-Form Standing Coat Rack in Black Lacquered Metal and Chrome with Integrated Umbrella, Modernist, French Work, circa 1970

This coat rack takes the pared-down silhouette of a stylised tree: a tubular shaft in glossy black lacquered metal, punctuated with chromed rings, unfurls at the top oblique branches forming pegs. At mid-height, a circular ring fitted with small branches constitutes an integrated umbrella stand, whose water is collected by a conical chromed metal cup set on the weighted circular base, itself underlined with a chromed moulding.

This graphic and functional interpretation of the entrance-hall valet is characteristic of the modernist design of the 1970s, which revisited classic typologies — here the "tree" coat rack dear to the Viennese tradition — in a strictly geometric vocabulary combining black lacquer and chrome.

Condition report: Good overall condition. Even glossy black lacquer, chrome slightly patinated by use, stable structure. An object both sculptural and utilitarian, perfect in an entrance hall, an office or a professional practice.