Text courtesy of Jan Ernst Studio
Photography: Marguerite Oelofse
The Jan Ernst Studio proudly presents the Mirage Coffee Table, a sculptural functional art piece designed for a bespoke interior in Bakoven, Cape Town. This launch marks a pivotal year for the studio, as it continues to explore the interplay between different materials, this time with ceramics and bronze, solidifying its presence in innovative design.
The Mirage Coffee Table was commissioned for a discerning collector in Bakoven, a locale renowned for its dramatic landscapes. Drawing inspiration from Cape Town’s coastline and the ethereal beauty of the Atlantis Dunes (about an hour away from the Mother City), the 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.
The creation process mirrors the organic evolution of the natural world. A formwork of steel mesh is meticulously shaped by hand, its curves mimicking the fluidity of wind over sand. Layers of Plaster of Paris are then applied, each stroke an intuitive response to the material’s possibilities. The final form is cast in bronze, a medium that imbues the piece with timeless durability while preserving its delicate, sculptural quality. The interplay of warm, golden tones with light creates an ever-changing visual experience, making the Mirage 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.
“The Mirage Coffee Table is more than a functional piece—it’s a narrative of movement, transformation, and the fleeting beauty of nature,” says Jan Ernst. “Our collaboration with Andrea Graff Interiors has brought this vision to life, creating a centerpiece that resonates with the client’s space and spirit.”
