Rare Art Deco Butterfly Table

I have NEVER seen one of these before, although I’ve heard about them. This is a very unique custom made table from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (One of largest Amazon rainforests in South America). Not exactly sure of the year (1930-1940), but I know it is now illegal to make tables using butterflies. These are now protected species in Brazil and like ivory and other rare usurped natural resources you can no longer buy or take these kinds of items.

The butterfly’s on this table are protected because they are secured with a piece of glass on the top and a strong solid wood rim holding the glass in place top and bottom. Look how spectacular the butterflies look like a colorful kaleidoscope. This must be the work of some good etymologist, delicately spreading the wings using these quite unusual repeated patterns. Who ever said “butterfly’s are free” was not thinking about this table. Another interesting feature is the quality of the wood work. The base appears to be hand turned on a lathe which creates this hollowed out stepped pattern. You can see the knots or grain of the wood also in an unusual pattern shape. Lastly, the table comes apart into two pieces which would certainly make it easer for transportation if one was visiting Brazil and decided to try and take one of these home. It is sturdy, well balanced, and would make a lovley side table or cocktail conversational piece. The table also has all the original labels intact.