Charles Dudouyt (1885-1946) was influenced heavily by African art, these richly carved tables mark an aesthetic exodus form Art Deco to the bold abstract forms of Picasso and the modern movement. A prominent figure in early 20th century French design and contemporary of Alexandre Noll, Charles Dudouyt was instrumental in redefining France’s furniture and interior designs to a more modernist sensibility, drawing inspiration from tribal art and folk tradition. Initially an artist, Dudouyt abandoned painting and drawing to design and manufacture furniture, lamps and other decorative objects. He settled in Paris in 1933 where he moved away from convention, adopting an approach characterized by truth to materials.