French designer Jean Claude Mahey is best known for his elegant Hollywood Regency and Art Deco–style burl wood furniture. Vintage Mahey tables, mirrors and case pieces are often embellished with decorative techniques so that the rich, sumptuous materials he uses are paired with marquetry, lacquer, marble elements or brass accents that renders his furniture striking in contemporary dining rooms and living rooms.
Born in Mayenne, France, in 1944, Mahey found himself surrounded by a close family of painters and decorators. He graduated from the College of Applied Arts of Paris in 1966. From 1967 to 1976, Mahey worked for several luxury furniture manufacturers such as Maison Jansen, Roche Bobois, Maison Romeo and Maville Interiors. In 1976, he decided to make the bold move of striking out on his own and founded his namesake furniture design company.
Besides his love of marquetry, Mahey was interested in perfecting a heavy lacquer technique that produced mirror-like finishes and softened hard edges. Lacquered furniture and decor have long been cherished by design lovers. In the 18th century, European and English royals adored Japanese lacquerware.
During the Art Deco period, French furniture designers partnered with Japanese lacquerers to create a whole new genre of shimmering cabinetry — Jean Dunand learned the techniques from Japanese lacquer master Seizo Sugawara and introduced his first of many lacquered pieces in 1921. Dunand wasn’t the only Art Deco designer to use the material (Irish architect Eileen Gray famously did so too), but he employed it much more prolifically and decoratively. Collectors greatly admire and seek out Mahey’s lacquered chests of drawers and cabinets.
Today Mahey’s atelier is still family-led. Working closely with his wife, Betty, they have created many successful designs popular throughout France and around the world. In 1992, he opened his current showroom in the center of Paris and soon after, his children Cecilia and Maxence joined the family firm.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Jean Claude Mahey tables, storage pieces, lighting and more.
Elegant Black Lacquer and Polished Brass Sideboard/Credenza by Mastercraft
By Mastercraft
Located in Dallas, TX
A stunning piece of late mid-century design by the great Mastercraft in Grand Rapids. Proportionally exceptional, embodying a "pill" shape with rounded ends, although long visually i...
Brass
Breathtaking Black Lacquered and Brass Credenza or Sideboard by Mastercraft
Located in Dallas, TX
This stunning and distinct black lacquered and brass detail credenza or sideboard by Mastercraft. Meticulous attention to detail and superb construction, with graphic geometric door ...
Stone, Brass
Two Black Lacquered Commodes with Brass Trim by Jean Claude Mahey
By Jean Claude Mahey
Located in Dallas, TX
Truly spectacular and very rare sideboards or bar cabinets by the esteemed French designer Jean-Claude Mahey for Roche Bobois, 1978. Pieces with pure and delimited geometric shapes; basic functionalism that integrates luxury into materials. Each Commode features brass detailing around the drawers, doors, base and top adds glamour throughout. Consists of a central drawer and two doors that divide the space which open to shelved storage. Two cocktail compartment doors on either side that swing open in the most surprising unusual way. These have been professionally re-finished by our restoration team in high gloss...
Brass
Black Lacquer and Brass Credenza/Sideboard by Mastercraft
By Mastercraft
Located in Dallas, TX
Glamorous one-of-a-kind piece designed by the great Mastercraft in Grand Rapids. Features a massive tubular brass framed body, both sides have a gentle curve. Top and sides are finis...
Brass
John Widdicomb for Mastercraft Black Lacquered and Brass Desk
By John Widdicomb, Mastercraft
Located in Dallas, TX
This Classic writing table or desk by John Widdicomb for Mastercraft. Composed of a large black lacquered wood top with canted corners that sits atop a brass frame. Brass legs swoop ...
Brass
Lacquered Sculptural Credenza Sideboard Server
Located in Dallas, TX
Introduce an air of subtle artistry to your space with this unusually versatile cabinet. This seductive piece offers an impressive focal point while combining art and functionality i...
Wood
1970s French Black Lacquered High Gloss and Brass Sideboard by Jean Claude Mahey
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A super sleek and luxurious French sideboard by JC Mahey for Masion Romeo which dates from the 1970s. High gloss black piano lacquer contrasting against the brass detail is simply ...
Brass
Black lacquer and brass sideboard by Jean Claude Mahey, 1970s
By Jean Claude Mahey
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Luxurious seventies glamour sideboard by Jean claude Mahey consitsing of black lacquer panels and brass. The use of different high quality materials makes this piece very attractive...
Brass
Signed J.C. Mahey Brass Black Lacquered Sideboard 1970s
By Maison Romeo, Jean Claude Mahey
Located in Paris, IDF
A timeless vintage piece, this mid-century sideboard feels imposing and glamourous, with thick, straight lines of brass adorning its exterior of reflective black lacquer. Glossy blac...
Brass
J.C. Mahey Brass Black Lacquered Sideboard Bar Cabinet 1970s
By Roche Bobois, Jean Claude Mahey
Located in Paris, IDF
A timeless vintage piece, this mid-century cabinet bar sideboard feels imposing and glamourous, with thick, straight lines of brass adorning its exterior of reflective black lacquer. Glossy black lacquer, paired with bright brass accents, feels crisp and luxe. Its boxy, simple style, featuring four doors and one drawers, is typical of both the 1970s and designer Jean Claude Mahey for Roche Bobois design. The two external doors...
Brass
Italian Jean Claude Mahey Design Black Lacquered Sideboard
Located in Dallas, TX
The Italian Jean Claude Mahey Design Black Lacquered Sideboard exudes luxury and elegance. The sleek design with the black lacquered finish and the brass details are perfect for a mo...
Brass
Mid-century Italian design sideboard black finish - brass accents by Mario Sabot
Located in Salzburg, AT
Mid-century Italian design sideboard black high-gloss finish - brass accents by Mario Sabot This beautifully proportioned piece captivates with its shape, material, and meticulous c...
Brass
