Lagan: A Fusion of Cultures in a Coffee Table

A Unique Design by May Khoury

May Khoury, the talented designer behind the Lagan coffee table, drew inspiration from her collection of old traditional crafts. The design is a fusion of two cultures, Jordanian and Uzbek, creating a unique and visually stunning piece.

What sets the Lagan coffee table apart is its emphasis on using an old Jordanian piece of brass and an Uzbek embroidered suzanni textile to form a coffee table that seamlessly blends into our modern lifestyle. The brass piece, originally used as a washing utensil, and the suzanni textile, used as a wall decoration, are combined in a way that showcases their origins and functions, making this design truly one-of-a-kind.

To bring the design to life, May Khoury commissioned an artisan to produce a round wooden frame base with the same diameter as the brass piece but double the height. The wooden base was then upholstered with the old Uzbek hand-embroidered suzanni, adding a unique burst of color. The brass piece, also lined with the suzanni textile, was attached to the upholstered base using metal screws. Finally, a round glass top, double the diameter of the base, completed the structure.

The technical specifications of the Lagan coffee table include a wooden upholstered base with a diameter of 56cm and a height of 30cm. The brass tray has a diameter of 54cm and a height of 13cm. The glass top measures 100cm in diameter and has a thickness of 8mm.

May Khoury's design process involves collaborating with multiple artisans, each specializing in different media. She designs and supervises the production of each artisan at their own atelier, ensuring the highest quality and attention to detail. The finished product is then displayed at her gallery of Arts & Crafts.

The Lagan coffee table was produced in Amman, Jordan, with a production duration of two weeks. The main materials used were readily available as they were part of May Khoury's personal collection of oriental antiques.

Through her designs, May Khoury aims to highlight and recycle old pieces, emphasizing the importance of crafts, art, and heritage. The Lagan coffee table, with its fusion of cultures and unique design, attracts a wide range of visitors to her showroom, exposing the new generation to traditional crafts that are slowly fading away.

The Lagan coffee table has received recognition for its outstanding design. It was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in the Fine Arts and Art Installation Design category in 2013. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate exceptional expertise, innovation, and artistic skill, evoking positive emotions and wonder.