“Our cultivated relationship with the history of the decorative arts is rooted in France’s heritage, but resolutely turned towards the world, the meeting of cultures and know-how.” – Rinck
At Jean-Marc Fray Antiques it is no secret how much emphasis we place on a well curated space. Craftsmanship and detail make a piece and often the furniture maker is an excellent guide when searching for the right item for your home. The right case piece or table delicately balance beauty and functionality, quality and influence. Arriving in our most recent container from Europe, this incredible mid-century buffet and table made by Rinck are excellent examples. The eye-catching striped pattern of the wood creates drama, while the soft curves of the table and the clean lines of the buffet lend it modernist aspects as well. Please enjoy learning more about these pieces and the history of Rinck furniture!
History of Rinck
“Nurtured by 180 years of history, we believe in the perfect mastery of classic ranges, a prerequisite for contemporary design. Our ambition is to create exceptional interiors that are full of colour, art and life, that blend seamlessly into their surroundings and are perfectly suited to the daily lives of their users.” -Rinck’s website
Originally opened by Jean Rinck, the Rinck workshop started in the French town of Alsace in 1841. The Rinck family were cabinetmakers. By 1871, they had to leave Alsace when Prussia invaded northeastern France in the Franco-Prussian war. The Rinck family eventually settled in Paris in the Faubourg Saint-Antoine, near the Bastille. This area of Paris was traditionally known as the decorate arts section of the city in the 18th century.
By 1901 the workshop was overseen by Eugène Rinck and was building a reputation for superb craftsmanship. The first collection was born under his eye. Yet, it was in the 1930s that Maurice Rinck’s influence became an important name in the Art Deco movement. In 1937, Maurice Rinck and Lucie Renaudot designed the furniture displayed at the Exposition Internationale and received the prestigious Médaille d’or de l’innovation, the gold medal for innovation. In 1958, Maurice Rinck and Louis Sognot received the Grand Prix at the World Expo in Brussels, tied with Citroën and Dior.
Rinck Today
While Rinck stopped producing pieces in the 1970s, it was later purchased by father and son Thierry and Valentine Goux who have been rehabilitating the brand. There are currently three Rinck ateliers. The one in Ardennes focuses on cabinetmaking. One in Drôme focuses on millwork and boiserie. Finally, the third in Paris is the design headquarters. Rinck now specializes in French historical styles, modern adaptations of the Art Deco pieces that brought them to fame, marquetry, veneers, and gilding.
In 2006, Rinck was awarded the status of Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant – Living Heritage Company in France. They joined the ranks of Baccarat, Hermès, and other prestigious brands. Throughout the history of the company they have been a provider of fine French furniture for politicians, royals, and other notable high-end clientele.
Rinck Mid-Century Buffet
Made with solid wood construction and a striking Brazilian Rosewood veneer, this buffet showcases their high quality veneer work and attention to detail. The lovely door panels and functional drawers makes this an excellent piece for use in your home. The buffet is stamped with the official “Groupe des Ebenistes d’Art” emblem. Translating to Group of Art Cabinetmakers, this certifies the creation of this piece in Paris. It also includes the Rinck stamp. This piece excellently draws the eye. We recommend styling this piece with Murano glass and texture.
Rinck Dining Table
Matching the Rosewood veneer, this elegant dining table features long, tapered legs. The legs provide drama and height to the oval table. We love the beautiful finish on the table and the quality tones of the wood that invite conversation and comfort. This table likewise features the stamps of Rinck and the official “Groupe des Ebenistes d’Art” emblem. Epitomizing the style and simplicity of form that is known with the mid-century style, this piece is an excellent representation of both the time period and the name.
