Norwegian Solid Wood Dining Table, Norway early 20th century (sold)














Norwegian Solid Wood Dining Table, Norway early 20th century (sold)
This characteristic Norwegian oak dining table is a nod to organic design with traditional Scandinavian craftsmanship. Through the design the maker also relays an insight about the society and culture in which it was produced: closeness to nature, the appreciation of a clutter-free environment and the value of quality handiwork.
Furniture pieces like this massive dining table from the early 20th century reflects the wabi sabi world-view visually with an emphasis on imperfections and of course, functionality. Its aesthetic could be described as appreciating the beauty that is imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete in nature. The solid wood body is perfect to convey this, as it has natural imperfections and isn’t overworked or sculpted to be perfectly smooth and symmetrical. Instead, the design follows the principles of this aesthetic and therefore includes asymmetry, roughness, simplicity, and traditional woodworking, with an appreciation of both natural objects and the forces of nature. The long tabletop and legs are carved out of large sections of solid pieces of wood with visible joinery techniques that only add to this table’s charm. The legs are connected by a pair of stretchers on each side strengthening structural stability, while their joining technique offers further visual interest. Interestingly, the legs widen towards the bottom, consequently making the lower stretchers shorter.
The appreciation of rustic simplicity and craftsmanship has never completely gone out of style, but in recent years, it saw an increase. Adding pieces, like this beautiful table to a modern interior not only creates a diverse and interesting aesthetic, it also reminds that perfection cannot be reached and perhaps should not even be the goal. Instead, recognizing the beauty of the imperfect created by nature and reformed by a craftsman can bring happiness into everyday life.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The wood has cracks and marks.
Dimensions:
66.92 in W x 25.59 in D x 27.75 in H
170 cm W x 65 cm D x 70.5 cm H
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Price category: 30,000 - 40,000 usd / eur
Swedish architect and furniture designer Axel Einar Hjorth served as the lead designer for Nordiska Kompaniet from 1926 to 1938. During this time, Hjorth designed the “Skoga” series in the early 1930s.
The “Skoga” series was crafted as part of a broader collection of summer-house furniture, intended to be both practical and aesthetically harmonious with the rugged beauty of the Swedish landscape. Despite its utilitarian roots, the series, as well as this table, exudes quiet sophistication and a timeless appeal focusing on simple lines and the material itself. Made of pine wood, this table is strong, reflecting Hjorth’s principles according to which he mixed the ideals of the modernist movement with provincial Swedish traditions, producing a unique and primitive modernism. It is quite robust without being intrusive, naturally standing to be the centre of the room. The legs and stretch-bar base emphasize structural clarity and durability, while the rounded corners and visible joinery express a handcrafted, almost sculptural quality. The rectangular tabletop is comprised of three planks of wood, yet it has a light impression. The large surface shows off the pattern of the wood and colour variation. The absence of heavy ornamentation is also in service of enhancing the organic, simple look that defined Swedish design of the era. Each element, joint and line is well crafted and solid, the attention given to every construction and finishing detail is obvious.
This table doesn’t depend on its details, rather, it is just as arresting from afar as from a proximity. The joinery and woodworking reveal the quality craftsmanship of the experts at Nordiska Kompaniet. The most charming thing about this table however, is that it showcases classic elements and so much history, but it lends itself easily to a modern interior.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some marks and scratches on the wood.
Dimensions:
70.86 in W x 23.62 in D x 27.55 in H
180 cm W x 60 cm D x 70 cm H