Art Deco Cabinet in Birch with Illustrative Details, Europe 1930s (sold)



















Art Deco Cabinet in Birch with Illustrative Details, Europe 1930s (sold)
The design style that later received its popular name of “Art Deco” was originally named after the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, hosted in Paris in 1925. The movement peaked in popularity around the 1930s, then spread across Europe and the United States up to the start of the Second World War.
Predating the strict functionality of mid-century modernism, this cabinet model is preoccupied with aesthetics, showcasing versatile decorative elements that define the look. The warm-toned birch wood is polished to a soft, satin finish, showcasing the beautiful grain patterns that add charm and texture to its sleek, architectural form. Its streamlined silhouette—clean and rectangular—is typical of the Art Deco movement’s modernist influences, while the rounded corners and straight legs lend it a sense of elegance and grounded stability. Designers of this period began to experiment with diverse techniques, such as intarsia, which involved using multiple wood sections inlaid in a mosaic-like pattern to create detailed images, as showcased by this piece. This technique is found on the cabinet doors with a charming motif of two figures carrying objects, and is the most apparent decorative element of the design. The interior is equally well considered, revealing fitted drawers and spaciously arranged shelves. The rather open arrangement of the shelves make this model perfect to store or display a range of items.
As this luxurious cabinet shows, European furniture designers’ artistic approach was anchored by characteristic Art Deco refinement expressed through graceful forms and traditional materials. Whether placed in a bedroom, living room, or study, this piece is sure to elevate its surroundings and add a sense of sophistication to the space.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Small marks and scratches on the wood. One key included, only for cabinet doors.
Dimensions:
32.67 in W x 15.35 in D x 47.04 in H
83 cm W x 39 cm D x 119.5 cm H
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Designed by Henning Kjærnulf, this cabinet features a strong angular structure that gives a feeling of strength and durability. The wood construction is carved and sculpted in an unmistakable way, showing the skills of both the designer and the manufacturer. If there is a single common denominator for Danish Modern design, it is the quality of the woodwork and this piece is evidence of that.
Many associate Danish furniture with the country's golden age, the mid-20th century. This model shows why: its design follows in the vein of Scandinavian functionality, timelessness and quality. Combining tradition and modernity, Kjærnulf created his pieces with a great consideration for functionality while not shying away from decorative flair. His wood of choice was oak, a durable long-lasting material that is the perfect canvas for the intricate carved shapes and details to take form. The functional and decorative elements of this design are treated equally, resulting in a stunning but balanced look. The cabinet features a versatile shelving and storage system; three small drawers on the right side, with green fabric lining. The middle compartment is the largest, with two levels divided by one shelf. Finally, at the bottom there are three more larger drawers. The bottom drawers also feature metal ring pulls. These small functional elements also serve an aesthetic function alongside the carved front. The mixture of round and straight shapes is used masterfully, giving depth to the oak. The only thing that is hard to decide in the case of this piece is where to look first, as there is no doubt about its aesthetic or material quality.
This well-constructed piece is truly a beautiful example of Danish modernism, complete with a form that still retains some influence from previous art and design movements. It is sure to stand out as an accent piece, or complement its surroundings thanks to its natural colour and warm tones.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use.
Dimensions:
74.80 in W x 19.88 in D x 47.24 in H
190 cm W x 50.5 cm D x 120 cm H
About the designer:
Danish mid-century designer and architect, Henning Kjærnulf is somewhat of a mystery. A lot more is known about his designs than Kjærnulf himself. His wooden designs, crafted to perfection, speak for themselves. Kjærnulf mainly designed for the Danish manufacturers EG Kvalitetsmobel, Nyrup Møbelfabrik, and Vejle Stole Møbelfabrik. The latter produced the designer’s well-known teak extending dining table model. The historic archives of the Danish municipality, Stenlille, reveal the history of Nyrup Møbelfabrik, mentioning Kjærnulf’s architectural designs for the company’s factory, referring to him as an architect based in Odense, Denmark.
Kjærnulf’s works reveal quality craftsmanship throughout, featuring clean Danish modern era lines with sculpted edges and shapes. The unique shapes, like his razorblade chair backrests, distinguish him from other Danish mid-century designers.
In light of how sought after his dining sets and lounge chairs are, it remains a mystery why so little is known about the designer. The curious background of Kjærnulf if anything, adds more charm to his pieces.