Art Deco Display Cabinet in Caucasian Walnut, Macassar Ebony and Oak, 1930s

Details

Description

A remarkable and highly decorative European Art Deco display cabinet, dating from approximately 1928–1934.

Probably produced in Poland or elsewhere … Read more A remarkable and highly decorative European Art Deco display cabinet, dating from approximately 1928–1934.

Probably produced in Poland or elsewhere in Central Europe, the cabinet represents the sophisticated cabinetmaking tradition of the interwar period and combines strong architectural proportions with elaborate veneering and decorative glasswork.

The symmetrical façade is predominantly finished in beautifully figured veneer, most likely Caucasian walnut, selected for its warm colour and expressive grain.

The walnut is contrasted with genuine Macassar ebony, whose dramatic dark brown and black striped grain forms an important part of the decorative composition.

Macassar ebony is used throughout the lower sections of the doors to create a series of sophisticated geometric inlays.

It also appears on the narrow central sections of the façade and, most spectacularly, on the cabinet's rounded front corners.

Here the striped veneer follows the curved architectural form of the cabinet, producing alternating dark and golden-brown bands that emphasise the geometry of the piece.

This treatment is particularly characteristic of high-quality Art Deco furniture, where exotic veneers were used not simply as surface finishes but as architectural and graphic elements.

The side panels are veneered in oak, while the substantial sculptural feet are constructed from solid oak.

Their stepped, architectural form gives the cabinet a monumental appearance despite its relatively restrained footprint.

The two tall glazed doors are decorated with extraordinary symmetrical cut-glass geometric motifs.

Each composition combines a radiating floral or palm-like element with a long linear stem and a diamond lattice pattern below.

The design is unmistakably Art Deco and transforms the glass itself into one of the principal decorative elements of the cabinet.

Internally, the cabinet provides generous storage and display space with several broad wooden shelves. The shelves rest on fixed wooden support rails attached to the side walls of the cabinet, in keeping with traditional interwar cabinetmaking.

Traditional inset locks, small brass key escutcheons and a key is retained.

The cabinet has undergone a comprehensive restoration and is ready for use.

Its proportions make it particularly versatile: at 173 cm high and 110 cm wide it has a strong visual presence, while its depth of only 45 cm allows it to work well even in contemporary interiors.

Ideal as a display cabinet for porcelain, ceramics, glass or collectibles, it could equally be used as a bookcase, drinks cabinet or statement storage piece.

The combination of Caucasian walnut, Macassar ebony, oak, architectural feet and elaborate decorative glass makes this a particularly distinctive example of European interwar Art Deco furniture.

Dimensions

Height: 173 cm
Width: 110 cm
Depth: 45 cm

Materials

Caucasian walnut veneer, Macassar ebony veneer, oak veneer, solid oak, decorative cut glass, brass.

Period

Circa 1928–1934

Style

Art Deco

Country of manufacture

Central Europe, probably Poland

Condition

Professionally restored See less