Otto Schulz cabinet

This is a very rare and visually distinctive cabinet designed by Otto Schulz and produced by Boet in Sweden during the 1940s. The piece exemplifies Schulz’s early modernist aesthetic which often incorporated luxurious materials and subtle decorative flourishes, combining traditional craftsmanship with forward-looking design principles.

The cabinet features a rectangular corpus clad in cream-colored artificial leather, accented with vertically inset textile panels on each door. These panels are framed by brass nailhead trim and covered with a pleated or ribbed fabric behind glass, adding depth and visual texture to the frontal surface. The body is mounted on a solid ashwood base, whose warm honey tone contrasts gently with the paler upper section. The base is constructed with tapered square legs joined by a cross-stretcher with turned detailing and exposed fasteners, contributing both structural support and visual articulation.

The overall composition is cubic with softened edges, creating a volume that feels both monolithic and inviting. Inside, the cabinet reveals a highly functional layout with adjustable shelving and a set of drawers, all finished in a warm, reddish-brown wood veneer. The interior craftsmanship is precise, offering a balance between concealed storage and accessible compartments for display or everyday use.

Otto Schulz (1882–1970) was a German-born architect and designer who became a prominent figure in Swedish decorative arts. After settling in Gothenburg, he founded the furniture and interior firm Boet, known for combining high-quality artisanal production with modern design ideals. Schulz’s designs are celebrated for their originality and fine detail, often utilizing tactile materials such as leather, textile, and metal.

This cabinet is in good vintage condition with signs of age and patina visible on the artificial leather, brass, and wood. Some surface marks, color variations, and minor wear are consistent with its age and previous use.

Dimensions are 129 cm wide, 42 cm deep, and 148 cm high. In inches, this corresponds approximately to 50.8 inches wide, 16.5 inches deep, and 58.3 inches high.