Eskild Pontoppidan & M. Ryder nesting tables

This very rare set of nesting tables was designed in 1962 by M. Ryder and Eskild Pontoppidan and produced by the Danish cabinetmaker Ludvig Pontoppidan. Executed in solid teak, the tables exemplify the refined craftsmanship and understated elegance of Scandinavian mid-century design. The form is characterized by straight lines and precise proportions, where the geometric clarity highlights both function and construction. The corners are executed with visible joinery, demonstrating the high level of cabinetmaking and attention to detail associated with Pontoppidan’s workshop.

The teak has developed a warm, even patina over time, with subtle variations in tone that emphasize the natural qualities of the wood. The square tops rest on slender, straight legs, creating a visual lightness despite the solidity of the material. The nesting function allows the tables to be used either together as a group or individually, reflecting the Scandinavian tradition of functional versatility in domestic furniture.

Ludvig Pontoppidan was one of Denmark’s most respected cabinetmakers, known for producing furniture of the highest quality for leading designers of the period. The collaboration with Ryder and Pontoppidan illustrates the strong relationship between designer and craftsman that was central to the success of Danish furniture internationally during the 1950s and 60s. The present set remains in good vintage condition, with small signs of use and age-appropriate wear that attest to its history while preserving its structural integrity.

Dimensions: width 58 cm (22.8 in), depth 58 cm (22.8 in), height 54 cm (21.3 in)