Jacob Kjær attrib. cabinet

This cabinet is executed in richly grained Cuban mahogany, its surface displaying a warm, reddish-brown hue that deepens toward the edges of each panel. The grain is tight and interlocked, offering a finely textured backdrop for the subtle neoclassical lines of the piece. All visible surfaces—including the tambour doors, drawer fronts and legs—bear a hand-rubbed finish that highlights the wood’s natural luster while remaining restrained and matte rather than glossy.

The overall form is a tall, narrow rectangle rising to 150 cm on slender square legs. The two vertically stacked tambour doors each feature densely spaced, fine vertical reeding, creating a slightly curved surface that slides smoothly on concealed tracks. When closed, these doors conceal the cabinet’s contents behind a continuous façade; when opened, they retract fully into discreet side compartments, allowing unobstructed access.

Behind the upper tambour lies a practical arrangement of horizontal filing drawers arrayed along the back wall, paired with an open shelf at the top—ideal for storing papers or displaying small objects. Each drawer is constructed with dove-tailed mahogany sides and slides on polished wooden runners. The lower compartment contains adjustable shelving for larger items and is fitted with two green linoleum pull-out trays. These trays introduce a functional pop of color and a resilient writing surface, their edges bound in matching mahogany trim.

The cabinet rests on square-section legs whose inset corners and subtle radius transitions give the impression of a floating case. All joinery is executed with precision: mitred corners on the carcass, reinforced with corner blocks, and dovetailed drawer construction in the interior. Brass pulls are small, circular and recessed—barely interrupting the clean lines—while the locking escutcheons are equally discreet.

Jacob Kjær (1896–1957) was trained as both an architect and cabinetmaker, and his work from the 1930s and ’40s reflects a rigorous balance of classical proportion and functionalist simplicity. Although the exact workshop that produced this cabinet is unrecorded, its technical sophistication and choice of rare Cuban mahogany align with the high standards of Copenhagen’s leading bespoke makers of the period. In its combination of elegant detailing, refined materials and integrated functionality, the cabinet stands as an exemplary instance of Danish neoclassical modernism.

Measuring 110 cm wide, 40 cm deep and 150 cm high (43.3 × 15.7 × 59.1 inches), this piece remains in very good vintage condition. The tambour mechanisms operate smoothly without binding, the wood finish shows only minor surface wear consistent with age, and all interior components—including drawers and trays—are intact and fully functional.