Hans Wegner desk

This is a rare model JH-571 desk designed by Hans J. Wegner and produced by the renowned cabinetmaker Johannes Hansen in Denmark during the 1950s. The piece is a fine example of Danish modernist craftsmanship and typifies the innovative structural logic and organic minimalism that defined Wegner’s oeuvre. Executed in solid teak and oak, with chromed steel tension rods, the desk showcases a striking balance of warmth, strength, and engineering clarity.

The desk features a rectangular teak top with subtle edge beveling, supported by a sculptural base structure. Four tapering oak legs splay outward, joined by stainless steel stretchers arranged in a cross-brace formation to enhance structural stability and add an industrial contrast to the natural wood tones. The front apron is fitted with two drawers, one on each side, with integrated pulls and lock mechanisms. The drawer fronts are recessed and fitted with original chromed hardware and key escutcheons, typical of Johannes Hansen’s meticulous execution.

Hans J. Wegner (1914–2007) is recognized as one of the most influential figures of 20th-century Danish design. Trained as a cabinetmaker and later as an architect, Wegner fused traditional joinery with modernist simplicity. This desk, one of his rarer models, reflects both his command of ergonomics and his dedication to honest material expression. The collaboration with Johannes Hansen, a key figure in the Danish cabinetmaker’s guild exhibitions, brought many of Wegner’s finest early designs into production with uncompromising quality.

This example is presented in good vintage condition, with visible signs of usage and an even, warm patina to the wood. The teak surface has aged gracefully, bearing some surface wear consistent with age, while the steel elements show minor oxidation typical of mid-century fittings. All functional and structural components remain intact and true to the original design.