Kai Kristiansen cabinet

This rare cabinet, model 521, was designed by Kai Kristiansen in the 1960s and produced by Aksel Kjersgaard in Denmark. It represents the Danish designer’s approach to functional modernism, with a focus on clean geometry, refined details, and material contrasts that highlight craftsmanship.

The cabinet is constructed in rosewood with a strikingly figured veneer that displays symmetrical patterns across the sliding doors. The wood’s rich tones range from deep brown to reddish highlights, giving depth and movement to the surface. The doors are fitted with recessed rectangular pulls, integrated into the wood in a way that maintains the piece’s minimalist silhouette. The interior is fitted with shelving for versatile storage, and the top surface is finished with black formica, offering both durability and a subtle material contrast to the rosewood.

Kai Kristiansen, a Danish designer trained under Kaare Klint, became known for his highly functional furniture with sculptural qualities. His work for Aksel Kjersgaard, including this model, reflects a rigorous simplicity paired with fine detailing. Aksel Kjersgaard’s workshop was a prominent Danish cabinetmaker during the mid-century period, producing furniture that often combined exotic woods such as rosewood and teak with modern Scandinavian forms.

The cabinet is presented in good vintage condition, showing signs of usage and a patina consistent with age. It has been restored, ensuring the preservation of its original character while maintaining its structural integrity. The restoration highlights the natural beauty of the rosewood veneer and retains the cabinet’s functional clarity.

Dimensions: width 100 cm (39.4 in), depth 40.5 cm (15.9 in), height 108 cm (42.5 in)