Kai Winding secretaire

This very rare bureau or secretaire, designed by Kai Winding and produced by the master cabinetmaker P. Jeppesen in Denmark during the 1950s, is a prime example of mid-century Danish craftsmanship. Executed in richly grained rosewood with brass hardware, the piece embodies the high standards of Danish cabinetmaking, where form, function, and materiality converge with architectural precision. The bureau stands as an exceptional example of the period’s emphasis on both aesthetic beauty and functional design.

The exterior of the piece features a clean, rectilinear silhouette, with a slightly forward-sloping fall front that locks with a brass key. When opened, the drop-front surface transforms into a writing desk, supported by concealed wooden runners that ensure smooth operation. The interior layout is meticulously crafted from rosewood and contains an array of ten shallow drawers, as well as a central pigeonhole unit with four vertical compartments. The internal design is both rational and symmetrical, offering ample storage while maintaining visual harmony. This careful organization enhances the functional appeal of the piece, making it a practical yet refined addition to any space.

The lower section of the bureau includes two wide drawers set within a narrow apron, contributing to the elegant vertical proportions of the piece. The design is supported by a slender leg frame with stretcher bars that provide lateral stability while keeping the overall structure light and elevated. The joinery and finishing, typical of P. Jeppesen’s workshop, are precise and restrained, with an emphasis on detail and craftsmanship.

Kai Winding, active in Denmark during the postwar period, contributed to the era’s dedication to high-quality woodworking and modular design. His work is notable for its intelligent proportions and fine craftsmanship, focusing on creating well-considered, non-mass-produced pieces. P. Jeppesen, one of Denmark’s most respected cabinetmakers, was renowned for producing furniture to the highest artisanal standards and worked with many notable designers, including Børge Mogensen and Ole Wanscher.

The bureau is in excellent vintage condition, with light signs of use that contribute to its character. The rosewood retains its depth of tone and sheen, while the brass detailing shows natural oxidation appropriate to its age, further enhancing its authenticity and appeal.