Foldable mirror

This large wall-mounted mirror cabinet dates to the 1930s and exemplifies early Scandinavian modernist and functionalist principles in its combination of honest materials and restrained detailing. The cabinet is constructed from stained pine, its warm amber tones highlighting the natural grain of the wood. Framing the mirror panels are profiles of nickel-plated brass, their brushed finish now bearing areas of gentle tarnish and fine surface wear that attest to the piece’s age.

The mirror comprises a tripartite arrangement of glass panels totaling 51 cm in width when closed and extending to approximately 101 cm when the two side panels are folded outward. The central fixed panel remains flush against the wall, while the side panels swing on brass piano hinges. These hinges allow smooth, stable articulation and reveal the dark stained pine veneer on their reverse faces, introducing a subtle contrast of tone and texture when the cabinet is open.

Each brass profile is fastened with evenly spaced flat-head screws, whose precision placement underscores the utilitarian craftsmanship of the period. The nickel plating shows areas of oxidation, particularly around the screw heads and along the lower edges, but retains its structural integrity and visual character. The original mirror glass is free from major chips or cracks, though light surface spotting and minor edge wear are evident under close inspection, consistent with careful vintage use.

While the designer remains uncredited, the cabinet reflects broader Nordic design currents of the interwar years, in which domestic woods like pine were married to industrial materials to achieve both warmth and durability. This blending of natural and manufactured elements was emblematic of the emerging Functionalist ethos in Sweden, prioritizing practical beauty, straightforward construction, and adaptability to everyday interiors.

Measuring 135 cm in height and 3 cm in depth, this mirror cabinet retains the geometric clarity and material honesty that defined early Scandinavian modernism. Its enduring condition and authentic patina make it a distinctive example of 1930s Swedish design, suitable for contexts where historical integrity and understated elegance are valued.