Aage Windeleff desk

This very rare desk was designed in 1947 by Danish architect and furniture designer Aage Windeleff and produced by the cabinetmaker J. C. A. Jensen in Aarhus. Executed in rosewood with brass fittings, the piece reflects the transition from the restrained functionalism of the 1940s to the sculptural yet practical forms that came to define Scandinavian mid-century design. The rectangular tabletop is bordered by subtle raised edges, providing both a functional and refined detail, while the linear construction emphasizes balance and proportion.

The desk features twin drawer units, each with two drawers, fitted with brass handles of geometric yet softly rounded form. These elements introduce a tactile contrast between the dark, richly grained rosewood and the warm patinated brass, enhancing the overall visual depth. The legs are squared with brass-capped feet, a detail characteristic of high-end Danish cabinetmaking of the late 1940s. The craftsmanship is evident in the joinery, the veneered surfaces, and the careful attention to functional elegance.

Windeleff, though less widely known than some of his contemporaries, worked within the same architectural and design context as figures such as Kaare Klint and Hans J. Wegner. His collaboration with J. C. A. Jensen placed his designs within the Danish cabinetmaker tradition, where unique and limited pieces were produced with uncompromising attention to material quality and artisanal detail.

The desk remains in good vintage condition, with small signs of usage and a well-preserved patina that testifies to its age. It stands as an early example of Scandinavian modernism’s progression towards expressive materiality while maintaining clarity of form and functionality.

Dimensions: width 160 cm (63 in), depth 85 cm (33.5 in), height 73 cm (28.7 in)