Axel Einar Hjorth bookcase

This very rare bookcase and console table, model Lovö, was designed by Axel Einar Hjorth in 1932 and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet in Sweden. Part of Hjorth’s iconic Sportstugemöbler (cabin furniture) series, the piece reflects a sophisticated fusion of modernist form and vernacular tradition. Intended for Swedish leisure homes and coastal retreats of the early 1930s, this model embodies a distinct aesthetic that combines functional simplicity with expressive materiality.

Crafted from acid-stained and oiled pine, the console features a warm honey-brown hue with a rich surface grain. The wood exhibits swirling natural patterns, characteristic of slow-grown Nordic pine, and the finish accentuates its organic texture. The acid staining brings tonal variation, while the oiling process enhances both the color and depth of the wood surface. This attention to surface treatment is typical of Hjorth’s designs from the period, emphasizing tactility and visual warmth.

The structure is horizontally oriented and rectangular in form, with a bold and asymmetrical composition. One side of the piece features open shelving, designed for the display of books or objects. The opposite side houses a cabinet enclosed by two vertical plank doors. These doors are a central visual feature of the design, accented by hand-wrought iron hardware including black round-headed rivets and a functional latch. These fittings introduce a rustic, almost medieval detail, contrasting with the otherwise modernist construction and highlighting Hjorth’s ability to synthesize tradition and innovation.

The horizontal shelving slightly overhangs at the edges, creating a layered profile that breaks the block-like mass and adds a refined sculptural element. The joinery throughout the piece is exemplary, most notably in the dovetail joints at the top corners—exposed with intention, showcasing the craftsmanship and precision of its cabinetmaking.

The base of the console is broad and stable, with softened edges that echo the rounded projections of the upper shelving. These curvilinear details moderate the bold linearity of the overall form, demonstrating Hjorth’s sensitivity to proportion and massing.

Condition is excellent vintage, with minor wear and light scuffs visible on the surfaces—consistent with age and original use. The piece retains its natural patina, with the wood’s luster and integrity well-preserved. These traces of use contribute to its authenticity and reinforce its character as a functional, lived-in object.

Axel Einar Hjorth (1888–1959) was a key figure in Swedish design during the interwar period, serving as chief designer for Nordiska Kompaniet. His Sportstugemöbler series represents a unique chapter in Scandinavian modernism, combining rustic materials, modern proportions, and handcraft detailing in a way that was both progressive and regionally grounded.

The bookcase/console measures 185 cm in length, 35 cm in depth, and 110 cm in height (72.8 x 13.8 x 43.3 inches). As a rare and highly collectable example of Hjorth’s cabin furniture, this piece offers not only practical storage and surface utility but also historical and aesthetic significance within the canon of early 20th-century Nordic design.