Axel Einar Hjorth cabinet

This rare corner cabinet, model Utö, was designed by Axel Einar Hjorth in 1932 and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet in Sweden. Crafted entirely from solid pine, the cabinet exemplifies Hjorth’s distinctive blend of rustic materiality and modernist proportions. The surface exhibits a warm, medium-toned patina that highlights the natural grain and knots of the wood.

The cabinet is structured as a two-part storage unit. The upper section features two open shelves framed by shaped vertical edges with expressive scalloped contours, introducing a decorative rhythm and softness to the piece. The lower section has a vertically slatted door that conceals interior shelving, providing enclosed storage. The geometric plinth base elevates the cabinet slightly, imparting a grounded yet sturdy presence. Designed to fit neatly into a corner, the rear sides are angled, optimizing space use while giving the front a faceted, architectural appearance.

Axel Einar Hjorth (1888–1959) was chief designer at Nordiska Kompaniet from 1927 to 1938. During this tenure, he developed furniture lines that balanced the elegance of Swedish Grace with emerging modernist ideals. The Utö series, part of his pine furniture collection from the early 1930s, was intended for country homes and summer villas. These pieces consciously moved away from industrial aesthetics toward handcrafted, locally sourced materials. Despite their rustic look, the Utö line was often commissioned by NK’s most discerning clientele, combining functionality with sculptural elegance.

The cabinet measures 90.5 cm in width, 55 cm in depth, and 190 cm in height (approximately 35.6 x 21.7 x 74.8 inches). The condition reflects its age and use, displaying light wear and patina appropriate for a piece of this vintage.