Axel Einar Hjorth Utö table

The Utö table, designed by Axel Einar Hjorth and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet in Sweden in 1932, is a rare and significant example of early Scandinavian modern furniture. Part of Hjorth’s sportstugemöbler series, this table was conceived with the rugged demands of summer homes and recreational cottages in mind, combining robust materials with elegant modernist form. Constructed from acid-stained and oiled pine, the table exhibits a warm, natural patina that accentuates the wood’s grain and texture, reflecting both the passage of time and the quality of its craftsmanship.

The design features a cylindrical base that supports a gently concave, rounded tabletop. This shape creates a sculptural profile while maintaining practicality and stability, characteristics central to the functionalist ideals embraced by Hjorth. The choice of pine and the finishing techniques align with the rustic yet refined aesthetic of the sportstugemöbler series, which sought to harmonize modern design with traditional Scandinavian materials and construction methods.

Axel Einar Hjorth was a leading figure in Swedish design, particularly noted for his contributions to Nordiska Kompaniet’s furniture line. His work is distinguished by a synthesis of traditional craftsmanship and the modernist movement’s emphasis on simplicity and functionality. The Utö table exemplifies this blend, serving as both a utilitarian object and a sculptural statement.

The table shows signs of wear appropriate to its age, including minor surface marks and subtle variations in tone that contribute to its authenticity and character. These features enhance the visual depth of the pine, highlighting its organic qualities and the history embedded in the piece.

Measuring 71 cm in width, 55.5 cm in depth, and 48.5 cm in height (approximately 28 by 21.9 by 19 inches), the Utö table remains an important and collectible piece within Scandinavian design history, appreciated both for its aesthetic qualities and its place within Hjorth’s pioneering work.