Axel Einar Hjorth Utö table

Side / coffee table model Utö, designed by Axel Einar Hjorth and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet in Sweden in 1932. The table belongs to Hjorth’s celebrated Sportstugemöbler series, a body of work created for leisure homes and mountain cabins, characterized by robust construction, expressive solid wood forms, and a deliberate rejection of refined urban modernism in favor of a more grounded, material-driven aesthetic.

The table is executed in solid pine, with a softly rounded, organic tabletop resting on a cylindrical pedestal base. The top is subtly oval in plan, with a shallow dished profile and gently raised edge that emphasizes the thickness of the solid wood and the natural flow of the grain. The pedestal base is constructed from vertically oriented boards, creating a strong architectural presence while allowing the natural variations and growth patterns of the pine to remain visually prominent. The warm, honey-toned surface highlights the lively grain, knots, and tonal shifts that are central to the character of the Sportstugemöbler series.

This model exemplifies Hjorth’s approach during the early 1930s, where traditional Swedish vernacular references were reinterpreted through a modern lens. Intended for informal interiors, the Utö table functions equally well as a coffee table or side table, offering a compact yet sculptural form that anchors a space without appearing heavy. Its restrained geometry and honest material expression place it firmly within the canon of early Scandinavian functionalism with rustic overtones.

The table is in good vintage condition, showing signs of age, use, and patina consistent with its history. It has previously been painted at some point in its life and has since been carefully stripped and refinished, allowing the pine to be presented in its natural state. Minor surface marks, subtle wear, and small irregularities remain, contributing to its authenticity and historical character.

Dimensions are 70.5 cm in width, 54 cm in depth, and 49 cm in height, corresponding to approximately 27.8 x 21.3 x 19.3 inches.