Bruno Mathsson book shelf

This sculptural bookshelf or magazine stand was designed by Bruno Mathsson and produced by Firma Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden. Crafted in ash, the piece reflects Mathsson’s deep understanding of organic form and material expression. The bookshelf is characterized by its sharply angled, faceted body divided into four triangular compartments, supported by four elegantly curved legs that taper gently toward the floor. Its form combines precision and lightness, with a strong sense of balance between function and visual rhythm.

Designed in the 1940s and produced in 1965, this example illustrates the lasting influence of Mathsson’s early modernist ideas on postwar Scandinavian design. The design language reveals Mathsson’s pursuit of functional elegance, reducing construction to the essentials while emphasizing craftsmanship and material tactility. The visible grain of the ash wood accentuates the geometric planes, giving the object a warm and natural presence despite its architectural form.

Bruno Mathsson (1907–1988) was one of Sweden’s most influential modern designers, known for his work in bentwood furniture and for merging ergonomic study with refined craftsmanship. His collaboration with the workshop of his father, Karl Mathsson, in Värnamo, produced a long line of furniture that helped define Swedish modernism. Firma Karl Mathsson was recognized for its experimental approach to woodworking, pioneering bentwood techniques that became synonymous with Mathsson’s aesthetic.

This bookshelf remains in excellent condition, showing minimal signs of age and retaining a consistent surface tone throughout. The structure is stable, and the joinery remains crisp, testifying to the precision of its manufacture.

Dimensions: height 26 cm (10.2 in), width 50 cm (19.7 in), depth 26 cm (10.2 in).