C.B. Hansen cabinet

This master cabinet, crafted in the early 1930s by the royal warrant–holding cabinetmaker C.B. Hansen of Copenhagen, marries the precision of traditional Danish joinery with the emerging clarity of functionalist design. Its primary material is richly figured rosewood, whose surface displays a symmetrical interplay of deep brown and reddish veins. The cabinet’s two distinct sections are precisely aligned, the upper display case and lower storage unit sharing the same sharp-edged profile and restrained proportions.

The upper section is defined by a pair of hinged doors, each inset with clear glass panels set within rosewood frames. When opened, these doors reveal an interior lined with mirrored glass segments arranged in a subtle grid pattern. The mirrors heighten both light and spatial depth, serving to showcase objects placed on the dark-stained wooden shelves. Fine brass fittings—hinges, key escutcheons, and flush pulls—contrast gently against the rosewood, their patinated warmth echoing the wood’s natural tones.

Beneath the display case, the lower section features two full-width drawers, their fronts veneered in matching rosewood and fitted with the original brass handles and lock hardware. Below the drawers are two pull-out leaves, each concealing a black glass–lined tray and a hidden compartment—an ingenious detail likely intended for barware service. The cabinet rests on slender, recessed legs joined by stretchers, the framework subtly lifting the piece off the floor and lending it a sense of lightness despite its substantial presence.

The cabinet’s construction exemplifies C.B. Hansen’s mastery of joinery. Exposed dovetail joints secure the drawer carcasses, while the fine mitred edges of the door frames and carcass demonstrate both aesthetic restraint and structural integrity. A deep red label stamped “Kgl. Hofmøbelfabrikant C.B. Hansens Etabl. København” inside the upper case confirms its royal warrant status and underscores the piece’s exceptional provenance.

Measuring 119.5 cm in width, 47.5 cm in depth, and standing 150 cm tall, this cabinet is in excellent vintage condition. The rosewood retains its original lustrous finish, save for a few hairline surface scratches on horizontal planes consistent with careful use. The mirrored interior panels remain clear and intact, and all hardware operates smoothly. As a transitional work between classical craftsmanship and Scandinavian modernism, this master cabinet stands as a rare testament to C.B. Hansen’s enduring legacy.