Carl Malmsten cabinet

A very rare and historically significant master cabinet titled “The Four Ages”, designed by Carl Malmsten and produced by David Blomberg in Sweden in 1931. This extraordinary piece stands as a testament to Malmsten’s lifelong dedication to Swedish craftsmanship, symbolism, and narrative design. Executed in richly figured rosewood, the cabinet is adorned with exceptional marquetry panels depicting allegorical scenes of life’s four stages — childhood, youth, adulthood, and old age — rendered with meticulous precision and artistic poetry.

Each surface is inlaid with an intricate composition of landscapes, figures, and architecture, crafted from contrasting wood veneers in varying tones. The marquetry displays an extraordinary level of detail and depth, achieving a painterly quality through the use of wood grain, color, and texture. These scenes evoke both the pastoral serenity of Swedish life and the timeless philosophical reflections central to Malmsten’s oeuvre.

The cabinet rests on an elegantly proportioned stand, its form simple and architectural, allowing the intricate decorative narrative above to command attention. The contrast between the sculptural solidity of the base and the pictorial richness of the upper cabinet reflects Malmsten’s philosophy of harmony between art and function.

This piece is not only a rare collector’s item but also an important example of Swedish applied arts at its highest level—bridging fine furniture, storytelling, and craftsmanship. It remains in beautiful condition for its age, retaining its original drawings dated March 7, 1931, which accompany the piece and further attest to its provenance and historical significance.

Dimensions are 109 cm wide, 47 cm deep, and 184 cm high (42.9 x 18.5 x 72.4 in)