Carl Malmsten & Sven-Erik Fryklund cabinet

This unique cabinet was designed by Sven-Erik Fryklund in collaboration with Carl Malmsten and produced by Fryklund himself at the Carl Malmsten workshop school in Sweden in 1942. Crafted from walnut, the cabinet is distinguished by its elaborate marquetry, featuring inlays of various wood species that compose a finely detailed botanical scene across the front doors. The imagery depicts plants, leaves, and tree branches with a high degree of precision and artistic sensitivity, reflecting the Scandinavian decorative arts tradition of the mid-20th century.

The cabinet stands on four tall, tapering legs and is divided structurally into two sections: an upper cabinet with two doors enclosing shelving, and a lower section with five horizontal drawers. Its form is rectilinear and restrained, blending neoclassical proportions with modernist simplicity—an approach characteristic of Carl Malmsten’s design ethos.

The piece is in very good condition, exhibiting minor signs of age and wear consistent with its period, while maintaining both structural integrity and the clarity of its intricate inlay work. Notably, the cabinet was awarded a silver medal by the Stockholm City Crafts Association, underscoring its exceptional craftsmanship and artistic merit.

Sven-Erik Fryklund (1921–2003) studied at Carl Malmsten’s workshop school in the 1930s and is best known for his later wicker chair designs. His collaboration with Malmsten on the iconic “Lilla Åland” stick chair highlights his influence in Swedish furniture design. Carl Malmsten (1888–1972) was a leading figure in Swedish design, renowned for his dedication to craftsmanship and timeless forms.

The cabinet measures 86 centimeters in width, 35 centimeters in depth, and 159 centimeters in height (approximately 33.9 x 13.8 x 62.6 inches).