Ernst Kühn bar cabinet

This is an exceptionally rare and finely crafted bar cabinet designed by Ernst Kühn and produced by Lysberg, Hansen & Therp in Denmark during the 1930s. The cabinet is made from richly grained rosewood, with a warm, reddish-brown lacquered frame that provides a subtle contrast and enhances the depth of the wood’s natural pattern. Vertical brass inlays run along the front, adding a refined decorative element and emphasizing the geometric proportions of the design. The piece rests on slender square legs with brass sabots, lending an elegant and slightly elevated appearance.

The cabinet opens to reveal an interior fitted with adjustable oak shelving on either side and a central drop-down bar section. The bar interior is lined with mirrored panels featuring a diamond-patterned overlay and glass shelves, reflecting light and creating a sophisticated display space for glassware and bottles. The lower bar surface is clad in stainless steel, a practical and modern material choice that resists wear and underlines the cabinet’s functional purpose as a serving station. The drawers below provide additional storage and are fitted with round brass ring pulls that echo the refined detailing of the rest of the piece.

Ernst Kühn was known for his precise craftsmanship and his ability to balance functionality with decorative sophistication, which is evident in this design. Lysberg, Hansen & Therp was a leading Danish furniture manufacturer in the first half of the 20th century, celebrated for producing custom interiors and furniture of exceptional quality. This bar cabinet was exhibited at the World Exposition in Brussels in 1935, highlighting its status as a significant example of Scandinavian design from the period.

The cabinet is preserved in excellent vintage condition with minor signs of use, a beautiful patina on the brass elements, and a rich, even glow to the lacquer and wood surfaces. It represents a rare combination of early modernist design, luxurious materials, and Danish craftsmanship.

Dimensions: width 130 cm (51.2 inches), depth 42 cm (16.5 inches), height 119 cm (46.9 inches).