Ernst Kühn desk

This freestanding desk, crafted in Cuban mahogany, was produced in the 1930s by the Danish manufacturer Normina A/S. The design is distinguished by its generous curved form and solid presence, typical of the refined executive furniture of the interwar period, combining both functionality and elegance with exceptional craftsmanship.

The front of the desk features two symmetrical drawer stacks, each comprising five drawers, for a total of ten. The drawers are fitted with original brass handles in a classic swan-neck form, and several are lockable, in keeping with archival and clerical usage traditions of the period. The desk top incorporates a large inset writing surface covered in natural leather. The leather, now richly patinated, adds textural contrast to the surrounding polished mahogany surface and bears signs of gentle wear, consistent with careful and respectful use over time.

The rear of the desk is designed with tambour doors that slide open to reveal a spacious internal compartment fitted with adjustable shelves. This rear-facing configuration makes the piece suitable as a freestanding unit, offering utility and visual interest from all sides. The tambour door construction and smoothly contoured mahogany casework reflect the technical skill associated with early 20th-century Scandinavian cabinetmaking.

Normina was a Danish furniture producer known for quality, particularly in wood joinery and use of noble materials. Although little is known about the full extent of their production history, surviving pieces such as this desk speak to a tradition of high-standard functionalist design adapted to office environments of the period.

The desk is preserved in very good condition. The mahogany surfaces retain an even, warm tone and a well-maintained finish. The leather writing surface shows a uniform aged patina with surface marks consistent with use. The brass fittings display minor oxidation but remain structurally sound and visually intact.

Dimensions: width 171.5 cm (67.5 inches), depth 105 cm (41.3 inches), height 74 cm (29.1 inches). The central leg opening measures 66.5 cm wide (26.2 inches) by 69.5 cm high (27.4 inches).