G.A. Berg cabinet

This rare freestanding cabinet was designed and produced by Swedish designer Gustav Axel Berg (G.A. Berg) in the 1940s. Constructed from solid and veneered mahogany, the piece displays a warm, medium reddish-brown tone with pronounced striped grain, particularly visible on the sides. This use of quality tropical hardwood reflects Scandinavian furniture production standards of the mid-20th century.

The cabinet’s façade is defined by two front doors adorned with finely reeded vertical detailing, creating a textured rhythm and visual depth while cleverly concealing the central seam. Softly rounded corners lend the piece a sculptural quality, and the round, slightly tapered legs integrate subtly into the base frame with minimal ornamentation, emphasizing clean lines and understated elegance.

Inside, the cabinet is crafted from a lighter wood—likely birch or a similar Scandinavian hardwood—and divided into two main sections. The left compartment contains four open shelves, while the right side offers a combination of open shelving and four horizontal pull-out drawers featuring sculpted finger grips. This interior layout prioritizes flexible storage suitable for documents and various objects, reflecting the functional considerations of the era.

Gustav Axel Berg is primarily recognized for his contributions to Swedish modernist furniture during the 1930s and 1940s, especially his ergonomic bentwood seating designs. While less common, his case pieces such as this cabinet illustrate a balanced approach that bridges functionalism with decorative restraint. The cabinet’s linear geometry, material quality, and modest proportions embody this synthesis.

The cabinet measures 129 cm wide, 40 cm deep, and 135.5 cm high, approximately 50.8 x 15.7 x 53.3 inches.