Greta Magnusson Grossman attrib. bar cabinet

This rare rotating bar cabinet or side table, attributed to Greta Magnusson Grossman and produced in Sweden during the 1930s, is an elegant and functional expression of early modernist design fused with Art Deco sensibility. Its refined proportions, tactile material palette, and thoughtful interior layout speak to Grossman’s architectural training and her flair for combining sculptural form with practical innovation.

The cabinet’s cylindrical body is crafted from richly figured elm, showcasing a vibrant and expressive grain that lends warmth and depth to the overall silhouette. The vertical orientation of the wood grain wraps seamlessly around the drum-like structure, emphasizing the curvature and adding a subtle rhythm to the surface. The cabinet rests on a concealed base, allowing it to rotate with ease—a sophisticated mechanical detail that enhances both access and visual dynamism.

A circular glass top crowns the piece, introducing a crisp, modern contrast to the organic wood below. The clear surface functions both as a serving area and a design element, allowing the cabinet’s full form to remain visually unobstructed. Below, steel handles—clean-lined and modestly patinated—accentuate the cabinet’s minimalist character while providing a tactile detail that reflects 1930s functionalism.

Inside, the bar cabinet reveals a well-organized interior, complete with built-in shelving and bottle holders. The rotating function enables convenient access to all storage areas, making it ideal for entertaining. Despite its compact size, the interior is intelligently laid out to accommodate bottles, glassware, and cocktail accessories—showcasing a balance of practicality and luxury.

Greta Magnusson Grossman (1906–1999), though best known for her postwar work in California, began her design career in Sweden during the 1930s. This piece, with its Art Deco lines, modernist restraint, and dual functionality, aligns with the aesthetics of her early Scandinavian period, blending traditional craftsmanship with forward-looking design.

The cabinet measures 73.5 cm in diameter and 56 cm in height (approximately 28.9 inches in diameter and 22 inches high). Compact yet commanding, this piece functions as a bar, side table, or sculptural centerpiece—an exceptional example of Swedish pre-war design attributed to one of the 20th century’s most influential female designers.