Hans Wegner bookcase & cabinet
This rare set of storage furniture, comprising a bookcase and a cabinet, was designed by Hans J. Wegner and produced by Ry Møbler in Denmark in 1957. Both pieces are primarily constructed of teak with oak interiors and feature brass detailing, exemplifying Wegner’s material-conscious and rational approach to cabinetmaking during the height of Danish modernism.
Each unit is encased in a rectilinear oak frame, with the bookcase offering three height-adjustable open shelves, while the cabinet conceals a symmetrical interior with ten compartments behind two hinged teak doors. The vertically oriented oak grain presents a warm, consistent tone with expressive figuring. The cabinet doors are equipped with distinctive brass ring pulls aligned along a central vertical axis, providing a minimal yet tactile focal point.
The construction highlights precise joinery and balanced proportions, with visible dowel marks on the top panel that underscore the piece’s handmade quality. Interiors are finished in lighter oak, creating visual contrast and enhancing functional usability. Both units rest on inset plinth bases with recessed kicks, giving them a floating appearance that reflects Wegner’s architectural sensibility and preference for lightness in form.
Hans J. Wegner (1914–2007) is celebrated as one of the foremost figures in Scandinavian design, renowned for his craftsmanship, structural clarity, and ergonomic principles. While best known for his chairs, his cabinetry—especially those produced with Ry Møbler—is recognized for its timeless refinement and design integrity.
Ry Møbler was a respected Danish cabinetmaker active during the mid-20th century, noted for its collaborations with leading designers like Wegner. The company’s work is distinguished by meticulous woodworking, the use of premium hardwoods, and subtle, enduring construction details.
This set is in very good condition, showing minor wear consistent with age. The teak surfaces have developed a warm, even patina, the oak interiors remain clean and intact, and the brass hardware shows gentle oxidation. The cabinet retains its original key.
Each unit measures 100 cm wide, 33.5 cm deep, and 109 cm high (approximately 39.4 by 13.2 by 42.9 inches).
Dimensions (cm) | Each: W: 100 / D: 33.5 / H: 109 |
Producer | Ry Møbler |
Decade | 1950s |
Country | Denmark |
Style | Danish modern, Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern |
Material | Brass, Oak, Teak |
Designed in | 1957 |
Item Number | 129276 |
Hans Wegner
Hans Jørgensen Wegner (1914–2007) was a Danish furniture designer globally renowned for his exceptional craftsmanship, deep understanding of materials, and sculptural, organic forms. A central figure in the Danish modern movement, Wegner design...
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