Jens Risom cabinet

This rare small cabinet was designed by Jens Risom and produced by Gutenberghus in Denmark during the 1960s. Executed in richly figured rosewood, the piece stands on cylindrical legs in solid wood with steel-capped adjustable feet, a detail that adds both functionality and a distinct industrial refinement. The cabinet also incorporates elements of black lacquered metal, which balance the warm tones of the rosewood with a subtle contrast. The craftsmanship is evident in the precise joinery and careful book-matching of the rosewood veneer, highlighting its natural grain patterns.

The form is minimal and rectilinear, consistent with the Scandinavian approach to mid-century modern design, where simplicity and proportion are central. The cabinet is designed with open compartments and practical pull-out trays, making it a versatile piece suitable for office or domestic use. This model was conceived as a companion to larger desks by Risom, several of which were also produced by Gutenberghus for executive interiors of the period.

Jens Risom, a Danish-American designer, was among the first to introduce Scandinavian modernism to the American market. After studying at the School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen, he emigrated to the United States where he became one of the founding figures of post-war American modern furniture design. His work combines Danish material sensibilities with the functional requirements of corporate and domestic life in the mid-twentieth century.

The cabinet is presented in good vintage condition and has been fully restored, with only minor signs of wear consistent with age. It retains a warm patina that enhances the depth and variation of the rosewood surface, testifying to both its age and the quality of its materials. As a smaller component of Risom’s office furniture series, it illustrates his talent for uniting practicality with elegance.

Dimensions: width 73 cm (28.7 in), depth 51 cm (20.1 in), height 69.5 cm (27.4 in)