Johan Hagen bookcases

This is a pair of bookcases designed by Johan Hagen and crafted by cabinetmaker I. Christiansen in Denmark during the 1950s. Constructed entirely from rosewood, the bookcases exhibit the distinct visual richness and complexity associated with this tropical hardwood. The material is characterized by dark brown and black streaks interwoven with reddish and golden undertones, arranged in a vertical grain pattern on the back panels and horizontal alignment on the shelf surfaces. The craftsmanship emphasizes precision joinery and clean profiles, presenting a refined interpretation of Danish modernism.

Each bookcase features a trapezoidal form when viewed in profile, with the cabinet body subtly tapering inward from base to top. This silhouette adds a sense of lightness and architectural structure. The shelving unit sits atop a visually separate, integrated base table with square legs and open stretcher supports, contributing both elevation and balance. The continuous grain across the tabletop and lower frame demonstrates a high level of material selection and execution. The bookshelves are evenly spaced and fixed, offering practical function while reinforcing the symmetry and rhythm of the piece.

Johan Hagen, though lesser known internationally, worked within the idioms of mid-century Danish design, embracing the principles of proportion, restraint, and natural materiality. The execution by I. Christiansen, a skilled cabinetmaker, reflects the workshop tradition central to Danish furniture production, where bespoke detailing and material honesty were key values. These pieces were retailed at Illums Bolighus in Copenhagen, a major venue for contemporary Scandinavian design throughout the mid-20th century, further underscoring their status within the Danish modern canon.

The bookcases measure 160 cm in height, 120 cm in width, and 53 cm in depth, corresponding to approximately 63 inches high, 47.2 inches wide, and 20.9 inches deep. The condition is good, with minor signs of use in line with age, including light wear to the finish and edges that affirm their authenticity and mid-century origin.