Josef Frank attrib. flower table

This rare flower table, attributed to Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden, is a refined and elegant example of early to mid-20th-century Scandinavian design. It exhibits a delicate balance between functionality and decorative form, aligning with Frank’s broader design philosophy, which often blended structured modernist forms with ornamental and naturalistic details.

The table features an elongated, gently curved rectangular body, with rounded ends that soften the geometry of the piece. The frame is composed primarily of brass, including slender, outwardly curved legs with stylized feet that lend the structure an airy and elevated appearance. The brass components have developed a warm patina over time, with oxidation and surface variation that reinforce the table’s vintage authenticity.

A distinctive aspect of the design is the use of intricate brass meshwork along the sides, forming an open lattice pattern. This decorative grille lightens the visual mass of the table’s body while also referencing early 20th-century motifs. The mesh panels are bordered by smooth brass bands, providing visual definition and reinforcing the construction.

The inner basin is crafted from painted metal in a deep green tone, forming a trough-like insert intended to hold plants or floral arrangements. The contrast between the verdant green interior and the golden brass framework evokes a sense of cultivated naturalism—a theme recurrent in Josef Frank’s work. The inner surface shows signs of age, including visible wear, discoloration, rust, and patina, particularly where contact with water or soil may have occurred. These elements are consistent with its intended use and time period.

Despite these signs of wear, the piece remains structurally sound and visually compelling. Its proportions—measuring 108 cm in length, 24 cm in width, and 37.5 cm in height (42.5 x 9.4 x 14.8 inches)—make it suitable as a freestanding plant stand, window table, or decorative console. It can easily be integrated into a variety of interior settings, from eclectic modernist to classic Scandinavian.

Josef Frank (1885–1967), though Austrian-born, became a pivotal figure in Swedish design after emigrating and establishing a lasting collaboration with Svenskt Tenn. His work emphasized comfort, naturalism, and ornamental richness in contrast to the rigid minimalism of contemporaneous modernism. This flower table, with its restrained yet lyrical detailing, exemplifies those values, blending functional use with ornamental refinement. As such, it stands as a rare and collectible piece, reflecting both the history of Svenskt Tenn and the legacy of one of its most important designers.