Josef Frank Flora cabinet

This very rare and early first edition of the “Flora” cabinet, model 852, was designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden in 1937. It is one of the most iconic and sought-after pieces from Frank’s prolific body of work, encapsulating his vision of design that merges utility with poetic imagination.

The cabinet is constructed from mahogany and oak and stands on a rectangular base frame with straight legs and stretcher supports. The rectilinear form is softened and animated by the botanical motif that adorns its surface: each panel is decorated with hand-coloured paper prints of plant studies, composed in a gridded arrangement across the doors and side panels. The individual illustrations are based on botanical drawings and herbarium sheets, rendered in meticulous detail with shades of green, ochre, and sepia on a creamy tan ground.

The expressive surfaces serve not only as decoration but as a thematic celebration of nature, aligning with Josef Frank’s belief that interiors should evoke harmony, liveliness, and openness. The cabinet’s decorative vocabulary draws on Frank’s admiration for 18th- and 19th-century scientific illustration, combining romanticism and rational order. The interior houses a series of adjustable oak shelves behind two central doors, offering both display and storage functionality.

Josef Frank (1885–1967), an Austrian-born architect and designer who emigrated to Sweden in the 1930s, was instrumental in shaping the direction of modern Swedish design through his partnership with Estrid Ericson at Svenskt Tenn. He rejected rigid functionalism in favour of colour, ornament, and organic motifs, emphasizing comfort and individuality. The “Flora” cabinet is an outstanding example of this ethos and one of the earliest examples of his applied paper decoupage technique.

The cabinet is in good vintage condition with visible signs of usage, including pronounced patina, surface wear, and tonal variation in the paper and wood consistent with age. These aspects contribute to the authenticity and depth of character of the piece.

The dimensions are 120 cm wide, 43 cm deep, and 149 cm high, which correspond to approximately 47.2 inches in width, 16.9 inches in depth, and 58.7 inches in height.