Kaare Klint dining table

This is a rare and highly regarded extendable dining table, model 4229, designed by the renowned Danish designer Kaare Klint and produced by Rud. Rasmussen Snedkerier in Copenhagen, Denmark. Dating from the 1930s, this table reflects Klint’s pivotal role in shaping Danish modern design. As a designer, architect, and educator, Klint is considered one of the key figures in the development of modern Danish furniture. His focus on proportion, functionality, and craftsmanship resonates strongly in this table’s design.

The table is crafted from solid Cuban mahogany, a now-restricted hardwood celebrated for its deep reddish-brown tone and fine, tight grain. The wood’s durability and aesthetic appeal are evident in the smooth surface of the tabletop, which has been carefully joined to create a seamless effect. Subtle details, such as the vertical beading along the apron and the refined carvings on the legs, contribute to the table’s understated elegance. The continuous grain pattern on the tabletop showcases the precision of craftsmanship, while the overall form emphasizes structural logic over decorative flourishes.

The design of the table is rectangular, with a straight apron and square, tapering legs that are adorned with shallow vertical fluting and modest corner brackets. It includes two extension leaves, allowing the table to expand from 138 cm in length to 260 cm, making it versatile for both intimate gatherings and larger dining settings. The extension mechanism is seamlessly integrated into the design, maintaining the table’s visual coherence even when extended.

The table was produced by Rud. Rasmussen Snedkerier, a distinguished cabinetmaking workshop founded in the 19th century in Copenhagen. The workshop was known for its collaborations with leading Danish designers, including Kaare Klint. The table bears the paper label of the workshop as well as the red Danish Furnituremakers Control mark, signifying its high quality and authenticity. The combination of Klint’s design and Rud. Rasmussen’s craftsmanship positions this table as an exemplary piece of Danish functionalist furniture.

The dimensions of the table are 138 cm (54.3 inches) in length, extending to 260 cm (102.4 inches), with a depth of 91.5 cm (36 inches) and a height of 74.5 cm (29.3 inches). The table is in very good condition, with minor signs of wear consistent with its age and use. The Cuban mahogany has developed a beautiful, even patina, enhancing the richness and character of the wood over time.