Kai Kristiansen bureaus

This rare and refined pair of model nr. 50 bureaus was designed by Danish designer Kai Kristiansen and produced by Feldballes Møbelfabrik in Denmark in 1958. Crafted from richly grained rosewood, each bureau exhibits a deep reddish-brown coloration with darker streaks and a lustrous finish that accentuates the wood’s natural beauty. The design features a clean rectilinear form supported by four tapered round legs, embodying Kristiansen’s hallmark blend of precision and functional elegance.

The front of each bureau comprises four symmetrically arranged drawers of equal size, each equipped with distinctive integrated half-moon shaped handles carved from solid rosewood. These sculptural drawer pulls are characteristic of Kristiansen’s cabinetry, marrying ergonomic utility with refined craftsmanship. The drawers are set within narrow reveals, preserving the bureau’s clean-lined silhouette and contributing to a subtle rhythmic effect.

Kai Kristiansen, born in 1929 and a student of Kaare Klint at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, is recognized for his contributions to mid-century Danish modern furniture. His work is notable for its balance between tradition and innovation, focusing on modularity, functionality, and user-centered design. Feldballes Møbelfabrik, active during Denmark’s design golden age, produced many of Kristiansen’s early pieces and is celebrated for high-quality materials and meticulous construction.

This pair of bureaus exemplifies mature Scandinavian modernism, combining geometric clarity with luxurious materials and superior craftsmanship. The set is in excellent vintage condition, displaying only minor signs of use consistent with age, and retains all original components.

Each bureau measures 85.5 cm in width, 32 cm in depth, and 58.5 cm in height, approximately 33.7 inches wide, 12.6 inches deep, and 23 inches high.