Karl-Erik Ekselius table

This rare and large table, designed by Karl-Erik Ekselius and produced by JOC in Vetlanda, Sweden during the 1950s, serves as both a desk and a dining table. The tabletop is crafted from solid oak and finished in black lacquer, displaying a heavily textured surface with visible wear and patination that reveals the natural oak grain beneath the lacquer. The finish exhibits age-related abrasions and edge wear, particularly along the sides, which expose the warm wood tones and contribute to the tactile and visual character of the piece.

The table’s base consists of two sled-style legs made from brushed aluminum, connected by a central horizontal stretcher. The leg design emphasizes clean geometry and minimalism, reflecting the functional clarity central to mid-century Scandinavian design. The contrast between the dark, organic tabletop and the reflective metal base highlights the Scandinavian modernist ideal of balancing industrial and natural materials.

Karl-Erik Ekselius (1914–1995) was a Swedish designer known for his refined modernist approach, merging sculptural forms with industrial techniques. As head designer for JOC (AB J.O. Carlsson), he played a key role in shaping the company’s output during the post-war period. Ekselius’s work is noted for its restraint, longevity, and craftsmanship, often combining expressive wood finishes with rational structural design.

JOC, based in Vetlanda, was a prominent Swedish furniture producer active since the early 20th century. The firm gained recognition in the 1950s for its collaboration with Ekselius, successfully merging mass production with design integrity.

The table is in good structural condition, retaining its original materials. The lacquered surface shows wear and patina consistent with age and use, enhancing the character of the wood. The aluminum base is intact with minor surface marks.

The dimensions measure 200 cm in width, 100 cm in depth, and 71.5 cm in height (approximately 78.7 by 39.4 by 28.1 inches).