Nanna & Jørgen Ditzel desk

This rare freestanding desk, model 135, was designed by Nanna and Jørgen Ditzel in 1958 and produced by Poul Kolds Savværk in Denmark. It is constructed in wengé, a dense and richly textured tropical hardwood known for its pronounced grain and dark coloration. The piece exemplifies Danish mid-century craftsmanship, combining structural clarity with refined materials in a balanced and symmetrical layout.

The rectangular tabletop is supported by two cabinet pedestals, each housing a set of three drawers. The drawers feature sculpted handles crafted from laminated wengé, with curved profiles that visually soften the otherwise rectilinear geometry. The sharply defined vertical and horizontal lines of the frame are offset by the organic texture of the wood grain, which varies from deep brown to black with golden streaks, characteristic of high-quality wengé.

Nanna and Jørgen Ditzel were central figures in postwar Danish design, celebrated for their exploration of organic forms and inventive use of materials. While their early work often involved experimentation with soft shapes and textiles, this desk reflects a more architectural sensibility and practical clarity. Produced by Poul Kolds Savværk, a lesser-known but skilled Danish workshop, the desk illustrates the Ditzels’ ability to apply their design ethos to functional typologies without sacrificing aesthetic refinement.

This example is in good vintage condition, retaining its structural integrity and surface finish. Signs of wear and a light patina are present, primarily along drawer fronts and desktop surfaces, consistent with age and normal use. The overall tone remains rich, and the piece presents cohesively from all sides, allowing it to function as a freestanding centerpiece.

The desk measures 159.5 cm in width (62.8 inches), 70 cm in depth (27.6 inches), and 70 cm in height (27.6 inches).