Otto Schulz cabinet

This highly distinctive cabinet is a rare and iconic piece designed by Otto Schulz and produced by Boet in Gothenburg, Sweden during the 1930s. The cabinet exemplifies the fusion of Scandinavian craftsmanship with a bold decorative sensibility characteristic of the Art Deco era, combined with Schulz’s singular approach to ornamentation and furniture design.

The exterior is finished in black leatherette, meticulously adorned with the signature “Bopoint” decoration, a technique developed by Schulz involving brass nail heads arranged in figurative compositions. The front surface of the cabinet features an array of stylized zodiac figures and symbols arranged in a grid, culminating in a central motif displaying the number 13, executed entirely in brass studs. These graphical elements lend the piece a rich, almost mystical character, blending folk narrative with modernist abstraction.

Structurally, the cabinet is veneered in elm, partially stained to highlight the natural grain and depth of the wood. The rectangular case sits on a clean-lined base with architectural clarity. The base legs are shaped with subtle curves at the foot and joined by a patinated brass stretcher bar, which reinforces the construction and contributes to the period style. The front panel opens downward via brass hinges to reveal a beautifully finished interior lined in warm-toned wood, with a single glass shelf mounted inside. The cabinet is lockable and retains its original tasselled key.

Otto Schulz (1882–1970) was a German-born architect and designer who moved to Sweden and became a central figure in Swedish decorative arts through his work with Boet, a furnishing company he founded. He was known for promoting comprehensive interior solutions and for his inventive techniques like the Bopoint method, which he patented in 1927. His pieces from the 1930s are highly sought after for their rare combination of utility, eccentricity, and artisanal refinement.

The cabinet remains in good vintage condition with only minor signs of age and use, consistent with its period. The leatherette surface and brass elements exhibit expected patina, enhancing its historic character while preserving its integrity.

This piece represents a significant artifact of Scandinavian Art Deco design and serves as a testament to Otto Schulz’s imaginative and meticulous design language.