Otto Schulz cabinet

This rare cabinet was designed by Otto Schulz and produced by Boet in Gothenburg, Sweden during the 1930s. It exemplifies Swedish Art Deco at its finest, combining masterful craftsmanship with a restrained decorative sensibility characteristic of Schulz’s work. The piece demonstrates his ability to integrate artistic ornamentation into furniture that remains functional and architecturally balanced, reflecting the Scandinavian adaptation of continental Art Deco aesthetics.

The cabinet is constructed in flamed birch with richly figured veneers that display a dynamic, undulating grain pattern. The surface shows a deep golden tone with an expressive natural shimmer, framed by darker stained birch that accentuates its linear structure and rounded corners. The handles, executed in contrasting veneer marquetry, are circular and feature an inlaid motif of a stylized animal among abstracted foliage, a detail that illustrates Schulz’s decorative approach grounded in craftsmanship and material artistry. The geometric form is softened by these natural motifs, combining rational design with artistic embellishment.

The interior is composed of elm, arranged with shelves and a series of drawers designed for functional storage. The drawers have curved front edges, emphasizing both visual softness and fine woodworking precision. This meticulous attention to the interior finish reflects Boet’s reputation for high-quality joinery and refined detailing. The cabinet’s proportions are carefully balanced, standing on low, block-form legs that ground its visual mass while maintaining an elegant silhouette.

The model is documented in Otto Schulz’s own design archive, with both a pencil sketch and watercolor preserved in the Röhsska Museum in Gothenburg (inventory numbers RKM 37:1232-1970 and RKM 37:1423-1970). These archival references confirm its authenticity and its place within Schulz’s oeuvre, where furniture often functioned as both utilitarian object and decorative art.

Measuring 130 cm in width, 48 cm in depth, and 170 cm in height (51.2 x 18.9 x 66.9 inches), the cabinet remains in good vintage condition with a warm, consistent patina and age-related traces of use. It stands as a representative example of Swedish Art Deco furniture, merging natural materials, craftsmanship, and artistic design into a cohesive and enduring work by one of Sweden’s most innovative designers of the early 20th century.