Rosewood & Walnut Madison Sideboard from De Coene - 1958

This sideboard is well-constructed and detailed in a discrete manner. Produced in rosewood and walnut. The piece shows well-designed lines and interesting details, such as the folding doors. The darker lines that frame the upper drawers feature metal handles that are both functional and aesthetic. The credenza features four doors and eight drawers of which two larger and four smaller. The four tapers legs are connected to the credenza itself and work together aesthetically. The whole piece is unified, modest and simplistic in its design. Yet the use of materials and craftsmanship because of the high-level craftsmanship this lowboard is anything but simple in its execution. De Coene was founded in 1887 in Kortrijk (Belgium) by Jozef de Coene, who was at that time 13 years old. In 1895 his younger brother Adolphe joined the company. In their early years De Coene was inspired by Henry van de Velde, Art Deco and the Arts & Crafts-movement. The company made many custom made furnishings which leads to an expansive growth. After world war one, the brother visited the United States where they became acquainted with laminated wood production, and purchased a wood-stripping machine. They were the first company that made triplex in Belgium which led to the ability to mass produce. In 1954 they received the right to produce Knoll furniture. But although the company produced on a large-scale, there were still world famous for their meticulously detailed, high-quality and Art Deco inspired furniture.