An Important Cuban Mahogany Cabinet, Kaj Gottlob for AJ Iversen, 1929. Cuban Mahogany, Marble, W. 77.5, 36.25, D. 23.25 inches. Offered by H.M. Luther.

  When two of Denmark’s most iconic design figures come together to create a piece of furniture, the results are bound to be spectacular. This important Cuban mahogany cabinet by Kaj Gottlob for AJ Iversen is a stunning example of one such sublime collaboration. Offered by H.M. Luther, New York-based dealers of rare and unique works by the most celebrated designers from Scandinavia and Continental Europe, this highly sophisticated piece was conceived by Gottlob, a leading architect, and crafted by Iversen, an accomplished cabinetmaker. Iversen, along with the many architects and designers he partnered with, including Gottlob, helped pave the way for Danish Modern, an iconic style revered for its clean, graceful lines and reverence for exceptional craftsmanship.

An Important Cuban Mahogany Cabinet, Kaj Gottlob for AJ Iversen, 1929. Cuban Mahogany, Marble, W. 77.5, 36.25, D. 23.25 inches. Offered by H.M. Luther.

According to James Harrison of H.M. Luther, “This piece is important because you have the top cabinetmaker in Denmark, Iversen, working with the top architect and designer in Denmark, Gottlob. It’s important because of what each party’s reputation brings to the work. Visually, this can be seen through the exceptional quality of the piece and its incredible craftsmanship.” Made of beautiful mahogany with choice flame mahogany doors, the cabinet boasts incredible details, including a curved ogee arcade surmounting an inset marble top and delicately arched legs. “It’s an interesting and beautiful design,” says Harrison. “It’s really unlike anything going on in Denmark during this time or anywhere for that matter. Gottlob’s style is different and it’s truly his own.”

Gottlob who, tempered modern forms with classical design principles, was the chief designer for the Danish pavilion at the 1925 Paris Exposition Internationale des arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes --a seminal event that ushered in a new era in modern design, including the rise of the sleek and sophisticated Art Deco style. Gottlob’s designs, which were exhibited at the Expo by Iversen, were met with critical acclaim. Gottlob and Iversen’s partnership went on to last for several years and saw the creation of many important pieces.

This Cuban mahogany cabinet offered by H.M. Luther was displayed by Iversen in 1930 at the preeminent Københavns Snedkerlaugs Møbeludstillinger exhibitions in Copenhagen. Harrison said, “Cabinetmakers would bring their best to these exhibitions. They weren’t necessarily the pieces that were going to make them money, but they were the pieces that they were exceptionally proud of and wanted to show to the public to impress the critics, including other cabinetmakers and the press. They wanted to show that they could make these really amazing designs in luxurious and innovative materials. These exhibitions launched a lot careers, and the most important designers and architects all displayed at these exhibitions.” The cabinet is also featured in Grete Jalk’s tome Dansk møbelkunst gennem 40 år - 40 years of Danish furniture design, another testament to its considerable importance. In the book, Jalk, a celebrated Danish furniture designer, explores the history of the Københavns Snedkerlaugs Møbeludstillinger exhibitions, providing images and articles from every show. Harrison said, “The book is really, really important to Danish Modern design and it offers an incredible cross section of the best pieces.”

An Important Cuban Mahogany Cabinet, Kaj Gottlob for AJ Iversen, 1929. Cuban Mahogany, Marble, W. 77.5, 36.25, D. 23.25 inches. Offered by H.M. Luther.

For more information about this Important Cuban Mahogany Cabinet by Kaj Gottlob for AJ Iversen, view the full listing HERE.