Art Deco Minimalist Scandinavian Larch Cabinet attributed to Rudolf Lorenz for Lorenz Möbel, Vienna, 1928

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Rudolf lorenz – larch cabinet, 1928, austria (lorenz möbel / kuwo)
collector’s rarity – restored, all parts original with functioning … Read more Rudolf lorenz – larch cabinet, 1928, austria (lorenz möbel / kuwo)
collector’s rarity – restored, all parts original with functioning key and lock

this exceptionally rare cabinet, designed by rudolf lorenz in 1928, represents one of the most advanced examples of austrian modernist furniture from the interwar period. Manufactured by lorenz möbel (kunst und wohnung, kuwo) in vienna, the piece embodies a radical aesthetic that anticipated mid-century design language decades before its international breakthrough.

the cabinet is constructed from solid larch and black walnut, two materials chosen for their strong natural character and contrast in tone. The larch’s vibrant, expressive grain has been carefully treated with multiple layers of natural oil, giving the surface a deep, warm sheen and highlighting the organic texture of the wood. The black walnut accents frame and balance the lighter larch in a way that is both modern and timeless. The resulting visual harmony makes this piece a bridge between austrian functionalism and early scandinavian modernism.

the form itself is strikingly pure: clean vertical proportions, subtle geometric rhythm, and a minimalist silhouette that avoids ornamentation. Yet the precision of craftsmanship and the interplay of materials create an understated elegance typical of vienna’s finest furniture of the late 1920s. All hardware, including the original brass lock and key, remains intact and fully operational.

this cabinet was meticulously restored, with full photographic documentation of every stage of the process. Every wooden element, veneer, and fitting was preserved or reconditioned according to museum-level conservation principles — ensuring the piece retains its authentic patina and structure.

founded in 1919, kunst und wohnung (kuwo) operated from josefstädter straße 21 in vienna and became one of the key modernist furniture workshops of the first republic. Under the direction of rudolf lorenz, samuel goldfarb, and oskar reichel, kuwo collaborated with leading architects and designers of the time, including hugo gorge, a former member of the wiener werkstätte. Their work stood for a synthesis of artistic vision and functionality — merging art, architecture, and interior design into a unified modern aesthetic.

this larch cabinet by rudolf lorenz is not only a collector’s rarity but also a tangible document of early modern vienna — a visionary design that foreshadowed the organic minimalism of the 1950s and 1960s. Its sculptural simplicity and material authenticity make it a masterpiece of early 20th-century design history. I have official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs,
designer records,
or other literature sources and take full responsibility for any authenticity issues arising
from
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