Antique Art Nouveau Cupboard with Oval Glazed Doors, 1890s

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Description

This stylish sideboard can be classified as Art Nouveau with historicist touches. Characteristic features include the softly curved lines of … Read more This stylish sideboard can be classified as Art Nouveau with historicist touches. Characteristic features include the softly curved lines of the upper section, the delicate floral carvings, and the oval glass elements with cut-glass motifs, which are further emphasized by the narrow glass panels of the small, curved central door of the main body. Historical Context: Around 1900, sideboards with upper sections were a standard feature in middle-class dining rooms, serving to store and display dishes, glassware, and decorative objects. The combination of closed compartments, glazed doors, and drawers fulfilled the need for order and visibility, while decorative elements conveyed craftsmanship and social aspirations. Features: The oval glass inserts with a cut-glass star motif and the vertically divided faceted glass in the central section are striking design details of this piece. The curved upper section with carved corner ornaments and a central decorative element structures the upper area clearly and symmetrically. Design: This two-part buffet was created around 1910 during the transition from late Historicism to Art Nouveau and features restrained ornamentation with a clear structure. The balanced proportions between the base, the glazed middle section, and the curved upper section give the piece a cohesive and serene appearance. Function: Originally used for storing tableware, cutlery, and provisions in the dining room, the buffet can still be used in the dining area today or as a structured storage unit in the kitchen, living room, or hallway. Dimensions in cm: Height 205 × Width 120 × Depth 49. Material and Condition: Solid oak, glazed doors with beveled edges and decorative metal fittings. Very well-preserved, age-appropriate condition with few signs of wear; structurally inspected and repaired, stable and fully functional. See less