Vintage Art Deco Wardrobe in Burl Wood and Oak Veneer, Germany, 1930s

Details

Description

This exceptional wardrobe was crafted in Germany between the late 1930s and early 1950s and embodies the transition from decorative … Read more This exceptional wardrobe was crafted in Germany between the late 1930s and early 1950s and embodies the transition from decorative late Art Deco to early functional furniture design. Its serene architecture is defined by an extraordinary combination of hand-sawn oak veneer and impressively grained burl wood. The central doors, in particular, captivate with their almost mirror-image grain, which, depending on the viewing angle, evokes a stylized guardian figure or a lion's head – a naturally formed work of art in the wood.

During the restoration, the character of the original was consciously preserved. Decades of soiling were carefully removed, all wooden surfaces were cleaned by hand, finely sanded, and gently brushed, revealing the vibrant structure of the oak. The piece was then coated with several layers of a homemade beeswax and meticulously hand-polished. This resulted in a warm, silky-matte finish that naturally reflects light.


During the restoration, the character of the original was consciously preserved. Minor historical damage to the veneer was not concealed, but rather stabilized with shellac and subtly highlighted with delicate gold accents. This deliberate restoration philosophy evokes the Kintsugi concept: the furniture's history remains visible and becomes part of its beauty.

The cabinet also impresses functionally. Behind the doors, on the left, is a spacious shelving area, and on the right, a tall wardrobe section with a sturdy brass clothes rail and hat shelf. The high-quality craftsmanship, with its solid joints, characteristic fittings, and elaborate veneer work, underscores its heritage from a time when furniture was built to last for generations.

with its exceptional materiality and understated elegance, this cabinet is equally suitable for sophisticated living spaces, boutique hotels, exclusive vacation homes, interior design projects, or high-end commercial premises.

Details

Origin: Germany
Period: ca. 1938–1952
Style: Late Art Deco / Early Modern
Material: Solid wood, hand-sawn oak veneer, burl veneer
Surface: Cleaned, hand-sanded, brushed, treated with beeswax, and hand-polished
Restored areas with shellac and fine gold accents
Original brass clothes rail
Condition: Very good restored vintage condition with age-related wear
Dimensions
Height: 188 cm
Width: 180 cm
Depth: 60 cm See less