By Carl Malmsten
Located in Stockholm, SE
Desk designed by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1934.
Mahogany with inlays of walnut.
Unique. Signed C.Malmsten.
This mahogany desk by Carl Malmsten from 1934 has simple lines and exquisite inlays of walnut. Signed and dated by Malmsten himself on the inside of one of the drawers, the piece is unique and was made on commission. In the upper right corner, large letters state “ORA ET LABORA”, a Latin phrase meaning “pray and work”.
While the desk’s shape is functionalist, the classical marquetry with stylised garlands, foliage, and geometric patterns is characteristic of the Swedish Grace period. The contrast between a stripped-down formal aesthetic and rich, ornamental details is precisely what defined furniture...
Category
1930s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scandinavian Furniture