
Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn Early Edition 'Flora' Cabinet
View Similar Items
Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn Early Edition 'Flora' Cabinet
About
Details
- Creator:Svenskt Tenn (Manufacturer),Josef Frank (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 58.67 in (149 cm)Width: 47.25 in (120 cm)Depth: 16.93 in (43 cm)
- Style:Scandinavian Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1940s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Every item Morentz offers is checked by our team of 30 craftsmen in our in-house workshop. Special restoration or reupholstery requests can be done. We guarantee a very high-quality standard, ask our design specialists for detailed information.
- Seller Location:Waalwijk, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: 501121051stDibs: LU933131237802
About the Designer
Josef Frank
Austrian architect and furniture and fabric designer Josef Frank was a leading voice for a gentle, humane modernism. His advocacy of warm, comfortable, eclectically styled environments was highly influential in his adopted country of Sweden, and it’s now widely regarded as a harbinger of the backlash against doctrinaire modernism and the embrace of the homespun that occurred in the late 1960s.
The son of a successful Viennese textile manufacturer, Frank studied architecture at Vienna University of Technology, graduating in 1910. From the first years of his practice, he marched counter to the orderly, symmetrical architectural layouts and decors prescribed by contemporaries such as Adolf Loos.
Frank drafted rooms of varying shapes and called for flexible interior-design arrangements. His furniture pieces are light and easy to move — and his chairs are always made of wood, most often with lushly curved steam-bent arms and slatted backs. Frank openly loathed the tubular steel furnishings and “machine for living” aesthetic promoted by Le Corbusier and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and other Bauhaus principals. “The home must not be a mere efficient machine,” Frank once said. “It must offer comfort, rest and coziness…. There are no puritan principles in good interior decoration.”
Frank — who was Jewish — sensed the dire implications of the rise of Nazism in Germany and Austria, and in 1933 he moved to Stockholm with his Swedish wife, Anna. He became the design chief for the furnishings maker Svenskt Tenn and found a perfect match culturally for his brand of simple, relaxed and bright creations. Like many modernists — notably Charles and Ray Eames and Alexander Girard — Frank had a deep love of folk art, which influenced his designs for a wide array of colorful, richly patterned upholstery fabrics, many based on the classic “Tree of Life” motif.
In all his designs, Frank took inspiration from a broad variety of sources. In his furniture, one can discern traces of Asian patterns, Rococo, Italian Renaissance, Scandinavian handicrafts and even Chippendale pieces. As such, the work of Frank — the friendly modernist — is at home in any type of décor.
Find vintage Josef Frank pillows, armchairs, floor lamps and other furniture on 1stDibs.
About the Manufacturer
Svenskt Tenn
Today, the name Svenskt Tenn is associated around the world with the vibrant, modernist textiles and furniture of Josef Frank, who was the Swedish company’s chief designer in the mid-20th century. But the term “svenskt tenn” actually means “Swedish pewter,” and the very first goods the company sold were stylish pewter objects, such as an elegant 1927 candelabra found in the collection of the Saint Louis Art Museum, or a sleek, understated mirror in the collection of the National Museum of Fine Arts. These pieces were designed to appeal to discerning but price-conscious shoppers in 1920s-era Stockholm.
Art teacher and interior designer Estrid Ericson (1894–1981) partnered with pewter artisan Nils Fougstedt (1881–1954) to establish Svenskt Tenn in 1924, and their creations quickly gained a reputation for high quality and affordability, winning a gold medal at the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris in 1925 — the design fair that brought global attention to the Art Deco style.
The experience of renovating her own apartment in the 1920s exposed Ericson to Swedish functionalism — or funkis, as it was known in Sweden — a branch of modernism that advocated uncomplicated forms, subdued colors and utility. She was inspired to open an interior design department at Svenskt Tenn, and in 1930 the firm introduced its first line of furniture.
Selections included items produced by the companies Gemla and Bodafors, as well as original designs by Ericson and the architects Uno Åhrén and Björn Trägårdh, who had worked together on the redesign and expansion of the showroom. The trio’s furniture was displayed at Stockholm’s Galleri Modern in 1931, where it was met with praise from critic Gotthard Johansson, a leading proponent of Swedish functionalism. Johansson admired the “pure lines” and “modern austerity” of the furniture, establishing Svenskt Tenn as an important voice in Swedish design.
But the signature partnership that would come to define the look of Svenskt Tenn was in part the result of political turmoil and the emergence of Nazism in Europe. When Josef Frank fled Vienna for Stockholm in 1933, he was already an accomplished architect who questioned modernist orthodoxy in design. He disliked tubular steel furniture and believed that monochromatic surfaces were distressing to viewers, while pattern and ornament gave interiors a sense of warmth and calm. Ericson was an admirer of Frank’s work, and offered him the chance to design products for Svenskt Tenn. Their professional partnership, particularly in textile design, would eventually become one of the hallmarks of Swedish modernism.
Frank and Ericson collaborated from 1934 until Frank’s death in 1967, with Frank creating unmistakable, bold designs and Ericson employing her flair for interiors, merchandising and display. The pair called their shared approach “Accidentism” or “The Happy Chances Philosophy,” mixing and matching the new and antique, the serious with the playful and pattern with solid colors to find eclectic new combinations in their showroom.
Frank’s textiles are like a visual catalogue of exotic plants and flowers, geological formations and maps, inspired in part by Ericson’s world travels and by Frank’s love of folk art. Svenskt Tenn continues to sell fabric, wallpaper and household goods, many of which sport variations of Frank's signature botanical motifs. Antique and vintage Svenskt Tenn pewter, lighting, furniture, textiles and decorative objects are generally priced anywhere from $2,500 to $25,000 depending on scale and condition.
The tenets of Scandinavian modernism are as fresh and relevant now as they were in the 1950s — light-filled and airy rooms with white walls are perfect settings for comfortable furniture upholstered in one of Josef Frank’s indelible patterns, and nearly a century since its founding, the signature aesthetic of Svenskt Tenn remains as distinctive and timeless as ever.
Find antique and vintage Svenskt Tenn mirrors, seating, tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.

Established in 2006, Morentz has a team of approximately 55 restorers, upholsterers, interior advisers and art historians, making it a gallery, workshop and upholstery studio, all in one. Every day, a carefully selected array of 20th-century furniture arrives from all over the world at the firm’s warehouse, where the team thoroughly examines each piece to determine what, if any, work needs to be done. Whether that means new upholstery or a complete restoration, Morentz's aim is always to honor the designer’s intention while fulfilling the wishes of the client. The team is up to any challenge, from restoring a single piece to its original glory to furnishing a large-scale hotel project.
- Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn Early Edition 'Flora' CabinetBy Svenskt Tenn, Josef FrankLocated in Waalwijk, NLJosef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, cabinet ‘Flora’, early edition model 852, mahogany, oak, hand-colored paper, Sweden, designed circa 1937/38, produced 1946/47s. This cabinet follows F...Category
Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Cabinets
MaterialsPaper, Mahogany, Oak
- Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn 'Liljevalchs' SofaBy Svenskt Tenn, Josef FrankLocated in Waalwijk, NLJosef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sofa Nr. 345 - 'Liljevalchs', velvet, wood, Sweden, design 1934 This spacious and extremely comfortable sofa is designed by Austrian architect and de...Category
Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Sofas
MaterialsFabric, Wood
- Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn 'Model 2139' Coffee Table in Walnut BurlBy Svenskt Tenn, Josef FrankLocated in Waalwijk, NLJosef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, coffee table model 2139, walnut burl top, walnut legs, maple rim, Sweden, design 1948, manufactured ca. 1955 This classic coffee table is designed by J...Category
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsMaple, Walnut, Burl
- Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn 'Model 2139' Coffee Table in Walnut BurlBy Svenskt Tenn, Josef FrankLocated in Waalwijk, NLJosef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, coffee table model 2139, walnut burl top, walnut legs, maple rim, Sweden, design 1948 This classic coffee table is designed by Josef Frank in 1948. This specific coffee table is produced circa 1955, meaning that it is an early version. The table features a walnut burl top and classic walnut cabriole legs. The most striking feature is the richly patterned burl wood top. The three legs create a playful yet classic appearance. Josef Frank (1885-1967) was an Austrian architect. He studied architecture at the Kunstgewerbeschule. He started out by designing public housing and social architecture. Although at the beginning of his career he was one of the frontrunners of the Vienna...Category
Vintage 1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsWalnut, Burl
- Early Pierre Chapo Cabinet 'R18' in Solid OakBy Pierre ChapoLocated in Waalwijk, NLPierre Chapo, cabinet, model 'R18A', solid oak, France, circa 1960 This design is an early edition, created according to the original craft methodology of Pierre Chapo. The 'R18' bu...Category
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsOak
- Hans Wegner for RY Møbler 'RY100' Cabinet in Teak and OakBy Ry Møbler, Hans J. WegnerLocated in Waalwijk, NLHans J. Wegner for Ry Møbler, cabinet, model 'RY100', teak, oak, maple, Denmark, 1960 Beautiful cabinet designed by Danish furniture master Hans J. Wegner for Ry Møbler. This piece ...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Cabinets
MaterialsMaple, Oak, Teak
- Josef Frank Cabinet for Svenskt TennBy Josef FrankLocated in Pawtucket, RIBeautiful, elegant and large sideboard designed by Josef Frank. Manufactured by Svenskt Tenn, circa 1940s. Cabinet features four doors concealing one adjustable shelf per compartment...Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Cabinets
MaterialsBrass
- Josef Frank 'Gustav V' Cabinet in Rosewood, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950sBy Svenskt Tenn, Josef FrankLocated in The Hague, NLThis elegant rosewood cabinet was designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn in the late 1930's. In the Svensk Tenn archive's furniture book, Estrid Ericson (the founder of Svenskt Tenn) has made a pencil sketch of the cabinet and written "designed for the King", Gustaf V, likely for his 80th birthday in 1938. So this particular model 792 also became known as the Gustav V model. The rare cabinet on offer here was produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden in the early 1950s. The model was usually produced in pyramid mahogany, only a few pieces were made in rosewood. The cabinet has double doors, veneered in mirorred rosewood, with a solid oak interior with a total of 10 pull-out drawers. Brass key and round brass door hinges...Category
Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Cabinets
MaterialsOak, Rosewood, Wood
- Mahogany and Brass Chest of Drawers by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, SwedenBy Svenskt Tenn, Josef FrankLocated in Stockholm, SECool mahogany chest of drawers by Josef Frank, with an amazing, playful silhouette. Elegant brass handles.Category
Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsBrass
- Josef Frank Bookshelf, Svenskt Tenn, 1950sBy Svenskt Tenn, Josef FrankLocated in Los Gatos, CARare, Josef Frank (1885-1967). Bookshelf. Model number 1142. Company Svenskt Tenn 1950s. Veneered in mahogany. Measures: L 200, W 50, H 130 cm.Category
Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Bookcases
MaterialsMahogany
- Midcentury Mahogany Sideboard by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950sBy Svenskt Tenn, Frank JosefLocated in Stockholm, SEElegant mahogany sideboard by Josef Frank, in a rare large size. Decorative brass details.Category
Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sideboards
MaterialsBrass
- Cabinet on Stand Model 2135 Designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, SwedenBy Josef FrankLocated in Stockholm, SECabinet on stand model 2135 designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s. Cherry wood and alder root veneer. Signed. Dimensions: H: 140 cm / 4' 7" W: 105 cm / 3' 5 1/2"...Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsCherry
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More

Morentz Writes the Next Chapter for Furniture with a Storied Past
Dutch dealer Matthijs Hoveijn specializes in the best of mid-century modern design, selling it to discerning clients around the world.

Paris Designer Luis Laplace Enlivens Old-World Rooms with Art
The Argentinian-born talent has a knack for helping serious collectors show off their impressive holdings.
The 1stDibs Promise
Learn MoreExpertly Vetted Sellers
Confidence at Checkout
Price-Match Guarantee
Exceptional Support
Buyer Protection
Trusted Global Delivery