Chest of Drawers by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen, 1940s
About the Item
- Creator:Ole Wanscher (Designer),A. J. Iversen (Cabinetmaker)
- Dimensions:Height: 53.15 in (135 cm)Width: 29.53 in (75 cm)Depth: 20.08 in (51 cm)
- Style:Scandinavian Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1940s
- Condition:Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use. The surface have been polished.
- Seller Location:Uppsala, SE
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3440314276731
Ole Wanscher
A scholar and architect with the heart of an artist, Ole Wanscher helped define the functional, clean-cut style that formed the core of modern Danish furniture design. Influenced heavily by his world travels, Wanscher gained inspiration from English, Asian, Egyptian and traditional Shaker furniture, and he incorporated elements from these styles into his revered mid-century designs.
Wanscher’s deep respect for the use of traditional materials such as quality wood is reflected in his work, which is valued for being both beautiful and built to last. He was also a leader in the postwar “design for everyone” movement, creating many pieces intended for everyday life within the small confines of the average Danish household. Later, Wanscher became a prolific writer on the subject of furniture design. He is considered one of the most significant influences on the world of Scandinavian modernism.
The son of an art historian and a painter, Wanscher studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. From 1925 to 1927, Wanscher worked under the great Danish designer and professor Kaare Klint, who became one of the greatest stylistic influences on his output. Wanscher would go on to work as a professor at the academy from 1955 to 1973.
Wanscher founded his own furniture manufacturing company in 1929. Here he employed the top cabinetmakers of the day, most notably A.J. Iversen, with whom Wanscher collaborated for many years. While the workshop produced seductive handmade furniture with organic materials such as teak and mahogany, Wanscher intended to design durable seating, tables and more for the mass market — he was committed to making quality furniture available to a wider audience.
Of all of Wanscher’s designs, he is perhaps best known for his Colonial chair. This piece — which is part of a collection for Danish manufacturer P. Jeppesens that includes a sofa and a coffee table — exemplifies his penchant for combining minimalist design with traditional craftsmanship. Wanscher’s dining room tables, such as the Rungstedlund table, also epitomize the elegance of his work’s simple silhouettes and careful construction. These sleek tables serve as an ideal centerpiece for both modern and traditionally styled dining rooms, highlighting the versatility of Wanscher’s work.
Wanscher received a gold medal for his exemplary work at the 1960 Milan Triennale. He also received the Copenhagen Carpenters’ Guild Annual Award. Though Wanscher passed away in 1985, his iconic designs and scholarly writings remain relevant to this day.
Find vintage Ole Wanscher tables, seating and case pieces on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Uppsala, Sweden
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
- Swedish Modern Pyramid Mahogany Chest of Drawers, ca 1940sLocated in Uppsala, SESwedish Modern chest of drawers in book matched Pyramid Mahogany from the 1940s. Very nice mahogany pattern on the frontside of the three equally size...Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsMetal
- Swedish Mid-Century Teak Chest of Drawers by Treman, 1960sBy TremanLocated in Uppsala, SEMid-century teak chest of drawers with 5 drawers and round brass handles made by Swedish company Treman in the 1960s. The lower part of the lags has a darker staining which makes a n...Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsBrass
- Swedish mid-century Zebrano chest of drawers, ca 1950sLocated in Uppsala, SESwedish mid-century Zebrano chest of drawers in a minimalist style. Unusual detail of the lowest drawer that is slightly curved at the bottom which makes the overall shape a bit mor...Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsWood
- Unique Eclectic Artistic Chest of Drawer, Early 20th CenturyLocated in Uppsala, SEUnique and artistic pine chest of drawers from the early 20th century. Completely hand painted by a very artistic individual. The multi coloured rim of the top part, that consists of...Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Rustic Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsPine
- Swedish Grace Chiffonier by Erik Chambert for Chamberts Möbelfabrik, 1930sLocated in Uppsala, SEThis Swedish grace chiffonier was designed by Erik Chambert during the 1930s for his own company, Chamberts Möbelfabrik. It displays a very high quality of craftsmanship, with a wide...Category
Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsFelt, Elm, Rosewood
- G.A. Berg, Pair of Birch Stools, 1940sBy Gustaf Axel BergLocated in Uppsala, SEPair of stools designed by Swedish modernist G.A. (Gustaf Axel) Berg in the 1940s. They of course have some resemblance with the very famous Alvar Aalto stool, model 60. Berg actuall...Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools
MaterialsBirch
- Rare Mahogany Three-Drawer Chest by Ole Wanscher for A. J. Iversen, c. 1940'sBy Ole Wanscher, A. J. IversenLocated in Norwalk, CTEnrich your living space with this exceptional Danish Mid-Century chest of drawers, designed by the esteemed Ole Wanscher and crafted by A. J. Iversen in the 1940's. This rare find e...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsWood
- Ole Wanscher Tall Cabinet for A.J. Iversen, DenmarkBy Ole WanscherLocated in San Francisco, CAOle Wanscher design tall cabinet for A.J. Iversen, Denmark. High quality construction and material executed in a refined Scandinavian aesthetic. mahogany case with brass drawer pulls...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Cabinets
MaterialsBrass
- Ole Wanscher Cabinet Produced by Cabinetmaker a.J Iversen in DenmarkBy Ole WanscherLocated in Limhamn, Skåne länVery rare cabinet designed by Ole Wanscher. Produced by cabinetmaker A.J Iversen in Denmark.Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Cabinets
MaterialsBrass
- Ole Wanscher Cabinet Produced by Cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen in DenmarkBy Ole WanscherLocated in Limhamn, Skåne länVery rare cabinet in rosewood and brass designed by Ole Wanscher. Produced by cabinetmaker A.J Iversen in Denmark.Category
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Cabinets
MaterialsBrass
- Ole Wanscher Chest of Drawers in Rosewood for Cabinetmaker A. J. IversenLocated in Copenhagen, DKOle Wanscher chest of drawers in rosewood with bass fittings. Made by master cabinetmaker A. J. Iversen. Chest has four drawers.Category
Vintage 1940s Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsBrass
- Danish Modern Ole Wanscher Teak Chest of DrawersBy Ole WanscherLocated in Kastrup, DKOle Wanscher (Danish 1903-1985). Teak wood chest of drawers designed by Ole Wanscher for Illums Bolighus in the 1960s. The chest of drawers consists of 7 drawers in three differe...Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
MaterialsBrass