Crafoord Auctions Stockholm presents a unique Josef Frank cabinet

Crafoord Auctions presents the most exciting Swedish modern rarity on the auction market in 2023. The Design Sale's main attraction is an exceptional and unique cabinet designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn. The doors and sides of the cabinet are adorned with a total of 50 color lithographs featuring various bird motifs from Magnus Körner's groundbreaking work "Skandinaviska foglar tecknade efter naturen” (Lund 1839–46). Acquired in the late 1940s by Doctor Harald Lindstedt (1900–1977), Torstenssonsgatan 12, Östermalm, the cabinet has been passed down within the family.

The versatile Josef Frank's significance for modern Swedish homes cannot be overstated. His organic, inviting design language, combined with his patterned textiles, has left an indelible mark on Swedish home decor. Frank played a crucial role in spreading the softer modernism, more easily embraced than the radical functionalism. Josef Frank and Svenskt Tenn are hotter than ever, with consistently high auction prices, especially for older items and particularly for the few upholstered cabinets that have come up for sale. These are highly sought after, especially by an international audience.

The cabinet featured in the auction is a magnificent piece from the company's older range. While a few similar models have appeared on the market before, none are identical. Per Ahldén, Curator at Svenskt Tenn, delved deep into the company's archives and shared the following:

"According to Svenskt Tenn's production ledger, there is a sketch of the cabinet with a note about bird images. This cabinet resembles model number 522 but only has a note about fabric covering. The cabinet is entered on the same page in the ledger as cabinet 1140 'Cabinet with copperplate engravings' and was probably manufactured in the first half of the 1940s. The prints come from Magnus Körner's work: 'Skandinaviska foglar tecknade efter naturen ca 1840,' and there is a note next to the cabinet sketch that we can now decipher as 'Körner's bird images 50.-'. Since the cabinet lacks a model number, it is likely a special order."

Mats Bergstrand, CEO of Crafoord Auctions Stockholm with extensive industry experience, is excited:

"At Crafoord Stockholm, we are, of course, both proud and grateful for the opportunity to sell a design piece of this magnitude. Early furniture signed by Josef Frank usually commands very high prices at auction. In this case, it is also an entirely unique piece, making the cabinet appeal to a large international audience. In our marketing, we are directing our focus towards metropolises like New York, London, and Paris. It remains to be seen where in the world the cabinet will end up."

Josef Frank's furniture, lamps, and patterns have long been an international affair. Typically, recognition is high when his creations, many of which are considered modern classics, are presented at auctions. However, the auction's cabinet is something far beyond the ordinary. Andreas Siesing, Curator at Auctionet, comments on the cabinet:

"Besides being a wonderful piece of furniture, the bird cabinet is likely the most exciting modern item I have seen on Auctionet so far. It's fantastic that Crafoord Auctions Stockholm can offer such a show-stopping piece. I look forward to an exciting bidding war."

Bidding for Josef Frank's bird cabinet concludes on November 26, but the auction is already underway. You can follow the bidding process here.