Scandinavian Modern Brass and Leather Table Mirror – Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden 1950’s 1950 - 1959

David Rosén

MetalMirrorBrassLeather
50 ⨯ 36 ⨯ 16 cm
ConditionVery good
€ 2.900

Van Kerkhoff Art

• About the artwork
  A Scandinavian Modern brass table mirror, part of the Futura series, model 523-008. Designed by the Swedish designer David Rosén in the 1950’s. Executed by Nordiska Kompaniet Sweden around the same period.
  
  The mirror is exceptionally well made with beatiful materials. It is rectangular in shape with rounded corners. The handle is wounded with black leather. It can be adjusted in height and angle.
  
  This table mirror is in excellent condition, has it’s original mirror and leather wrapping. Only very slight wear consistent of age and use.
  
  
  About David Rosén
  David Rosén (1910–1993) was a Swedish furniture designer known for his contributions to Scandinavian modernism in the mid-20th century. His work reflected the minimalist yet functional aesthetics characteristic of Swedish design during this period, and he played a significant role in shaping post-war design trends in Sweden.
  
  Rosén is perhaps most recognized for his association with the Swedish furniture company Nordiska Kompaniet (NK), one of the most prominent department stores in Sweden, which also produced its own high-quality furniture. At NK, Rosén held the position of head designer for the furniture department, contributing numerous iconic designs. His furniture often combined traditional craftsmanship with the clean lines, light woods, and elegant functionality that became trademarks of Scandinavian design.
  
  One of Rosén’s most celebrated designs is the “Trienna” chair, a lightweight, molded plywood chair that showcases his ability to blend form and function seamlessly. His work was often produced in woods like oak, birch, and teak, with a focus on creating long-lasting, sustainable designs that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
  
  Though Rosén is less internationally known than some of his contemporaries like Alvar Aalto or Arne Jacobsen, his contributions were crucial to the development of Swedish modernism, and his pieces remain highly valued in the vintage design market today. His designs, while understated, are elegant and timeless, continuing to appeal to collectors and design enthusiasts.
  
  Marked
  Unmarked, well-known design.
  
  Execution
  Nordiska Kompaniet 1950's
  
  Condition
  Very good all original condition.
  
  Dimensions
  Height 50 – 65 cm
  Width 36,5 cm
  Depth 16,5 cm
  
  Literature
  Andreas Siesing, Svenska möbler: folkhemsform i ull, jakaranda, furu och bok 1949–1970
• About the artist

  David Rosén (1898–1986) was a Swedish furniture designer and artist who played a key role in shaping the modern Scandinavian aesthetic. His work embodied the essence of Swedish design: simplicity with depth, functionality with finesse, and a warm connection to everyday life.

  Born in Sweden at the end of the 19th century, Rosén emerged as a versatile designer during a period of great change. He studied at the prestigious Konstfack (University College of Arts, Crafts and Design) in Stockholm and quickly made a name for himself through his meticulous craftsmanship and his sense of balance between tradition and innovation.

  Rosén became best known as the head designer for Nordiska Kompaniet (NK), a leading department store and design house that served as a breeding ground for modern Scandinavian furniture design in the twentieth century. Under his leadership, furniture was designed that was both elegant and accessible—pieces that fit into the salons of the urban elite as well as the living rooms of the growing middle class.

  His designs were recognizable by their clean lines, refined proportions and use of high-quality materials such as teak, birch and walnut. He did not design for adornment, but for life itself: comfortable chairs, functional sideboards and lamps that created atmosphere without imposing themselves. His work was not noisy, but left a deep impression.

  In 1950, Rosén won first prize in an important furniture design competition organized by NK, which further strengthened his reputation. Many of his pieces are still sought after today by collectors of vintage Scandinavian design, and his influence is palpable in the timeless simplicity that still characterizes the genre.

  David Rosén died in 1986, but left behind an oeuvre that stands like a house: understated, durable and well thought-out. His furniture is not relics from a distant past, but quiet companions of modern life — designed with care, made for generations.

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