Antique liqueur cabinet with a swivelling bar compartment

Dimensions: H x W x D: 83 x 41 x 41 cm

Description:
A truly exceptional and rare small bar cabinet from the early 20th century, featuring the understated design of so-called Art Nouveau Classicism.

A multitude of black columns rise from a square base, which rests on heavily flattened ball feet, supporting the rectangular body of the cabinet.
The glazed front immediately reveals the contents of this extraordinary piece of furniture. It is a liqueur cabinet designed to hold ten small glasses as well as two carafes or bottles.
In a fascinating touch that perfectly reflects the taste of the time – a desire to reveal the structural and technical elements – when the glazed door is folded down, a tray suspended from brass pillars swings out, from which the glasses and drinks can now be removed.
The top panel of the cabinet served as a shelf for the drinks – a small ledge at the front prevents the glasses from being accidentally knocked over.

The item comes with nine glasses (see attached photos), eight of which appear to be original fittings. The carafes are not original fittings of the cabinet and are not included in the delivery.

Interesting facts:
Around 1900, Art Nouveau developed into a distinct stylistic language in various European art centres. Whilst French Art Nouveau in particular was often characterised by curved, floral forms, a design style that was increasingly geometric and influenced by classicism emerged in Vienna. In Germany, too, different regional variations of this new style emerged.

The liqueur cabinet on offer here features a clear geometric structure with architecturally designed columns and understated ornamentation. There are stylistic parallels with the Vienna Secession style, whose leading designers – such as Koloman Moser, Otto Wagner and Josef Hoffmann – drew upon classical design elements and brought the column back into focus both as a design feature and as a structurally load-bearing component. However, this does not allow us to conclude with certainty that it originates from the Vienna region.

Condition:
Restored. Functions perfectly.

Price: €2,400