Vintage Bookcase by Piet Klaarhamer, 1920s

Description

Modernism, like other movements/trends, didn't happen overnight.
this early dutch modernist bookcase with two large drawers is a good example … more Modernism, like other movements/trends, didn't happen overnight.
this early dutch modernist bookcase with two large drawers is a good example of this pre-modernism phase in which the designer/architect still is looking for a more radical approuch. Because the bookshelf are divided into different sections (4/3/2) the frontfiew gets a more playfull appearance.
i also think that the upper horizontal plank above the drawers sections is to be used (with cushions) as a seating/bench. That's one of the main reasons why it is so heavy made.
this particular bookcase has been discussed with several connoisseurs /art historians. Most of them point at piet klaarhamer (architect). Piet klaarhamer was the mentor of gerrit rietveld and piet elling.
this bookcase shows "de klare lijn" of piet klaarhamer.
it's honnest, straight and sober.
one-of-a-kind
made about 1920.
except for the back and the inside of the drawers the whole bookcase is made of solid oak.
the grips applied in to the frontside of the drawers are artworks on itself. The thickness of the wood on the sides of the bookcase is 4.5 cm.
dimensions: w195 x h190 x d72 cm (bookshelf depth: 37 cm). This piece has an attribution mark,
i am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
issues arising from misattribution less