Early 1920s Willem Penaat Higboard in Oak

Willem Penaat, sideboard, oak, The Netherlands, early 1920s

Made in the early 1920s, this delightful sideboard is designed by the Dutch interior designer Willem Penaat (1875-1957). Before 1925, A large part of his work was influenced by the principles of the Amsterdam School with ornate plasticity as one of the key concepts. In contrast with Penaat's approach, the designers affiliated with this movement put more emphasize on the totality of the furniture's shape where construction played a secondary role. They employed conventional artisanal techniques and luxurious materials. Penaat, on the other hand, favored oak wood as his medium and integrated both construction and mechanical production. It is precisely due to this philosophy that the plastic elements can be found in places where they are easy to apply. In this pursuit of simplicity and economical usage, the emphasis remained on aesthetic appeal, with no compromise to functional utility. The fluently carved door handles and spherical feet showcase the fluid plastic forms of this design. The overall aesthetic is harmonized by a construction that relies on symmetrical proportions, a restrained color palette, and the nuanced implementation of ornate plastic elements.

Please note that this item is in good, used condition with signs of wear and use common for the age of the piece. For further details, we encourage you to reach out to our team of design specialists.