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Rare Lajos Kozma Bar Cabinet or Secretary
$11,600
$14,50020% Off
£8,806.50
£11,008.1220% Off
€10,152.46
€12,690.5720% Off
CA$16,409.80
CA$20,512.2520% Off
A$17,666.64
A$22,083.3020% Off
CHF 9,460.83
CHF 11,826.0420% Off
MX$212,876.77
MX$266,095.9620% Off
NOK 119,369.47
NOK 149,211.8420% Off
SEK 109,242.35
SEK 136,552.9320% Off
DKK 75,863.23
DKK 94,829.0420% Off
About the Item
A visually arresting and exquisitely crafted bar cabinet or secretary, attributed to Hungarian architect and artist Lajos Kozma, dating to the 1930s. The front showcases a masterfully executed starburst marquetry facade, radiating in richly figured veneers that combine warmth, movement, and precision. At once decorative and architectural, the piece reflects the height of late Art Deco craftsmanship while subtly pointing toward the restraint and clarity of modernism.
The cabinet’s marquetry—a meticulous process in which thin wood veneers are cut and assembled like a puzzle to form intricate surface patterns—is exemplary. Unlike simple veneer work or inlay, marquetry is an artisanal technique demanding exceptional planning and hand skill. In this case, the dynamic radial pattern creates a sense of depth and motion that elevates the entire form. In the context of early 20th-century design, marquetry served as a bridge between traditional decorative techniques and the emerging abstraction of modern art and design.
The case itself is streamlined and geometrically pure, with a quiet elegance that balances the exuberance of the front. Likely intended as a bar cabinet or writing desk, it offers both sculptural presence and discreet functionality—qualities prized in European interiors of the interwar period.
Lajos Kozma (1884–1948) was one of Hungary’s foremost creative figures of the early 20th century—a true multidisciplinary artist whose work spanned architecture, furniture, interiors, book design, metalwork, and graphic arts. Educated in Budapest and Vienna, he became a driving force in bringing modern design thinking to Central Europe. Kozma’s early works were rooted in the Hungarian Secession and folk tradition, but by the 1920s and ’30s, he had developed a distinct visual language that combined geometric rigor, refined craftsmanship, and modern abstraction.
More than a furniture designer, Kozma was an intellectual and visual thinker who saw each object as part of a total aesthetic environment. His interiors were immersive and holistic, and his furnishings—such as this cabinet—reflect a deep understanding of form, material, and symbolic power. Kozma’s work has become increasingly recognized for its unique blend of regional identity and progressive modernism.
This cabinet survives in wonderfully preserved original condition, with only minor wear consistent with age. The depth of the wood, the sharpness of the marquetry, and the sculptural integrity of the form make it not only a functional piece of furniture, but also a powerful decorative object.
A rare and compelling example of transitional design, it captures the final flourish of Art Deco ornament as it yields to the visual clarity and material focus of modernism—perfect for collectors, curators, and interior designers with an eye for early 20th-century innovation.
- Creator:Lajos Kozma (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 58 in (147.32 cm)Width: 41 in (104.14 cm)Depth: 18 in (45.72 cm)
- Style:Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1930s
- Condition:in excellent shape someone added 2 drill holes for running a light into the cabinet this can be touched up upon request.
- Seller Location:Kilmarnock, VA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU88305257203
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