Rare Freestanding Chest In Brass, Parchment And Walnut By Josef Frank, 1940s
Malmö, Sweden
Hassle-free returns
-
Easy returns (14 days)
-
Free return if the item isn't as described
-
Buyer protection
Damage is rare, and you're fully protected if it happens.
Dimensions
Wear Condition
Good
Material
Brass, Paper, Walnut
Style
Mid Century Modern, Modernist, Vintage, Minimalist, Scandinavian Modern
Product Details
Description
This exceptionally rare freestanding chest, designed by Estrid Ericson and Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn in Sweden during the 1940s, exemplifies a distinctive fusion of decorative artistry and functional modern design. It serves as a key representation of Svenskt Tenn’s ethos under Ericson’s leadership and Frank’s visionary approach, which emphasized eclecticism, craftsmanship, and a global sensibility rooted in European and Asian traditions.
The exterior of the chest is clad in hand-painted parchment, an artisanal surface treatment that transforms the functional furniture form into a decorative object. The parchment is adorned with a vivid botanical composition dominated by large peonies, scrolling foliage, and a stylized pheasant—a motif that blends Asian decorative iconography with Frank’s imaginative naturalism. The color scheme is carefully balanced, combining earthy neutrals with saturated greens and reds, lending the piece both visual depth and ornamental richness. The hand-rendered detailing ensures each motif is unique, reflecting the bespoke quality of the object.
Original brass hardware complements the decorative surface without competing with it. A central circular lock plate serves as the focal point of the front elevation, flanked by two side-mounted handles that add both compositional balance and functional utility. The brass has developed a soft patina over time, contributing to the historic character of the piece. Upon opening, the chest reveals an interior lined in deep blue fabric, a luxurious detail that contrasts strikingly with the parchment exterior and enhances the sense of refinement and surprise upon use.
The chest is mounted on a solid walnut base with a rectilinear profile and softly chamfered edges. The warm tone and fine grain of the walnut subtly ground the visual complexity of the upper portion, providing both physical and aesthetic stability. The minimalistic character of the base reflects Frank’s ability to harmonize ornamentation with clarity of form, reinforcing the modernist underpinnings of the design.
Measuring 73 cm in width, 46 cm in depth, and 70.5 cm in height, this chest is scaled for versatile use—as a decorative storage object, a focal piece within a curated interior, or a statement of mid-century design artistry. Its condition reflects careful preservation, with visible signs of aging on the parchment contributing to its authenticity and storied provenance.
As a collaboration between Estrid Ericson, the entrepreneurial founder of Svenskt Tenn, and Josef Frank, one of the most influential designers in 20th-century Swedish design, this piece stands as a testament to a partnership that fundamentally redefined the aesthetics of modern interiors. The chest’s marriage of decorative opulence and practical design is emblematic of their shared vision and remains a rare and compelling artifact within the legacy of Scandinavian decorative arts.
Additional information:
Material: Brass, Parchment, Walnut
Style: Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern
Producer: Svenskt Tenn
Period: 1940s
Country: Sweden
Dimensions: W: 73 / D: 46 / H: 70.5
Item Number: 155892
Condition report:
Good. Wear consistent with age and use.
Wear Condition
Good
Cancellations
We offer free cancellations and full refund for orders cancelled before dispatching. View full policy.
Returns
We have a 14-day return guarantee for orders from individual sellers, within the UK and European Union. View full policy.
Additional Delivery Info from Seller
Free collection available
Yes
Made to Last
The average lifespan of a Vinterior piece is 100 years, while modern flat-pack typically takes just 3 years to reach landfill. When you choose pre-loved, you can shop with confidence in quality, craftsmanship and longevity. With our top-rated customer service team and price match guarantee, there's no better way to shop pre-loved.
Professional Seller
Shopping at Vinterior
Similar Chests of Drawers
Similar Chests of Drawers
You may also like
You may also like
Add to a wishlist
Create Wishlist
Completethe room
Good design is all in the layering. Whether you're adding impact or refining the details, now’s the time to find what’s missing.
Wear conditions
Excellent
Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.
Good
May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.
Average
Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.
Apparent Wear and Tear
Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.
Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.
Cancellations and Returns
Last updated: 12/02/2026
Clear, predictable protection for every pre-loved purchase.
Simple £75 flat return fee for UK-to-UK mainland furniture when you change your mind.
Applies to furniture with a final selling price of up to £5,000 (excluding delivery and service fees) and delivered from a UK mainland seller to mainland UK addresses. Excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly.
Buying vintage should feel inspiring, not uncertain.
Every order on Vinterior is backed by straightforward returns, free cancellations, and extra peace of mind for UK furniture purchases.
1. Free cancellations
Changed your mind before dispatch?
You can cancel any order before it's shipped for a full refund, including delivery.
To cancel an order, click Create cancellation on the order page.
Once an item has been dispatched, delivery costs are not refundable.
Bespoke, personalised or made-to-order pieces cannot be cancelled.
2. Returning an item
You have 14 days from delivery to request a return.
There are two return types:
A. The item isn't as described (free return)
If your piece arrives and it doesn't match the listing in any material way (incorrect description, undisclosed damage, inaccurate measurements, misleading photos), you are fully protected:
- Free return
- The seller or Vinterior arranges pickup
- Full refund, including outbound delivery costs once the seller receives the item
This applies to all purchases.
B. You changed your mind
UK-to-UK furniture deliveries:
To make UK furniture returns predictable and stress-free, we offer a simple flat return fee of £75.
- Applies to furniture delivered from a UK mainland seller to a mainland UK address. Excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly.
- Pickup arranged for you
- One clear fee, no surprises
We coordinate the return with either the seller's chosen courier or our trusted delivery partner.
All other items
Most smaller items are straightforward to return.
You can still return your item within 14 days.
- For smaller or parcel-sized items, you can choose to post the item back yourself using a tracked service, or the seller can suggest a preferred courier.
- For larger or more fragile pieces, the seller may recommend the safest return method.
- Return delivery costs vary depending on size and courier.
The seller will confirm the best option based on the item.
3. If your item arrives damaged
Damage on arrival is uncommon, especially for UK furniture deliveries.
But if something does go wrong, you're fully protected.
- Let us know as soon as possible (ideally within 72 hours of delivery) so we can resolve things quickly
- Share photos so we understand what happened
- We’ll help arrange a return and refund if needed
You’re always protected when something goes wrong in transit.
Your statutory rights apply for up to 30 days from delivery.
4. What can't be returned
Some items cannot be returned:
- Bespoke, personalised, or made-to-order pieces
- Items altered after delivery
5. How to start a return
- Log in to your Vinterior account
- Open your order
- Click Create a return
- Add notes + photos if relevant
We'll guide you through the rest.
6. What happens next
- We review your request, confirm the return and advise on next steps
- Pickup or return method is arranged
- The item is returned to the seller
- We issue your refund once the seller confirms the item's condition
Returns are completed smoothly once the pickup is arranged.
7. Refunds
Once the seller receives the piece back in the same condition it was sent, we'll issue your refund to your original payment method.
Once a refund is issued, it may take up to 5–10 working days for the funds to appear back on your original payment method, depending on your bank or card provider.
If the item is returned with new damage that wasn't present at delivery, the refund may be adjusted following review.
Need help?
If you have questions about a return or your order, our support team is here to help. Email us at [email protected] or find other ways to contact us here.
What your service fee covers
-
14-day return guarantee
-
Flat-fee return shipping on UK furniture
-
Seller vetting
-
Dedicated customer support
| Order Value (£) | Fee (£) |
|---|---|
| 0 — 49.99 | 2.75 |
| 50 — 99.99 | 5.50 |
| 100 — 199.99 | 11.00 |
| 200 — 399.99 | 21.00 |
| 400 — 599.99 | 30.00 |
| 600 — 799.99 | 40.00 |
| 800 — 999.99 | 50.00 |
| 1,000 — 1,499.99 | 55.00 |
| 1,500 — 1,999.99 | 60.00 |
| 2,000 — 4,999.99 | 82.50 |
| 5,000+ | 110.00 |
Added at checkout, based on your basket total.
