Highboard Cabinet in Rio Rosewood by Oswald Vermaercke, Belgium — 1960

An exceptional Highboard storage cabinet (tall sideboard) designed in the 1960s by the celebrated Belgian designer Oswald Vermaercker. This centrepiece perfectly embodies the golden age of Belgian modernist design and the Scandinavian refinement that strongly influenced Belgian creation during the mid-twentieth century.

Quality of Materials and Woodwork:
This piece stands out for its use of Rio rosewood veneer (Brazilian Rosewood) of remarkable quality. The wood grain — dark, contrasting and deeply expressive — has been meticulously selected and applied in “book-matched” fashion  across the doors and the top. The flame-like figuring of the rosewood lends this piece a unique sculptural presence and a highly decorative dimension.

Design and Features:

The cabinet presents a superb geometric façade divided into two distinct sections:

• Upper section: Opens via two hinged doors onto a fitted interior, comprising shelves and removable vertical dividers, ideal for use as a bar or writing cabinet.

• Lower section: Fitted with two sliding doors that optimise space, revealing wide adjustable storage shelves.

The signature detail lies in its handles: magnificent rectangular finger pulls, carved directly into the solid wood, typical of Oswald Vermaercke’s craftsmanship. The whole rests on a slender, tapered sledge base, which lends an airy lightness elegantly contrasting with the robustness of the cabinet body.

This piece is in excellent original condition. The original varnish has retained all its lustre, revealing the superb natural, warm patina of the rosewood. Structure perfectly sound and stable. The doors and runners operate smoothly. Only minimal traces of use commensurate with its age. Excellent condition, very fine patina.

‍