Bernhard Pankok (1872 - 1943)

manufactured by the Vereinigte Werkstätten, Munich, iron fittings by Reinhold Kirsch, Munich, oak and iron fittings, in three parts, the two upper chests with hinged doors, each enclosing a shelf, the lower long drawers below a slide, flanked by carved supports, the whole with elaborate side handles

Bernhard Pankok: Malerei, Graphik, Design im Prisma des Jugendstils, exhibition catalogue, Westfälisches Landesmuseum für Kunst und Kulturgeschichte Münster, 1986, pp. 282, 288, 289 (a variant of this model illustrated)
Adolf Schneck, Neue Möbel vom Jugendstil bis heute, München, 1962, p. 69 (a further variant of this model illustrated)
Siegfried Wichmann, Jugendstil Floral Funktional in Deutschland und Österreich und den Einflussgebieten, München, 1984, p. 106 (for a bed table in oak with related fittings by Kirsch)

A striking and rare piece by this important designer. With a slightly darker patina than the catalogue illustration suggests. Old marks and scratches consistent with age and use. Typical minor blemishes to the ironwork. Top of lower section with a seperation to the planks and split to the right side, but these are larger hidden under the upper sections. A solid and well constructed piece of good overall condition. Ready for display.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Pankok presented a comparable example of the current lot in an exhibition in Munich in 1898. The Vereinigte Werkstätten produced this cupboard in various versions such as with a curved edge.
The current lot consists of two chests with side handles forming the upper section of the piece. This type of chest furniture derives from the Middle Ages and was reinterpreted by the English Arts and Crafts movement in the second half of the 19th century. It is typical for Pankok to relate to that stylistic vocabulary of the Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society in his early oak furniture.