Buffet by Étienne Kohlmann, 1960s

Buffet by Étienne Kohlmann, 1960s. France, mahogany. Étienne Kohlmann (1903-1988), French decorator and later architect. Trained at the École Boulle after attending the École Professionnelle de Rambouillet. He joined the Studium du Louvre (the workshop of the Grands Magasins du Louvre department store) at a very young age, becoming its director from 1927 to 1937. He was active in major exhibitions: the 1925 Exposition des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, followed by the 1937 International Exposition (pavilions of Elegance, Adornment, and the Grands Magasins du Louvre, with Émile Aillaud and André Ventre), and the 1939 Exposition in New York, where he presented the clothing industry. Notable projects (1930s): Dr. Debat's laboratories in Garches, offices of the Parisian Electricity Company, Dental Institute… After the war, he focused more on architecture (modernist houses, including a 1964 project near Fontainebleau). An elegant modernism derived from Art Deco: clean geometric lines, functional volumes, high-quality craftsmanship (fine woods, lacquers, metal), and a flair for scenography (display cases, pavilions) that is evident in his furniture and interiors. His pieces still regularly appear at auction (tables, chairs, sets). Dimensions: H 106 W 135 D 49.