Art Deco Dresser by Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller, 1930s
Art Deco Dresser by Gilbert Rohde, Herman Miller, 1930s
This stunning dresser showcases Gilbert Rohde's signature aesthetic, combining highly polished birds-eye maple with rich walnut construction. The piece brilliantly balances mid-century modern minimalism with the exquisite craftsmanship and premium materials typical of Art Deco design. The gleaming lacquered birds-eye maple embodies the Art Deco movement's emphasis on opulence and visual impact, while its strong geometric patterns reflect Cubist influences and early modernist principles.
This dresser holds particular importance in design history as it represents the transition between Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern aesthetics. Rohde himself was instrumental in defining modernism's initial phase in America. Widely regarded as one of the 20th century's most significant design figures, Rohde famously helped Herman Miller—later a dominant mid-century modern furniture producer—survive the financial challenges of the Great Depression. His pioneering work created opportunities for subsequent design icons including Ray and Charles Eames, Harry Bertoia, and George Nelson.