Buffetkast van coromandelhout, deels belijmd met amboinawortel c. 1900 - 1930

Curator: Here we have a striking example of Art Nouveau craftsmanship: the “Buffetkast van coromandelhout, deels belijmd met amboinawortel,” or Coromandel Wood Sideboard, partly decorated with Amboina Root. It's dated circa 1900 to 1930 and is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection, attributed to Carel Adolph Lion Cachet. Editor: Wow. It feels like stepping back in time. A time capsule, almost, holding onto secrets from the turn of the century. It has a wonderful warm feeling to it. I love how those various woods swirl together. Curator: The use of coromandel wood, along with the amboina root, exemplifies Art Nouveau's penchant for exotic materials and natural forms. Note the deliberate geometric structuring combined with organic, flowing lines in the carvings. The structure juxtaposes squares, rectangles, and that bold semi-circular arch at its crown. Editor: Those carvings! The delicate woodwork that supports the upper display sections is enchanting. But the upper section gives me a heavy feeling...almost like the spirits trapped behind the glass. Curator: While emotional interpretation has its place, consider the artist’s formal intentions. Cachet likely employed these motifs to evoke a sense of luxury and refinement, reflecting the decorative principles of the movement. Also, the central glazed display section functions as a focal point. Editor: True, it's gorgeous. The warm color palette does create that sense of luxury and... intimacy, too. But maybe the way it towers over us enhances the feeling of holding hidden secrets. Curator: Consider how this sideboard exemplifies Art Nouveau principles—integration of nature, embracing modernity with handcrafted details, and overall symmetry in design. All that aside, I confess to sensing a bit of whimsy about it. Editor: Exactly! Seeing that sense of warmth that surrounds this particular period. Almost feels as if you should place it inside a room while the smell of baked bread wafts through the space.