Someone looked at a Picasso still life and decided the sideboard ought to have working doors. This small cupboard is the result: built by hand from plywood, painted in enamel, and full of angles that have little interest in behaving like conventional furniture.
The two doors open onto a plain little shelf. Above them, a lively arrangement of blue, cream, black and pink planes turns the cupboard into a three-dimensional composition. There is something of an apprentice piece about the making: careful in its ambition, a touch wayward in its execution, and all the better for it. The painted lines and modest hinges are part of the pleasure.
A handwritten note on the back reads “Copied from Picasso’s ‘Still Life on a Sideboard’.” It records the maker’s inspiration; this is an independent, unsigned rendition, not a Picasso work or an authorised edition. The maker and date are unknown, though the materials and construction suggest the mid to late 20th century.
Small enough for a shelf, useful for hiding things of very little consequence, and entertaining even when the doors are shut.
Condition
Good vintage condition for a handmade piece. Minor chips, scuffs and irregularities to the painted finish, particularly around the edges and doors. Both doors open, and the interior shelf is present. Please refer to the photographs for detail.
Dimensions
Height: 26 cm
Width: 19 cm
Depth: 8 cm
Delivery
Qualifies as a smaller item. UK delivery via insured courier/FedEx at checkout; international shipping available—ask for a quote.
