Moderniste Cradle by Kohn

The Museu de les Arts Decoratives de Barcelona has added a new donation to its collection - a cradle manufactured in 1899 in Austria by one of the principle companies dedicated to the production of curved furniture at the turn of the 19th century, Jacob & Josef Kohn.

According to Julio Vives, specialist in curved furniture, this model of cradle was a transcription in the curved wood procedure of a cradle presented at the Universal Exhibition in London in 1851.  

This cradle corresponds to number 3 in the commercial catalogue of J & J Kohn, where other items for children, such as, chairs, highchairs, desks and beds, were published.  

The delicate shapes of the curved wood give the cradle the appearance of being complex yet light.  It´s vapor-like curves give an elegance and visible slenderness to all of its parts - from the feet of the basket to the vertical arm of the headboard where a protective fabric hung to shelter the infant. As well, the basket was curled at its extremes in order to cradle and swing the child, and its interior was completed with bed linens and thick cushions that created a soft, warm and inviting bed, safe for the newborn. 

This sinuous and sensual cradle reflects the Art Nouveau style that prevailed throughout Europe and is one of the models that could be found in wealthy and middle-class homes across the continent.  

Name: Cradle number 3

Author: Jacob & Josef Kohn, Àustria, 1899

Measurements in cm: 201 (height) x 71 (width) x 136 (depth)

Donation: ESPAI CORBAT, 2010

MADB 138.701