Large Parquetry Coffee Table, Poul Cadovius (Danish, 1911–2011)

Poul Cadovius (Danish, 1911–2011) Large Parquetry Coffee Table Manufactured by Cado, Denmark, circa 1960 Teak veneer A fine example of a large mid-century coffee table designed by Poul Cadovius and produced by Cado, Denmark, during the 1960s. The rectangular top features a meticulously arranged parquetry pattern composed of alternating teak veneers, forming a rhythmic grid that exemplifies Cadovius’s architectural approach to surface design. The table’s minimalist structure rests on two broad, sled-style end supports, a hallmark of Cadovius’s preference for geometric simplicity and clean horizontal planes. The use of rich, warm teak and the precise joinery speak to the exceptional craftsmanship of Cado’s production during this period. An original Cado ‘Made in Denmark’ manufacturer’s label is inset to the underside numbered 7404374, confirming authenticity and aligning this example with the company’s golden era of Danish modern design. Mark: Cado, Made in Denmark Poul Cadovius (1911–2011) was one of Denmark’s most versatile and prolific post-war designers. Initially trained as a saddler and upholsterer, he went on to establish his company Royal System in 1945, later rebranded as Cado, which became a leading name in modern Scandinavian furniture. Cadovius is best known for his innovative modular shelving systems, but his tables and cabinets reveal a deep understanding of proportion, structure, and modernist restraint. His work consistently blends functional design with high-quality craftsmanship, qualities that made Cado furniture a mainstay of the Danish design movement of the 1950s and 1960s. The parquet-top coffee tables, such as this example, capture Cadovius’s exploration of material rhythm and visual harmony — an understated yet sophisticated expression of mid-century modernism.