Dutch Art Deco Amsterdam School Bookcase by Hildo Krop, 1920s

A modestly sized, yet richly detailed Dutch Amsterdam School bookcase in oak with macassar ebony accents. Carved faun heads and flowing woodwork give this piece a presence far beyond its size.

The woodwork beneath the projecting top is particularly striking. A broad oak frieze flows through a succession of rounded, undulating curves, its surface catching the light like a gently folded ribbon. At regular intervals, dark, tapered macassar ornaments punctuate this movement, their rounded ends framed by small horizontal blocks. The contrast between the warm, prominently figured oak and the darker accents lends depth and rhythm to the composition.

At either end of the frieze, carved faun heads project from the upper corners like small guardians. Their pronounced brows, angular cheeks and curling, horn-like forms are boldly modelled, while elongated relief ornaments beneath each face carry the carving down into the frame. Krop is well known for his distinctive use of mythological figures and the close integration of sculpture and structure in his work. T

Slender dark details continue down the front uprights, while the broad macassar plinth anchors the bookcase with its contrasting bands of brown and black grain. Panelled sides are decorated with the same macassar ornaments. Two shelves divide the open interior into three useful tiers, providing space for books, ceramics or a small collection of objects.

The combination of flowing woodwork, contrasting timbers and figurative carving is thoroughly characteristic of the Amsterdam School’s imaginative approach to furniture. A compact bookcase becomes an architectural composition, full of detail.

Hildo Krop (1884–1970) was a leading sculptor of the Amsterdam School whose early experience at Amsterdam’s Gieben furniture factory gave him a practical grounding in furniture making, later informing his own designs and woodcarving. He learned stone carving from fellow sculptor John Rädecker and developed close ties with architects Piet Kramer and Michel de Klerk.

Through Kramer, Krop became involved in the sculptural decoration of Johan van der Mey’s landmark Scheepvaarthuis, executing both his own designs and those of others, including De Klerk. This work led to his appointment with Amsterdam’s Public Works department in 1916. His expressive figures became defining features of the city’s bridges and buildings, working closely with Kramer. Officially honoured as Amsterdam’s city sculptor in 1956, Krop also designed furniture and ceramics, bringing the same sculptural imagination to domestic objects.

Designer	Hildo Krop
Manufacturer
Design Period	1920 to 1930
Production Period	1920 to 1930
Country of Manufacture	Netherlands
Identifying Marks
Style	Art Deco, Modernist, Haagse School, Amsterdamse School, Arts & Crafts
Detailed Condition	Very good expertly restored condition.
Restoration and Damage Details	Completely looked over and refinished
Product Code	0614
Materials	Oak, Macassar Ebony
Color	Brown, Dark Brown
Width	104 cm / 40.9 in
Depth	33 cm / 13 in
Height	98 cm / 38.6 in
Weight Range	Standard — Between 20 kg and 40kg