Design & History

During the post-war decades, natural materials such as cane, wicker and rattan found a distinctive place within Czechoslovak modern design.

Traditional basket-making techniques were increasingly applied to furniture and domestic objects intended for contemporary interiors. This approach was particularly associated with organisations such as ÚLUV (Ústředí lidové umělecké výroby), which worked to bring traditional craftsmanship into modern Czechoslovak homes during the 1950s and 1960s. Surviving ÚLUV production from the period includes both wooden and rattan magazine and newspaper stands.

This magazine rack appears to belong to that broader tradition. Its bent-cane construction, extensive hand-wrapped joints and combination of practical function with highly decorative craftsmanship are characteristic of Czechoslovak craft-led design of the period.

We have not, however, found archival documentation identifying the designer or manufacturer of this particular model, and therefore prefer to leave its authorship open.

Rather than diminishing the piece, that anonymity allows the craftsmanship itself to take centre stage.

Design Details

The rack is built around two elongated compartments, formed from a series of slender cane rods that curve downwards to create deep, hammock-like supports for magazines and newspapers.

The construction is remarkably open. Very little material is used, giving the rack an almost weightless appearance despite its generous capacity.

At either end, circular bent-cane elements anchor the sweeping curves of the magazine compartments. These are among the most distinctive features of the design, turning a functional structural element into decoration.

The joints are equally beautiful. Instead of being concealed, they are emphasised with tightly wound olive-green bindings, creating small areas of colour and texture throughout the natural honey-toned cane.

Above everything rises the large continuous carrying handle. Its exaggerated height gives the piece an unexpectedly graphic silhouette and makes it instantly recognisable even when empty.

Seen from the end, the design becomes particularly sculptural: the curved magazine supports converge towards the circular lower element while the tall handle creates a strong vertical line through the centre.

Why We Like It

We love how much personality has been given to something as simple as a magazine rack.

From the front, it is all sweeping curves and fine vertical lines; from the side, it becomes an almost abstract composition of circles, arcs and one extraordinarily tall handle. It is one of those objects that becomes more interesting the longer you look at it.

The hand-wrapped joints are particularly lovely. They make the construction completely visible and remind you that this was made by someone who understood the material intimately - bending, joining and binding each element rather than hiding how the object was assembled.

We also love the warm, slightly aged colour of the cane against the muted green bindings. Together they give the piece a wonderfully authentic 1960s character.

Practical, lightweight and genuinely sculptural, it is a beautiful example of how traditional craft could become thoroughly modern.

Condition

The magazine rack remains in good vintage condition, retaining the warm colour and natural patina developed by the cane over approximately sixty years.

There are visible signs of age and previous use throughout, including variations in colour, small marks and areas of wear to the cane and wrapped bindings. These are consistent with the age and handmade character of the piece and contribute to its authentic vintage appearance.

The structure remains stable and the rack is ready for use.

Please refer to the photographs for a detailed record of its condition.

Details

Designer: Unknown
Manufacturer: Unknown
Period: Circa 1960s
Origin: Czechoslovakia
Materials: Cane / Rattan
Condition: Good vintage condition
Quantity: 1

Dimensions

Width: 47 cm
Depth: 23 cm
Height: 63 cm

Delivery & Returns

The magazine rack will be carefully packed and shipped from our studio in Brno, Czech Republic.

EU shipping: €20, confirmed at checkout

We also ship worldwide using trusted international couriers. Please contact us for a tailored shipping quote outside the EU.

EU customers have a 14-day right of withdrawal. Please see our Terms & Conditions for full details.

If you would like to check anything before ordering - from condition and dimensions to delivery - Martin and Amy are always happy to help before and after your purchase.