Jean Batenburg for MI brutalist bar cabinet in ebonized oak, Belgium, 1960s

A compact brutalist bar cabinet designed by Jean Batenburg for MI, Belgium, during the 1960s.
 
Executed in solid oak with a dark ebonized finish, the cabinet shares the strongly geometric vocabulary characteristic of Batenburg’s furniture for MI. The two front doors are composed of deeply faceted oak panels arranged in a repeating diamond pattern, giving the otherwise rectilinear cabinet a pronounced three-dimensional surface. The changing angles of the relief catch the light differently across the facade, emphasizing both the geometry and the grain of the oak.
 
Behind the dark exterior, the cabinet opens to reveal a contrasting light-colored interior. The upper section is fitted with integrated lighting, illuminating the interior when in use, while a glass shelf provides space for bottles, glassware or serving pieces. Two pull-out drawers are positioned below the shelf, adding concealed storage within the compact cabinet.
 
The substantial exterior construction contrasts deliberately with the lighter, more functional interior. Raised on simple rectangular legs, the cabinet retains the restrained proportions and architectural character of the larger pieces from the same Batenburg/MI furniture series.
 
The keys are present.
 
Dxhxl: 53x80x100 cm
 
Good vintage condition with visible traces of age and use. The ebonized finish shows rubbing, scratches, small marks and areas of wear, particularly along the top, edges, corners and around the doors, revealing warmer tones of the oak beneath. Please refer to the detailed photographs for the overall condition.