This Frystark dressing table and stool is an exceptional example of South African vintage craftsmanship, executed in richly figured Imbuia wood. Now scarce due to overharvesting and strict protection, Imbuia is prized for its depth of colour, fine grain, and durability, making pieces like this increasingly rare and highly collectible.
The design balances confident geometry with softened curves, resulting in a sculptural yet refined silhouette. The dresser features two small, lockable central swing-open drawers, ideal for jewellery and personal items, lined in the original red velvet. To the right is a cabinet with a single interior shelf for larger essentials, while the left side offers three drawers fitted with the original streamlined handles, preserving the piece’s authenticity and period character.
The top is crowned with three oval mirrors: a dramatic fixed central mirror flanked by two slightly smaller swivel mirrors, allowing for adjustable viewing angles while creating a striking visual focal point.
A standout feature is the leg design, distinctively splayed and angular, lending an architectural, almost floating quality to the piece. These bold lines are softened by the gently curved apron, achieving a harmonious balance between strength and elegance.
The original matching stool completes the set, crafted in the same warm Imbuia tone and fitted with an angled cushioned seat upholstered in a light, earthy Hertex fabric. Its restrained finish complements the dressing table without competing for attention.
A refined and increasingly rare Imbuia dressing table set, offering both functional elegance and strong collector appeal.
Condition:
The maker’s label is stamped inside the top drawer. The set has been fully restored with great care and is in excellent overall condition. The steel mirror supports and the mirror edging have been resprayed; the locks are functional with the original key present. There is some wear to the red velvet lining of the swing-open drawers, and minor age-related wear to the mirrors, as they are still the original mirrors. Note that the edging on the mirrors has been replaced and sprayed gold to ensure that overall it presents more in line with how they were done originally.
Dimensions:
Dressing table: 122cm W X 49cm D X 165cm H (top of large mirror), 71cm H (dresser top), 57cm H (to bottom of middle section
Stool: 51.5cm W X 34.5cm D X 48cm H
Shipping Information:
If you are purchasing an item and you are based in Cape Town, Durban, or any area outside Gauteng, please select the 'LOCAL PICK-UP' option at check-out and do not choose a shipment option.
Please be aware that we cannot reserve any items until transportation or shipping arrangements have been finalized. Therefore, it is important to purchase the item and proceed with the checkout process.
After your purchase is complete, you are welcome to arrange your own method of transport. If you require our assistance, we can help you obtain a shipping quote based on the dimensions & volumetric weight of the item(s) you have bought.
Please email us at shop@retrend.co.za so we can provide cost estimates for shipping to your area from our preferred suppliers. For more detailed information, please refer to our shipping policy.
Note/Disclaimer:
Our images form part of the item/s description. Although every effort is made to refurbish our furniture to represent its original state best, it must be noted that most of the items we source date from the 1950s to the late 1970s. For this reason, and although restored, signs of their vintage condition & age might still be visible. We will normally point out any visible/notable concerns. Take note of all photos or view the item in-store prior to purchasing.
Transport & Handling Note:
All items are carefully wrapped and prepared for transport by us (not the courier) to ensure safe handling. Once items leave our premises, we cannot take responsibility for their treatment by third-party transporters. We strongly recommend arranging goods-in-transit insurance for comprehensive protection.
Due to the fragility of glass, we do not recommend shipping glass items outside of Gauteng.
For the full shipping policy, please refer to our Shipping Policy for more information: https://retrend.co.za/policies/shipping-policy
As with many Mid-Century pieces, this item features a thoughtful combination of solid wood and high-quality wood veneer. Veneer has a long and respected tradition in furniture making, valued for both its aesthetic and structural benefits. When crafted with skill and applied in substantial thickness, vintage veneer proves highly durable, allowing for careful restoration, including retouching, sanding, and refinishing without compromising the integrity of the piece.