Wooden Key Cabinet with Botanical Hazelnut Print Behind Glass, Varese-Milano, 27 × 22 cm – Vintage 1970s/80s

A clever piece of functional wall decor: a solid wood key cabinet from Italy that looks like a framed antiquarian botanical print.

Design

Behind the glazed door, a detailed botanical illustration shows the American hazelnut (Corylus americana / "Nocciuolo Americano") in the style of old natural-history plates. The door opens on brass hinges and closes with a magnetic latch marked "Varese – Milano". Inside, two wooden bars with brass hooks hold keys or small jewelry.

Details & Condition

• Origin: Italy (Varese – Milano)
• Material: solid wood, glass, paper print, brass hooks and hinges, magnetic latch
• Height: approx. 27 cm / 10.6 in
• Width: approx. 22 cm / 8.7 in
• Hanging: sawtooth hangers on the back
• Date: 1970s–1980s
• Condition: good; wood with age marks and minor scuffs, print crisp and well preserved, door closes securely; some interior hooks have been replaced with screws (see photos)

Uses

For a hallway, study or reading nook – ideal for Dark Academia and cottagecore interiors and a clever housewarming gift.

Care

Dust the wood dry; clean the glass with a soft cloth.

At the flea market in Heidenreichstein the cabinet hung unassumingly on a partition – only when someone opened the door did it reveal its secret.

A herbarium for keys — Things with Soul · VintageAustriaShop