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An exceptionally rare matching pair of Model 3626/3627 dressers designed by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller, beautifully illustrating the moment when American furniture was transitioning from the streamlined glamour of Art Deco into what would become Mid-Century Modernism.
What makes this offering particularly special is the matching pair. We have handled one of these chests previously—and it sold remarkably quickly—but this is the first time we have been able to offer two together. Finding a single example is uncommon; encountering a matched pair is considerably more difficult.
The dressers are constructed in a striking combination of bird’s-eye maple and dark mahogany. The highly figured bird’s-eye maple creates a luminous, almost shimmering surface across the broad drawer fronts and tops, while the deep mahogany cases, plinth bases, and long horizontal pulls provide a dramatic architectural contrast. Bird’s-eye maple has long been prized for its unusual figuring, scarcity, and decorative character, and Rohde uses it here to exceptional effect.
Each chest features four generously proportioned drawers with long, slender pulls extending horizontally across the fronts. Rather than relying on applied ornament, Rohde creates visual interest through material, proportion, contrasting woods, and strong horizontal lines—an approach that feels remarkably modern for the period. The recessed bases and dark outer cases visually frame the lighter maple fronts, giving the pieces a distinctly architectural quality.
These chests are particularly interesting from a design-history perspective. Their luxurious woods and sophisticated detailing retain a connection to Art Deco and Streamline Moderne, while their simplified geometry, functional organization, and lack of unnecessary decoration point directly toward the emerging language of American Mid-Century Modern design. Rohde was instrumental in bringing this modernist philosophy to Herman Miller and helping transform the company into one of the most important names in American modern furniture.
One of the two chests retains its original Herman Miller label, providing an important mark of authenticity and provenance.
Offered together, the pair has tremendous presence. They could function as matching bedroom dressers, oversized nightstands, or as symmetrical storage pieces flanking a bed, artwork, or architectural feature. The combination of rare materials, restrained geometry, and the unusual opportunity to acquire a matching pair makes these an especially compelling example of early American modernism.
Designer: Gilbert Rohde
Manufacturer: Herman Miller
Models: 3626 / 3627
Materials: Bird’s-eye maple and mahogany
Period: Early American Modern / Art Deco–Modernist transition
Provenance: One chest retains its original Herman Miller label
Condition: Vintage originals
Quantity: Rare matching pairA sophisticated and increasingly difficult-to-find Gilbert Rohde design that captures the pivotal period when Art Deco gave way to American Mid-Century Modernism.
An exceptionally rare matching pair of Model 3626/3627 dressers designed by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller, beautifully illustrating the moment when American furniture was transitioning from the streamlined glamour of Art Deco into what would become Mid-Century Modernism.
What makes this offering particularly special is the matching pair. We have handled one of these chests previously—and it sold remarkably quickly—but this is the first time we have been able to offer two together. Finding a single example is uncommon; encountering a matched pair is considerably more difficult.
The dressers are constructed in a striking combination of bird’s-eye maple and dark mahogany. The highly figured bird’s-eye maple creates a luminous, almost shimmering surface across the broad drawer fronts and tops, while the deep mahogany cases, plinth bases, and long horizontal pulls provide a dramatic architectural contrast. Bird’s-eye maple has long been prized for its unusual figuring, scarcity, and decorative character, and Rohde uses it here to exceptional effect.
Each chest features four generously proportioned drawers with long, slender pulls extending horizontally across the fronts. Rather than relying on applied ornament, Rohde creates visual interest through material, proportion, contrasting woods, and strong horizontal lines—an approach that feels remarkably modern for the period. The recessed bases and dark outer cases visually frame the lighter maple fronts, giving the pieces a distinctly architectural quality.
These chests are particularly interesting from a design-history perspective. Their luxurious woods and sophisticated detailing retain a connection to Art Deco and Streamline Moderne, while their simplified geometry, functional organization, and lack of unnecessary decoration point directly toward the emerging language of American Mid-Century Modern design. Rohde was instrumental in bringing this modernist philosophy to Herman Miller and helping transform the company into one of the most important names in American modern furniture.
One of the two chests retains its original Herman Miller label, providing an important mark of authenticity and provenance.
Offered together, the pair has tremendous presence. They could function as matching bedroom dressers, oversized nightstands, or as symmetrical storage pieces flanking a bed, artwork, or architectural feature. The combination of rare materials, restrained geometry, and the unusual opportunity to acquire a matching pair makes these an especially compelling example of early American modernism.
Designer: Gilbert Rohde
Manufacturer: Herman Miller
Models: 3626 / 3627
Materials: Bird’s-eye maple and mahogany
Period: Early American Modern / Art Deco–Modernist transition
Provenance: One chest retains its original Herman Miller label
Condition: Vintage originals
Quantity: Rare matching pair
A sophisticated and increasingly difficult-to-find Gilbert Rohde design that captures the pivotal period when Art Deco gave way to American Mid-Century Modernism.
See why our clients trust Hobbs Modern:
Wood Care
Keep the furniture in a cool, dry place
Avoid furniture's direct exposure to rain, sun or wind
Avoid placing hot objects directly on the piece to prevent undesirable marks or permanent circles.
Avoid placing objects that may cause scratches to the surface
Clean using water only in small quantities and apply it with soft, damp cloth
After damp cloth wipe with a soft, dry cloth
You can use other liquids that are especially for cleaning wood furniture. Take into account the type of wood and follow the manufacturer's instructions
Upholstery Care
Do not expose directly to sunlight to provide greater durability colors
Exchange both side pads, the seat and backrest, to obtain uniform wear
Shake the cushions regularly to remove dust and to maintain the stability of the form
Clean regularly with a vacuum cleaner in good condition
Use a textile fabric cleaning substance according to and following the manufacturer's instructions
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