Monumental Royal Danish Guardsman with Flag by Kay Bojesen — 168 cm (66.1 in), 1950s

Monumental Royal Danish Guardsman with Flag by Kay Bojesen — 168 cm (66.1 in), 1950s

A very rare XL model of the Royal Danish King’s Guardsman designed by Kay Bojesen in the 1950s. Hand-crafted in wood and retaining its vivid original paint, the figure stands proudly with the Dannebrog flag and the classic bearskin shako.

Dimensions

Overall height with flag: 168 cm / 66.1 in
(Figure without flag is approx. monumental display size)
Depth with flag: generous presentation footprint; suitable for floor display and windows

Details

Country: Denmark, 1950s
Materials: hand-turned and carved wood, painted; fabric flag
Condition: Presents beautifully with rich original surface; minor age traces consistent with careful display

About the Designer

Kay Bojesen (1886–1958) trained as a silversmith with Georg Jensen before becoming one of Denmark’s most beloved designers. From the 1930s onward he translated the warmth of Scandinavian modernism into joyful wooden figures—most famously the Monkey (1951) and the Royal Guards (originally introduced in the 1940s). His work balances craft, character and clarity of form, making these large-scale shop and exhibition models highly sought after by design collectors and institutions.

Notes on the Plinth Marking

The painted base reads “ab blumøller / scan-otares – Danmark / Sverige.” This refers to A/S Blumøller and Scan-Otares A/S, Nordic companies active in Denmark and Sweden known for household detergents and cleaning products (e.g., Neutral and Teepol) and listed among Denmark’s suppliers of disinfectants in the late 20th century. They appear jointly in period directories as “Blumøller A/S / Scan-Otarés.” 

Provenance/Use

These monumental guardsmen were produced in very limited numbers for shop windows, trade fairs and special displays, not for standard retail, which explains their impressive scale and rarity.

Why we love it

An instantly recognizable Danish icon at true statement scale—original paint, commanding presence, and a direct line to Bojesen’s playful, humanist design ethos.

Wear consistent with age and use. 

Colors may slightly vary due to photographic lighting sources or your monitor settings. 

The Guardsman will be shipped insured overseas in a custom made wooden crate. Cost of transport to the US, Euro 475, is crate included.

We ship worldwide.

Pick-up by appointment only.

We are a 1stDibs Platinum 5 Star Dealer.