Kay Bojesen monumental mid-century Royal Danish Guardsman with flag, wooden figure, H 168 cm (66.1 in)

Kay Bojesen Royal Danish life guard, monumental Danish modern wooden toy soldier with Dannebrog flag, 1960s

Dimensions: H 168 cm / H 66.1 in

A true showstopper: a monumental Royal Danish Guardsman standing 168 cm tall, holding the red and white Dannebrog flag. It is hand-painted in the classic palette: black bearskin hat with gold badge, red tunic with white cross-belts, blue trousers and white gloves. It follows the famous design by Kay Bojesen, made here on a scale that turns a beloved toy into a statement sculpture.

The figure stands on its original dark display plinth, marked "blumøller / scan-otarès Denmark / Sverige", which suggests a promotional or shop-display origin and gives it extra character and provenance. Pieces of this size are rarely found, and this one has real presence in a hallway, showroom, restaurant, hotel lobby, children's room or office.

Playful yet graphic, it pairs well with Danish modern furniture, such as rosewood chairs, and with contemporary interiors. 

About the designer: Kay Bojesen (1886–1958)

Kay Bojesen was a Danish silversmith and designer. He trained as a silversmith under Georg Jensen and opened his own workshop in 1913. He is known for functional, modernist silver and cutlery, and for his wooden toys and figures from the 1930s onward, including the famous wooden monkey (1951). He designed the Royal Guardsman in 1936. His work is still produced today, and the original small figures are collectors' items.

About the Royal Danish Guard

The Royal Life Guards (Den Kongelige Livgarde) were founded in 1658 and guard the Danish royal residences, including Amalienborg in Copenhagen. The tall bearskin hat, red gala tunic and blue trousers are iconic symbols of Denmark. Bojesen's wooden guardsman turned that image into a design classic and a popular Danish souvenir.

Dimensions: H 168 cm / H 66.1 in

Details

Country: Denmark, 1960s
Materials: hand-turned and carved wood, painted; fabric flag
Condition: Presents beautifully with rich original surface; minor age traces consistent with careful display

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 575, is crate included.

We ship worldwide.

Pick-up by appointment only.

We are a 1stDibs Platinum 5 Star Dealer.