Vladimir Kagan “Serpentine” Sofa, United States 1950s (sold)


























Vladimir Kagan “Serpentine” Sofa, United States 1950s (sold)
This is a beautiful “Model 150BS” sculptural sofa by the world-famous designer, Vladimir Kagan. This sofa shows Kagan’s skill to fuse sleek design with the trappings of comfort.
With a clean white bouclé fabric upholstery, this Serpentine sofa has a welcoming presence that exudes high quality craftsmanship and a style that is very characteristic of Kagan. In line with the “form follows function” principle, the walnut base provides a sturdy and stable appeal, while the design guarantees comfort. This sofa’s pouf is left-facing.
This particular sofa is from a later production, while the model was designed by Vladimir Kagan for Directional, USA in 1956, and remains one of his most iconic designs. It emphasizes the organic, sculptural form, reflected in the name “serpentine” as well. As Kagan himself described, his works are “vessels for the human body”.
About the designer:
Vladimir Kagan was one of the most enduring designers of modern furniture with a career that has spanned over sixty years. He started designing in 1946 and by the early fifties, his innovative sculptured designs created a new look in American furniture. Today, his designs are spearheading creative designs for hotels, furniture, textiles and home furnishings. Vladimir Kagan is among the most important furniture designers of the 20th century. Furniture designed by him in the forties, fifties and sixties have become icons of Modernity and is viewed as the creative grandfather of a whole new generation of designers.
Born in Worms on the Rhine, Germany in 1927, Vladimir Kagan came to the United States in 1938. His earliest focus was on painting and sculpture but in his formative years he became exceedingly attracted to architecture and design. He studied Architecture at Columbia University and in 1947 joined his father, Illi Kagan, a master cabinetmaker, to work in his woodworking shop and learn furniture making from the very basics.
His style, inspired by everything from antiques and nature to the Bauhaus, emphasizes comfort and functionality. Early commissions included the Delegate's Cocktail Lounges for the first United Nations Headquarters in Lake Success N.Y. (1947-48). In 1948 he opened his first shop in New York on East 65th Street and moved to fashionable 57th Street in 1950. His clients were luminaries in the world of art, theatre, music and industry. He was inducted in the Interior Designer Hall of Fame in 2009, 62 years after he started designing and producing furniture.
His prize-winning designs have been published in books and magazines internationally and are in the permanent collections of the V&A London, the Vitra Design Museum and Die Neue Samlung in Germany as well as in the most prominent museums in the United States.~H.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Recently reupholstered in a premium fabric.
Dimensions:
110.24 in W x 45.28 in D x 31.5 in H; Seat Height 15.75 in
280 cm W x 115 cm D x 80 cm H; Seat Height 40 cm
Literature:
The Complete Kagan: A Lifetime of Avant-Garde Design, Kagan, pg. 70-71, 207
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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
This beautiful Danish three-seater sofa features the recognizable touch of Danish Modernism: exquisite materials, craftsmanship, and an elegantly curved shape, because of which this type of sofa is often referred to as the “banana” or “boomerang” style.
The visual appearance of this sofa echoes Danish design and directs the eyes to the voluptuous body, that is the result of the exquisite craftsmanship. Many of the well-known Danish architects of the era felt the urge to try their hand at three-seater sofas, adhering to the period’s streamlined modernism. In combination with the unadorned styles of mid-century design, this sofa brings together the best attributes of the era. The rounded conical wood legs add an organic feel, while also matching the rounded profile of the sofa. The back legs differ from the front ones as they are tapered to reinforce the sofa’s stability. The masterful sense of proportions, the curved back and the soft upholstery guarantee functionality and comfort. While most curved sofas of the era feature tufting and other forms of decoration, this model is free from unnecessary ornamentation, resulting in a sleek, elegant and modern look. This sofa has been reupholstered in a premium light bouclé fabric, accentuating the stained wooden legs and the luxurious feel and look.
Derived from the French word meaning “curled” or “ringed,” bouclé provides a unique range of benefits; it is abundant in texture yet breathable. This durable fabric makes for an easy way to add instant texture and interest to any modern space, and despite its resurgence around 2020, is a timeless trend with longevity that will stand the test of time. Bouclé pairs incredibly well with curvilinear shapes as demonstrated by this sofa.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The sofa has been reupholstered recently in a premium bouclé fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
78.14 in W x 43.50 in D x 29.13 in H
200 cm W x 110,5 cm D x 74 cm H
About the Designer:
This Danish-made sofa reflects the core traditions and ideals of Danish design, while recalling the shapes of the Art Deco movement. What both movements valued highly is the highest level of craftsmanship and attention to details.
Mid-century pieces such as this early sofa were of great design, using fantastic wood like teak or beech. The mid-century was the heyday of the production by master craftsmen. Mid-century Danish design is world-famous for the partnership between designer and manufacturer, resulting in ground-breaking creations. The Danish design idiom was centred on warm woods, quality fabrics and gentle yet robust support for the spine - qualities that engender contentment and well-being, a defining characteristic of Danish culture. The “Great Danes” believed furniture should be shorn of aesthetic detail and be an amalgam of form and function.
A master cabinet-maker is not a carpenter, as this was a rare breed of craftsman who had to be recognized by the Danish government after several years of toiling at his craft, as well as having to ace gruelling design competitions before becoming a master cabinet-maker. Since Denmark was a special instance of tempered industrialization, it managed to preserve sound traditions and continue to safeguard values of craftsmanship, materiality and usability.
Today, Danish furniture is sought after by collectors for classic looks, storied designs and solid quality, works that are truly soulful and timeless. ~H.
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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
In the years after the Second World War, Danish designers quietly transformed the language of modern furniture. Moving away from the austerity of early functionalism, they explored a softer, more organic approach to furniture making, balancing clean geometry with inviting tactility. Designers experimented with sculptural silhouettes that felt approachable yet sophisticated, often pairing fine craftsmanship with innovative upholstery techniques to achieve furniture that was elegant but deeply comfortable.
This three-seater sofa from the 1950s beautifully embodies that ethos. Its gently flared arms and subtly tilted backrest give the piece a graceful, almost embracing profile, while the deep seat promises true comfort. The upholstery, a textured, off-white fabric, adds warmth and tactile richness, complementing the restrained lines of the frame. Tufted button detailing across the backrest introduces a sense of rhythm and craftsmanship, elevating the sofa from purely functional seating to a thoughtfully composed piece. The proportions are carefully judged: generous enough for lounging yet visually light, with raised wooden legs that lift the form and prevent it from feeling heavy. It is a design that invites long hours of conversation or quiet rest without sacrificing visual elegance.
Timeless yet unmistakably mid-century, this Danish sofa carries a quiet sophistication that transcends trends. Both practical and poetic, it stands as a reminder that modernism at its best is deeply attuned to the rhythms of everyday living. Danish makers became masters at this balance, producing pieces that could be both understated and richly expressive.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. The sofa has recently been reupholstered in premium sheepskin. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
75.59 in W x 37.79 in D x 37 in H; Seat height 20.86 in; Seat depth 22.44 in; Arm height 25.19 in
192 cm W x 96 cm D x 94 cm H; Seat height 53 cm; Seat depth 57 cm; Arm height 64 cm
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Price category: 20,000 - 30,000 usd / eur
During the mid-20th century European designers turned their attention to rethinking domestic comfort, exploring how new ideas of form and proportion could transform the experience of sitting and living. Moving away from traditional ornament and into a culture of experimentation, they began focusing on honest materials, balanced lines, and structure. This was a period when modernism evolved into a human-centered vision of living.
This pair of modular sofas capture that spirit with its thoughtful interplay of geometry and tactility. The frames, crafted in solid wood with box joinery, celebrate craftsmanship while maintaining a striking simplicity. The low, grounded stance gives the pieces a quiet strength, while the broad seats invite relaxed, informal lounging. To complement the solid frame, the backrests feature circular cushions, an unexpected sculptural element that softens the sofas’ rectilinear frames and adds visual interest without unnecessary embellishment. Upholstered in richly textured bouclé fabric, the sofas pair a tactile, inviting surface with the clean lines of their timber base, achieving a compelling balance between warmth and restraint. The traditional joinery details are left visible, underscoring a mid-century belief in structural honesty and the inherent beauty of well-made construction.
As a pair, the sofas are both understated and iconic, a reminder that modern design is not about excess, but about clarity and intention. More than just a functional pair, they reflect a postwar European ethos that embraced innovation while remaining deeply connected to craft and the human experience of comfort.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The sofas may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration due to the age and nature of the materials. The cushions has been recently reupholstered in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
27.36 in W x 31.10 in D x 31.50 in H (including cushion); Seat height 16.93 in; Seat depth 20.47 in
69.5 cm W x 79 cm D x 80 cm H (including cushion); Seat height 43 cm; Seat depth 52 cm
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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
Rino Levi was one of the pioneers of the modern movement in Brazil, advocating for simple, practical and economical design, disparaging the imitation of classicism. ‘Classical spirit’ rather than classical forms was his ideal.
Levi was instrumental in spreading the fame of Brazilian modernism through his furniture designs as well. As this beautiful Brazilian wood sofa shows, by the 1960s, Levi abandoned Italian rationalism in favour of an approach closer to that of the Rio modernists both in his architectural and furniture designs. As a piece of true Brazilian mid-century design, the beauty of the wood and organic shapes and lines dominate this three-seater sofa. The tilted, architectural lines of wood making up the armrests create a visually distinct and exciting appearance. The additional horizontal lines connecting to the backrest are a creative addition, while also supporting the overall stability. The frame with its joinery praises Rino Levi’s craftsmanship and architectural expertise. The beautiful colour of the wood is highlighted by the light upholstery of the body in a premium bouclé fabric, including the three removable cushions.
This sofa model is rare to find, for as during Brazil's military dictatorship, it was against the law to export furniture. The ban on exports only ended in the 1980s, but it still took some time for things to change, not to mention that handmade pieces were created in limited editions. Therefore, it is no exaggeration to say that this sofa is special, and a real rarity.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some scratches and marks on the wood. The sofa has been reupholstered recently in a premium bouclé fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
86.41 in W x 28.74 in D x 30.31 in H; Seat height 16.14 in
219.5 cm W x 73 cm D x 77 cm H; Seat height 41 cm
About the Designer:
Rino Levi was a Brazilian architect important to the development of modernism in Brazil. Levi was born to Italian Jewish parents on December 31, 1901 in São Paulo, Brazil. After graduating from Colégio Dante Alighieri in São Paulo, Levi studied in Milan and Rome under Marcello Piacentini.
In 1924, he moved to the School of Architecture of Rome. There, he met Adalberto Libera (1903 - 1963) and Marcello Piacentini (1881 - 1960) in whose office he did practice. In 1925, he published in O Estado de S. Paulo. He returned to Brazil in 1926 and worked for a year in the Santos Construction Company.
Following his return to São Paulo, Levi established the firm Rino Levi Arquitetos Associados. Levi was known for an architectural practice particularly dissociated from the construction process for his era. In the early 1930s, Levi designed a number of modernist houses in São Paulo for Italian clients. Towards the end of the decade, Levi's practice shifted to the design on theaters including the Cine Ufa Palace and Teatro Cultura Artistic.
His first major work was the Columbus Building at Avenida Brigadeiro Luís Antônio (first apartement complex in the metropolis, demolished in 1971 ), the Cine Ufa Palace in St. John Avenue, the Medici residence in Santo Amaro and Sarti Building in Republic Square. These rationalist buildings have simple volumes, with evident structure. The project Cine Ufa Palace (1936) was a role model for other cinemas projects: Cine Universe (1936), Cine Art-Palace Recife (1937), the Cine Ipiranga (1943) and the Theatre Culture Arts (1942).
Rino Levi participated in the formation and construction of the Institute of Architects of Brazil and was an active member until his death. He is remembered today as a key figure in introducing modernism to Brazil. ~H.
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
This gorgeous daybed with dark wood legs was inspired by classic Scandinavian furniture design and simplicity. ‘Nordic Modern’ is a recognized term around the world, standing for the characteristic style of the Nordic countries’ design created during the 20th century. Pieces from the mid-century era, like this daybed, are characterized by clarity in design and extremely high-quality craftsmanship and choice of materials.
The streamlined solid wood frame of this model features a robust, fully upholstered top, and sturdy wood legs. From the minimalistic design to the focus on the wood, this daybed has the characteristics of “honest” design that has been a core concept among Scandinavian furniture designers and makers. The sleek look is the result of the clean lines, functional design and expert craftsmanship. Furthermore, in the absence of ornamentation, the luxurious upholstery stays in focus, utilizing the sheepskin’s texture to break the straight lines visually. If there is a single common denominator for Nordic Modern, it is not so much the design or form as the quality of the execution, the woodwork and the upholstery. This daybed excels in these areas, bringing modernism and quality to any space.
Scandinavia has a long history of furniture-making. Through the 19th century, the area also had a very strong tradition of cabinetmaking, or producing traditional furniture by hand. In the early 20th century, these cabinetmaking traditions began to merge with modern forces like industrialization; this daybed however, is a handmade piece that remains quite rare.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. This daybed has been reupholstered recently in premium sheepskin. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
78.7 in W x 36.61 in D x 14.56 in H
200 cm W x 93 cm D x 37 cm H
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
The best design characteristics of Guillerme et Chambron meet in this beautiful, artistic oak sofa. The duo’s designs are exceptional for a wide array of reasons, starting from the use of solid oak as the main material to the masterfully crafted details and carvings.
Guillerme et Chambron are known for their high-quality, solid oak furniture created for their own company, Votre Maison. Like most of their designs, this sofa model displays a beautiful contrast between the wooden frame and the elegant light fabric of the seat and back cushions. The backrest - which is undoubtedly the main design element - consists of eight, wide wooden spindles framed by oak rails on the top, sides and the bottom. The spindles widen in the middle and are hollow, creating a striking patter. The two sides of the sofa are joined in the middle at an angle that creates an appealing curve that further highlights the sculpted back. The backrest is slightly tilted for comfort, aided by the generous seat and back cushions upholstered in bouclé fabric. The armrests and legs have a peculiar shape, the former stand freely, unattached to the back with carved dents in the front, while the legs have a fluted shape. These details complete and distinguish the overall design, making this sofa unique and characteristic of Guillerme and Chambron at the same time.
The woodworking and joinery truly show the overall quality of this sofa, the frame is refined and the attention to the smallest detail shows the design and manufacturing skills of the French duo. Guillerme drew the furniture designs while Chambron played the part of salesman, and the pair was working with master cabinetmaker, Émile Dariosecq, whose workshop took charge of the manufacturing. Together, they defined new furnishings concepts.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor scratches on the wood. This sofa has been reupholstered recently in a premium bouclé fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
84.64 in W x 40.15 in D x 37 in H; Seat height 16.92 in
215 cm W x 102 cm D x 94 cm H; Seat height 43 cm
About the Designer:
Robert Guillerme graduated in 1934 from the École Boulle where he excelled in architecture and furniture design. After the Second World War he moved to Lille, in the north of France, where he decorated homes and designed furniture for the well regarded Rogier workshops.
In 1948, Guillerme was joined by his long-time friend, decorator Jacques Chambron in Lille. The following year Guillerme and Chambron met master cabinetmaker Émile Dariosecq, owner of a woodworking shop and the company Votre Maison was born. Together, they defined and imposed a new furniture concept. Thanks to their distinctive creativity, originality, and quality, the Votre Maison quickly became well-known.
The Votre Maison marked the history of French design. Guillerme drew the furniture designs while Chambron played the part of salesman, welcoming and advising clients. The power duo was complemented by Dariosecq, whose workshop took charge of the manufacturing. Together, they defined new furnishings concepts. Well-crafted chair back, polished wood and thick cushions make the reputation of their armchairs and sofas. Votre Maison continued to produce furniture right into the 20th century, with Jacques’s son Hervé Chambron, a designer and graduate of the École Boulle, having taken the over in 1983.
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
A desire for functionalism went hand in hand with understatement, refinement, and elegance. The Danish mid-century furniture designer was concerned with graceful proportions and restrained, harmonious ornament while reinstating the ideals of fine craftsmanship. He desired sleekness. He revered the maxim “form follows function.”
This spectacular daybed is essentially a simple, refined design standing on solid wood legs. What makes it stand out is its opulent upholstery. Yak hide provides warmth, and wherever they are placed, they provide an attractive Nordic look. Renowned for its decadent thickness and length, this material has been the accessory of choice for modernist architects and designers throughout the 1950s. Today they are perfect for creating the mid-century look in any space. This daybed - unlike sofa beds - can be easily placed and used as a bench in large entryways, next to windows, or at the foot of a bed thanks to its functionality. Thanks to its visual qualities, mainly the yak hair’s lush texture and colour, this infinitely cosy daybed can also function as a kind of sculpture to break the mostly straight lines of any minimalistic space.
Characterized by functionality, simplicity and clean lines, Danish design is all about harmony. Here, the pairing of the materials creates this balance as the understated wooden structure complements and supports the extravagant yak hide. Danish design also left much room for individuality thanks to which this daybed is one of a kind with its stylish edge.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The legs are a later replacement. This daybed has been reupholstered recently in premium yak hide. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
74.8 in W x 29.13 in D x 17.32 in H
190 cm W x 74 cm D x 44 cm H
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
The best design characteristics of Guillerme and Chambron meet in this beautiful, artistic oaken sofa. The duo’s designs are exceptional for a wide array of reasons, starting from the solid oak as the main material to the masterfully crafted details and carvings.
Guillerme and Chambron are known for their high-quality, solid oak furniture created for their own company, Votre Maison. Like most of their designs, this sofa model displays a beautiful contrast between the oak frame and the elegant light fabric of the seat and back cushions. This model possesses the hallmarks of their production with the extended ends and thick pencil-shaped legs. With a solid wooden frame, the support for the back consists of oak slats arranged symmetrically, framed by the sculpted frame. The middle spindle is wider, separating the two sections of the sofa from the back. Like the middle slat, the two sides of the sofa also have a decorative, carved end and are joined in the middle at an angle that creates an appealing curve that further highlights the sculpted details. The backrest is slightly tilted for comfort, aided by the generous seat and back cushions upholstered in a premium bouclé fabric. The legs have a peculiar, heavily fluted shape. These details complete and distinguish the overall design, making this sofa unique and characteristic of Guillerme and Chambron at the same time. The woodworking and joinery truly show the overall quality. The solid oak frame is refined and the attention to the smallest detail shows the design and manufacturing skills of the French duo.
The company of the duo, Votre Maison marked the history of French design. Guillerme drew the furniture designs while Chambron played the part of salesman, and the power duo was working with master cabinetmaker, Émile Dariosecq, whose workshop took charge of the manufacturing. Together, they defined new furnishings concepts.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor scratches on the wood. The sofa has been reupholstered recently in a premium bouclé fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
76.37 in W x 36.61 in D x 35.03 in H; Seat height 15.74 in
194 cm W x 93 cm D x 89 cm H; Seat height 40 cm
About the Designer:
Robert Guillerme graduated in 1934 from the École Boulle where he excelled in architecture and furniture design. After the Second World War he moved to Lille, in the north of France, where he decorated homes and designed furniture for the well regarded Rogier workshops.
In 1948, Guillerme was joined by his long-time friend, decorator Jacques Chambron in Lille. The following year Guillerme and Chambron met master cabinetmaker Émile Dariosecq, owner of a woodworking shop and the company Votre Maison was born. Together, they defined and imposed a new furniture concept. Thanks to their distinctive creativity, originality, and quality, the Votre Maison quickly became well-known.
The Votre Maison marked the history of French design. Guillerme drew the furniture designs while Chambron played the part of salesman, welcoming and advising clients. The power duo was complemented by Dariosecq, whose workshop took charge of the manufacturing. Together, they defined new furnishings concepts. Well-crafted chair back, polished wood and thick cushions make the reputation of their armchairs and sofas. Votre Maison continued to produce furniture right into the 20th century, with Jacques’s son Hervé Chambron, a designer and graduate of the École Boulle, having taken the over in 1983. ~H.
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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eu
This spectacular two-seater sofa by Swedish designer, Svante Skogh, is a rather rare example of the interior and furniture designer’s repertoire. With a creative and masterfully crafted wooden structure and fully upholstered body, this model deserves the limelight in Swedish design history.
This sofa combines function and aesthetic in a striking manner, keeping the form in service of the user while keeping it elegant and modern. The union of the shell-shaped body and the back legs’ structure define this model. The round, welcoming lines of the body and the straight, smooth lines of the arms and legs complement each other, resulting in a harmonious appearance. The back legs not only support the bodies, but also rise to form the support for the armrests. The clear lined wooden frame of this sofa contrasts beautifully with the sheepskin covered body and gives it a very photographic appearance. The armrests’ peculiar concave angle is a small, but ingenious detail, that highlights their form and creates a focal point. Due to the well-chosen proportions, angled back, and the high-quality of the cabinetry and upholstery, this two-seater sofa is outstandingly comfortable. With determination and intensive marketing, the manufacturer, Seffle Möbelfabrik grew to become one of Western Sweden's largest furniture companies during the 1930s.
In Sweden, “svensk design” (Swedish design) in particular operates as a set of relations linking the everyday world - composed of objects, spaces, people - to the cultural ideologies that motivate the persistence of a social democratically infused “way of life.” Thanks to this sentiment, cabinetmakers, like at Seffle Möbelfabrik, put an emphasis on soft elegance and functionality, making this sofa model timeless in every sense of the word.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The sofa has been reupholstered recently in premium sheepskin.
Dimensions:
52.95 in W x 31.5 in D x 31.1 in H; Seat height 18.11 in; Arm height 23.23 in
134.5 cm W x 80 cm D x 79 cm H; Seat height 46 cm; Arm height 59 cm
About the designer:
Swedish furniture designer Svante Skogh is best known for his mid-century designs produced by Seffle (sometimes spelled as Säffle) Möbelfabrik. Throughout his career in the 1950s and 1960s, he worked with a number of furniture producers. Despite his famous designs, not a lot is known about the designer. His designs ranged from coffee tables to seating, such as his famous Bodö Series from 1957. Many of Skogh’s designs have survived and are highly sought after on the vintage market today. ~H.
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
The influence of the Art Deco movement was significant on early Scandinavian modernism, resulting in a unique aesthetic mixture based on traditional craftsmanship and quality. In this beautiful and distinctive sofa, simple horizontal and vertical lines as well as the different materials are emphasized to create an outstanding design.
Danish modern furniture design revolutionized the world of interior decor through the collaboration of designer-architects and master cabinetmakers, the most skilled craftsmen. Danish modern furniture design embraced minimalism, functionality, and the use of natural materials. The cabinetmakers of Denmark played a pivotal role in this movement, combining their craftsmanship with innovative solutions to create pieces like this sofa. The defining feature of this sofa is its peculiar back shape, which extends on both sides, thus resembling “ears”. This element brings the attention to the arms as well, accentuating their shape and material. Exotic woods such as mahogany and rosewood were favoured for their unique grain patterns, durability, and rich hues. Danish designers believed that these woods brought warmth and character to their creations, elevating them beyond mere functionality. The carefully sculpted lines show off the attributes of the wood that contrast beautifully with the one-of-a-kind fabric. The stylish dual tone of the patterned bouclé fabric enhances the tufted buttons on the backseat and the vertical lines of the design alike.
This two-seater sofa is exemplary of the ingenuity and craftsmanship of Danish modern furniture design and of the knowledge of master cabinetmakers. Its peculiar back shape with reflects the movement's commitment to both form and function, while the use of exotic wood is a nod to Danish furniture makers’ desire to create pieces of enduring beauty and comfort.
Condition:
In vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The sofa has been reupholstered recently in a premium bouclé fabric with a striped pattern. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
60.23 in W x 28.34 in D x 32.67 in H; Seat height 17.32 in; Arm height 24.8 in
153 cm W x 72 cm D x 83 cm H; Seat height 44 cm; Arm height 63 cm
About the Designer:
This Danish-made sofa reflects the core traditions and ideals of Danish design, while recalling the shapes of the Art Deco movement. What both movements valued highly is the highest level of craftsmanship and attention to details.
Mid-century pieces such as this sofa were of great design, using fantastic wood like teak or beech. The mid-century was the heyday of the production by master craftsmen. Mid-century Danish design is world-famous for the partnership between designer and manufacturer, resulting in ground-breaking creations. The Danish design idiom was centred on warm woods, quality fabrics and gentle yet robust support for the spine - qualities that engender contentment and well-being, a defining characteristic of Danish culture. The “Great Danes” believed furniture should be shorn of aesthetic detail and be an amalgam of form and function.
A master cabinetmaker is not a carpenter, as this was a rare breed of craftsman who had to be recognized by the Danish government after several years of toiling at his craft, as well as having to ace gruelling design competitions before becoming a master cabinetmaker. Since Denmark was a special instance of tempered industrialization, it managed to preserve sound traditions and continue to safeguard values of craftsmanship, materiality, and usability.
Today, Danish furniture is sought after by collectors for classic looks, storied designs and solid quality, works that are truly soulful and timeless. ~H.
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Price category: 20,000 - 30,000 usd / eur
The “Soriana” three-seat bouclé sofa was designed by the Italian designer duo, Afra and Tobia Scarpa in 1969. Besides its innovative manufacturing, visually,Soriana brings sophisticated and leisurely comfort to any home.
This Post-Modern sofa was manufactured by Cassina as part of the eponymous line that reached the coveted ‘iconic’ title soon after its launch. The award-winning design features three front metal clamps by which all soft curves and loose upholstery are held together, a particularly original detail that creates a sense of barely contained softness. The Soriana collection was meant to express beauty and comfort by using a whole bundle of fabric held by chrome-plated steel clamps. The defining upholstered body features tufted buttons all over it, which visually sections the sofa, while also adding depth to accentuate the softness. The interesting pairing of the metal clamps with the luxurious bouclé creates the post-modern look. For all its casual overtures, this sofa model remains a statement piece — an icon of contemporary design
The “Soriana Chair” was the first piece designed in the collection, and for its design in 1970, it won the Compasso d'Oro, one of the most important design awards of that time. The design has been reissued by Cassina recently, with the aim of recovering and safeguarding the works of Afra and Tobia Scarpa.
Condition:
In very good condition. The sofa has been reupholstered recently in a premium bouclé fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
99.60 in W x 38.58 in D x 24.80 in H; Seat Height 15.15 in
253 cm W x 98 cm D x 63 cm H; Seat Height: 38.5 cm
Literature:
G. Gramigna, Repertorio del Design Italiano 1950-2000 per l’Arredamento Domestico. Turin: Allemandi 2003, p. 318
G. Bosoni, Made in Cassina. Milan: Skira, 2008, pp. 200-201.
About the designers:
Afra and Tobia Scarpa graduated at the Istituto Universitario di Architettura in Venice and formed one of the most successful and known professional associations. Their works can be found in museums across the USA and Europe such as the MoMA and the Louvre. Their designs like the Soriana sofa exhibit a decidedly modernist aesthetic, prioritizing pared-back elegance and comfort. At the same time, the Scarpas are admired for the ease with which their designs complement both classical and cutting-edge interiors.
The Soriana was created for the Italian manufacturing company Cassina, which is often credited with introducing industrial design to Italy and has built an international reputation for collaborating with some of the world’s most respected designers, including Afra and Tobia Scarpa.
The husband-and-wife duo’s products played an important role in the history of Italian Design and are thriving in the Mid-Century market. The Soriana sofa is a collectors’ piece and part of the history of Italian design destined to increase in value with the time. A piece of true Italian Modernism. ~H.
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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
As new materials like plastic, foam, and fibreglass revolutionised the production process in the postwar period, Scandinavian designers still valued craft over industrialisation. This sculptural sofa is a beautiful evidence of this heritage and the mastery of Danish cabinetmakers.
Many of the most renowned Danish designers were trained architects as well. This knowledge and training can be clearly traced in the structure of this stunning sofa. Many elements emblematic of mid-century design are also apparent: sleek lines, simple geometries, an open layout, and the impeccable quality of the materials and craftsmanship. The design is defined by its angles, starting with the tilted back and the raised seat towards the front. The sculptural wooden arms and legs follow these lines, creating visual balance. The mostly rounded edges are broken by the pair of straight stretchers set between the front and the back legs. The button tufting on the backrest rhymes greatly with the long horizontal lines, and is a stylish feature in itself as well. Though mid-century Danish manufacturers may not have the name recognition as designers do in the mass market, they were evidently just as integral in developing a modern aesthetic in Europe. The sleek and stylish look of this sofa, from the unique wooden frame to the upholstered body and the visible joinery, embodies this aesthetic.
The designer of this model clearly prized the marriage of form and function. To this day, young Scandinavian designers still look to the mid-century masters for inspiration, which should come as no surprise looking at this sofa.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. The sofa has been reupholstered recently in premium sheepskin. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
72.44 in W x 33.85 in D x 29.92 in H; Seat height 13,77 in
184 cm W x 86 cm D x 76 cm H; Seat height 35 cm