Designed in the early phase of what we know today as mid-century modern, this curved sofa was produced by Otto Schulz's legendary own company, BOET in Gothenburg. In 1941, the production was transferred to the newly started Jio Möbler factory in Jönköping, which is why sometimes the latter is named as the manufacturer.

With its classic shape paired with modern design, the generous size and fully upholstered body, this sofa model is outstanding, even when measured to the many beautiful banana sofas created in Sweden during the 1940s. The large, curved backrest follows the curve of the voluptuous seat, creating an inviting and open look. This shape is referred to as the ‘banana’ in furniture design, and is perfect to bring people closer together. From the back, the sheer volume becomes even more apparent, and it seems unlikely to be supported solely by the exposed, tapered legs. And yet, the solid wooden legs provide perfect stability and visual appeal. Wood is the most important material in Swedish mid-century design, and the luxurious light bouclé upholstery highlights and complements the beautiful colour of the beech wood. Furthermore, the six legs provide the sofa with visual lightness, balancing out the sizeable body.

Otto Schulz was a German-born architect, designer, and publisher, active for over 40 years in Gothenburg, Sweden. There, he established Boet, one of Sweden's most prestigious interior design shops. As this sofa shows, Schulz was not only a brilliant designer and architect, but also excelled in producing his designs that came to be part of Swedish design history.

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SOLD

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Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Recently reupholstered in premium bouclé fabric.

Dimensions:

80.7 in W x 41.33 in D x 33.46 in H; Seat height 18.11 in

205 cm W x 105 cm D x 85 cm H; Seat height 46 cm

About the Designer:

Otto Schulz (1882-1970) was a Swedish interior designer, furniture designer, publisher and founder of the furniture company BOET in Gothenburg.

Schulz was born in Germany and moved to Sweden in 1907. He mainly produced opulent upholstered furniture, as well as lavishly inlaid, decorative box furniture style-wise between functionalism and traditionalism. He has some of his own invented techniques patented, including the use of decorative nails as part of the design, called Bopoint. After establishing his own furniture company, BOET, he used it as a showroom to exhibit his designs as well.

In the 1920s he started publishing the eponymous magazine BOET, which was also a platform for his own collection. The magazine was at the time the most influential, appearing in regular editions in Sweden and often included interviews with well-known designers and architects. ~H.