The Danish mid-century is more than just about design. Today, these pieces belong in the realm of design art as they truly are heirloom pieces. Vintage Scandinavian pieces that were produced during the 1950s to 1960s - a period of furniture-making that was unprecedented - like these easy chairs, are museum-quality rarities today.

The carved oak armrest supports in the front immediately stand out and define the impression of the design. Somewhat unusually, these chairs feature several, but subtle decorative elements. The conscious use of the dualism of the straight and curving lines is very apparent and shows the designer’s brilliance. Oak is a great “blank canvas” for intriguing shapes and forms, especially under the hands of master cabinetmakers as this pair shows. In Denmark, modernism took a different route than in most other countries; the traditional craft of cabinetmaking played a very important role in Danish Modern. The expert woodworking provides both aesthetic and structural quality, evident in the carved arms and back providing support and the scalloped edges of the back and seat. The front arms supporting the armrests are carved in a way that resembles the Baroque style, yet, Scandinavian modernism remains at the core of the design. Furthermore, the back legs ascending to form the backs assure that the chairs are interesting from every single angle. The solid oak is complemented by the soft, upholstered cushions. The light bouclé is perfect to add textural interest to the otherwise smooth surfaces of these chairs.

While there are numerous forms of ornamentation on these easy chairs, the design stays coherent. The material and visual quality is maintained throughout the chairs, making them truly timeless. If there is a single common denominator for Danish Modern, it is the quality of the execution, the woodwork and the upholstery. The fact that so much of the original furniture has survived to the present-day bears testimony to the fact that Danish Modern was second to none in craftsmanship.

SOLD

Condition:

In vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor scratches and marks on the wood. The chairs have been reupholstered recently in a premium bouclé fabric.

Dimensions:

31.1 in W x 33.07 in D x 33.85 in H; Seat height 17.12 in

79 cm W x 84 cm D x 86 cm H; Seat height 43.5 cm