Swedish Cabinetmaker Winged Armchair in Sheepskin, Sweden ca 1940s (sold)
Swedish Cabinetmaker Winged Armchair in Sheepskin, Sweden ca 1940s (sold)
Throughout Scandinavia, there's a long history of pride in craftsmanship using natural materials like wood. This is especially true for Sweden. This unique 1940s winged armchair is a great representation of the quality and craftsmanship of Swedish master cabinetmakers and the immediately recognizable characteristics of Scandinavian design.
Swedish mid-century furniture design became known for its sober character and undecorated elegance. Comfort and functionality were most often the priority and as this chair exemplifies, ornaments were considered unnecessary. Instead, the quality of the materials and the curves serve the main aesthetic role. The welcoming rounded shape of the “ears” or “wings” on the back and the voluminous armrest is a signature characteristic of the design and the coordinated curves separate this armchair visually from any contemporary chair design. Solely visual appeal has hardly been the goal of any cabinetmaker or designer of the era, therefore the ergonomic dimension equals the visual in terms of quality. Accordingly, the back is lightly bent, and the seat is raised towards the front to ensure sitting comfort. At the top of the back, the upholstery cleverly mimics the shape of a headrest, visually framing and balancing the proportions of the chair. The slender legs prevent the design from looking heavy, and their warm brown colour nicely contrasts the soft, light colour of the lush sheepskin.
The fabric highlights the frame’s rounded edges and makes this armchair ideal to blend a stroke of modernity to any space, with a nod to comfort and simple artistry from the north. As this armchair shows, the works of master cabinetmakers are of the highest quality, both in terms of materials and craftsmanship.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in premium sheepskin.
Dimensions:
30.51 in W x 37 in D x 38.58 in H; Seat height 16.53 in
77.5 cm W x 94 cm D x 98 cm H; Seat height 42 cm
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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
The “Laila” model by the Finnish designer, Ilmari Lappalainen, originates from 1948, with the earliest original drawings kept in the Lahti City Museum in their Lappalainen Collection.
This pair of armchairs are from the Finnish designer’s most famous series called “Laila”. The design became sought after by collectors even in its production time, which is quite rare in the case of Nordic mid-century modern furniture. Lappalainen was a renowned designer, famous for his designs’ comfort. Some of his designs even received medical approval because they had such a good seating, that it prevented back problems. These armchairs have a cosy modern style, modelled on the Swedish and Danish furniture of the time, including the round edges and generous seat cushions and back with five tufted buttons. The bodies have the classic Nordic look, which explains the contemporary popularity of these armchairs both among the public and museums. The modern aesthetic is further elevated by the soft sheepskin upholstery that complements the shape and the wooden, tapered legs as well.
Wood is omnipresent in the Nordics, and Finnish woodworking is world-famous for its traditions. These chairs were created for Asko, the Finnish furniture manufacturing company founded in 1918 by Aukusti Asko Avonius, known for the production of high-quality furniture. By 1930, the company had developed into the largest furniture chain in Finland and the largest supplier of furniture in the Scandinavian countries. Favourites of this time included Ilmari Lappalainen’s present Laila armchairs.
Condition:
In good condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Due to the nature and age of the material, the chairs may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. The chairs have 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:
32.67 in W x 34.64 in D x 34.44 in H; Seat height 17.71 in
83 cm W x 88 cm D x 87.5 cm H; Seat height 45 cm