Hand-carved Ethiopian Tripod Stool, Africa early 20th century (sold)


























Hand-carved Ethiopian Tripod Stool, Africa early 20th century (sold)
Ethiopian and other African-influenced furniture had been made from the 1850s, the most famous being Adolf Loos’s “Theban stool” designed around 1903 in the Egyptian revival style. Based on its visual qualities, this Ethiopian stool could have inspired Loos’s design.
The body of this tripod stool is carved from a single tree trunk, which was a common technique in Africa during the 19th and early 20th century. The low seat has a deep concave seating surface and shows each movement the wood carver made with the chisel. This creates a stunning, elemental aesthetic that praises both the material’s natural beauty and the craftsman’s work. Still, the eyes are immediately drawn to the curled legs that support the seat. This shape is traditional for tribal stools from Ethiopia, especially for the ones created by the Jimma and Oromo people in the forest area of Western and Southern Ethiopia respectively. Traditionally, these stools are made of African hardwood and served a mostly functional purpose, such as for the tribe’s elderly who carried them around.
This stool has a beautiful folk look to it with visible, raw craftsmanship and history. Using African and Asian tribal stools have become popular accent pieces in contemporary homes. This is because - like this stool - these pieces are all completely unique and carry a charm that is impossible to mass produce.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The stool has some cracks and marks.
Dimensions:
17.71 in ø x 14.96 in H
45 cm ø x 38 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Throughout the 20th century, Scandinavian designers developed a reputation for their devotion to honest materials, functional forms, and a deep respect for traditional craftsmanship. Norwegian furniture makers in particular often took cues from rural design, interpreting it through a modern lens to create pieces that balanced simplicity and comfort. Krogenæs, a Norwegian workshop, embraced these high-quality, yet utilitarian values in their design language and material choices. This pair of stools reflects this commitment with clarity and character.
These low stools feature sturdy, solid oak bases with gently tapered legs and stretchers that reinforce stability while also adding a subtle rhythm to the silhouette. The wood has been left with a natural finish that highlights its warm tone and visible grain. Resting atop each base is a generously padded seat upholstered in soft off-white sheepskin, giving the pieces an inviting texture and a tactile contrast to the structured frame beneath. The sheepskin not only softens the profile but also offers comfort and warmth, both physically and aesthetically. Stools have long been versatile furnishings, used across cultures and eras in functional and decorative ways. In the Scandinavian context, they often served as multi-purpose pieces: footrests, extra seating, or even small tables. The low height of these stools, paired with their plush tops, makes them ideal as ottomans or casual seating options that add an organic softness to an interior. Their modest scale allows them to be moved easily, fitting neatly into both small and open-plan spaces.
This pair captures the essence of Norwegian design in its purest form: practical, beautifully made, and inherently charming. Whether used on their own or paired with a lounge chair, these stools bring a grounded, natural quality to any space.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The seats 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:
First Stool:
21.65 in W x 16.14 in D x 15.74 in H; Seat height 15.74 in
55 cm W x 41 cm D x 40 cm H; Seat height 40 cm
Second Stool:
21.25 in W x 16.14 in D x 15.35 in H; Seat height 15.35 in
54 cm W x 41 cm D x 39 cm H; Seat height 39 cm
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Torbjørn Afdal (1917-1999) is remembered as one of the most well-respected Norwegian designers of the postwar period. Afdal’s work is characterised by a refined understanding of material and form. Oftentimes the combination of art and tradition is evident in his creations, as he possessed the talent of utilising the natural properties of wood. This bench, which was crafted in collaboration with Harry Moen as part of the “Biri” collection, is a wonderful example of Norwegian mid-century design.
This bench’s style is effective without the need for heavy ornamental elements. Uncompromising on quality materials and craftsmanship, the design is focused on functionality. Norwegian craftsmen of the mid-20th century often produced simple, well-made pieces of homegrown woods such as walnut and pine. The pine frame of this bench is outstanding, both in visual and technical terms. The wood’s light colour and the slender lines that make up the bench create an airy feeling, while also retaining an overall impression of strength and durability. The clean and elegant lines further let the upholstery stand out, while the organic shade of the leather highlights the mid-century modern connection to nature. Unlike designs from elsewhere, Norwegian and Nordic furniture pieces weren’t flashy but designed to be well-made and fit a warm, comfortable and welcoming home. Moreover, these desighers were of the firm belief that beautiful and functional objects needn’t be the preserve of the rich but should be accessible to everyone. Torbjørn Afdal’s creations were previously collected by US First Lady Jackie Kennedy for the White House, Japanese Emperor Hirohito, and Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland, and continue to be sought after today.
Benches in general can be placed in any space, including the living room, bedroom, or hallway. Craftsmanship and quality materials are among the few things that will never go out of style, therefore this bench could be an addition of a lifetime to any space.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor scratches and marks on the wood. The bench has been reupholstered recently in a premium leather. 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:
62.40 in W x 19.68 in D x 32.68 in H; Seat height 17.72 in; Seat depth 17.32 in
158.5 cm W x 50 cm D x 83 cm H; Seat height 45 cm; Seat depth 44 cm
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
A concern with the aesthetic design of crafts can be seen in the Scandinavian arts as far back as the Vikings. The first part of the new century saw a new wave of Norwegian design, humanistic in its approach, and focused on the aesthetic of everyday objects. This approach expressed the Scandinavians’ attitude towards their environment and is recognizable by its emphasis on unpretentious forms.
This highly functional bench’s mid-century style is effective without needing heavy elements. Uncompromising on quality materials and craftsmanship, the design is focused on functionality. The Norwegian manufacturer, Krogenæs, is well-known for the high-quality pine furniture. This bench is a great example with its simple and robust design joined by classic, traditional techniques. Albeit the piece is made of solid wood, the pine’s light colour and the slender lines create an airy feeling, while also retaining an overall impression of strength and durability. This is enhanced by the careful mixture of the tapered legs and the Asian-inspired Scandinavian-style joinery that uses nothing, but the wood itself. The richly textured shearling adds a lot of visual interest and comfort, ensuring the cosiness that Scandinavian design is beloved for.
From the joinery technique and woodworking, every detail reveals the quality craftsmanship of the experts at Krogenæs Møbler. The most charming thing about this Norwegian bench however, is that it has classic elements reflecting its history, while lending itself easily to a modern interior.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some marks and scratches on the wood. The bench has been reupholstered recently in a premium 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:
35.43 in W x 12.2 in D x 16.92 in H
90 cm W x 31 cm D x 43 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
This “kubbstol” or “kubbestol” is a traditional Scandinavian chair made from a log. The kubbestol was quite common in some districts of Norway from about 1750 to 1960, where it was usually made from logs with significant girth and three to four feet in length.
The tree trunk was hollowed out so that the base (from the seat down) would be cylindrical while the back of the chair continues upward from the seat in a curved shield that makes the chair both snug and comfortable. Most, but not all, kubbestols were decorated with carving, painting, or some combination of the two. This chair has beautiful folk patterns hand carved into it, with visible, raw craftsmanship. Carved and painted decorations would differ from district to district and styles changed over time. While the log is seemingly roughly shaped, this chair is surprisingly comfortable, as functionality has been historically important for Scandinavian furniture makers. The kubbestol was often placed next to the open-hearth fireplace or next to the bed, and it was reserved for the head of the household. Large, impressive farmhouses might have had several richly carved and painted kubbestols as a display of wealth and status.
These days the log chair has become a symbol of Scandinavian roots for many families with ties to Norway, Sweden, or Denmark. The kubbestol is a reminder of our rural heritage and a time when most things in and around the home were made by hand from materials found in nature. Essentially a chair hewn from a tree trunk, this chair is as closely associated with Norway as Peer Gynt, and may have led just as many lives and have just as many tales to tell.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has cracks and marks and discolouration. The hand carved patterns remain in good condition.
Dimensions:
17.32 in W x 21.06 in D x 25 in H; Seat height 14.17 in
44 cm W x 53.5 cm D x 63.5 cm H; Seat height 36 cm
About the Design:
The earliest records of the kubbestol/kubbstol in Scandinavia are in the form of small silver amulets: one from a burial site on the island of Björkö to the west of Stockholm, which dates to the 9th century, and two found amongst a collection of money and jewellery unearthed at Fölhagen on the Swedish island of Gotland and dated to the 10th century.
The three small silver amulets which bear an uncanny similarity, and alongside several other amulets depict the so-called kubbstolar. They are kept today by the Statens Historiska Museum (The Swedish History Museum) in Stockholm. In addition to silver amulets the Statens Historiska Museum also has two amulets in amber, one each from Björkö and Gotland.
Whereby it is important to remember that a representation of a kubbstol created in 9th and/or 10th century Sweden shouldn’t be confused with the physical existence of the kubbstol in 9th and/or 10th century Sweden. That while it strongly implies, they almost certainly were physically in existence in Sweden; they alone confirm that kubbstolar were known in Sweden, and presumably had an importance and significance. Why else use them as amulets, and as amulets crafted from precious, valuable, materials? In 1916 Bernhard Salin noted that “due to lack of time and space, I have to refrain from considering the interesting question of why the kubbstol during the Viking Age was made in the form of a pendant.”
The kubbstol can also be found on a carving originating from the Sanda churchyard according to Hugo Junger, who argues that the enclosed space in which the three figures in the top part of the carving find themselves, is Valhalla, that famed residence where slain, and favoured, Nordic warriors enjoyed the afterlife. While Odin’s chair is only decipherable with an excellent and biased imagination, Frigg’s chair is very clearly a kubbstol. And if Frigg and Odin furnished Valhalla, or perhaps just their private rooms and/or the public reception rooms, with kubbstolar, then that not only makes the kubbstol one of the original seats of power, but bequeaths the kubbstol an importance and significance that justifies amulets crafted from precious, valuable, materials.
Exactly what that significance is and was, other than, potentially, a simple symbol of the power of Odin and/or Frigg, we know not. As with all items of vernacular furniture the search for origins invariably leads one to supposition and fantasy, rather than your actual facts. However, the kubbstol became a symbol of Scandinavian history and culture, with a unique appearance and craftsmanship that contains history just like a book. ~H.
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
The Baule Tribe from the Ivory Coast of West Africa is well-known for their artistic tribal art, sculptures, and furniture. With a rich cultural history, their creations are also full of history both visually and in their execution. This beautiful pair of chairs is the visual epitome of the tribe’s talents.
The thin, wooden yokes and carved legs define this pair of chairs. The wooden crosspieces are fastened between the backs in a traditional manner. Historically, low chairs such as these were carried on the shoulders of village men as they went to attend social gatherings or community rituals in the Baule Tribe. Accordingly, the seats are flat, the yoke backs slightly bent, and the legs sturdy to support the sitter. This pair is handmade, and both chairs were created out of separate pieces of stunning dark African woods. The simple carvings on the legs and the visible, rough joinery adds character to these chairs. Their beauty lies in their imperfections and simple design that is free of any unnecessary elements. The organic look of this pair is charged with culture and history, that immediately grabs attention.
Both chairs have beautiful patina, and showcase the wood’s texture and pattern. Having been created by hand, each chair is unique and therefore different in size. Once serving as the seats of tribal elders and chiefs, these chairs could be beautiful accent pieces in any interior.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Scratches and marks on the wood.
Dimensions:
Chair 1
22.83 in W x 14.37 in D x 23.62 in H; Seat height 10.62 in
58 cm W x 36.5 cm D x 60 cm H; Seat height 27 cm
Chair 2
22.24 in W x 15.55 in D x 21.45 in H; Seat height 9.64 in
56.5 cm W x 39.5 cm D x 54.5 cm H; Seat height 24.5 cm
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Senufo benches are traditional, handcrafted pieces, integral to the Senufo people's cultural heritage. This bench was crafted in the Ivory Coast in the first half of the 20th century. These benches serves to highlight the understated beauty of natural materials and their limitless potential in the hands of a skilled craftsman.
Handcrafted with utmost care, Senufo benches are captivating objects. The aesthetic is a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity with a rich history and plenty of beauty. The shape of this bench’s seat has an organic asymmetrical form, providing a sculptural quality to the object as formed by nature, making it not just functional, but also a work of art. The geometric lines are not precise, and the edges are not defined, instead, imperfect materiality is the ideal of beauty. The craftsmanship is also evident in the carving, further highlighting the natural beauty of the wood. The combination of the traditional woodworking and the minimalist design makes this bench a modern piece that fits easily into any space. It has rustic elements with an edge that is impossible to reproduce. Strong but subtle, this piece brings cultural richness, as well as functionality to an interior.
Senufo benches and stools have had a resurgence in popularity in recent years among interior designers for their sculptural yet minimalist look. Apart from their practicality, this bench celebrates African artistry and honours tradition. Its greatest advantage though, lies in its timeless beauty and unique charm.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The item has recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature of the wood, the item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration.
Dimensions:
77.56 in W x 22.05 in D x 19.49 in H
197 cm W x 56 cm D x 49.5 cm H
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Price category: 1,000 - 2,500 usd / eur
Throughout the 20th century, Scandinavian designers developed a reputation for their devotion to honest materials, functional forms, and a deep respect for traditional craftsmanship. Norwegian furniture makers in particular often took cues from rural design, interpreting it through a modern lens to create pieces that balanced simplicity and comfort. Krogenæs, a Norwegian workshop, embraced these high-quality, yet utilitarian values in their design language and material choices. This low wooden stool reflects this commitment with clarity and character.
This piece features a sturdy, solid oak base with gently tapered legs and stretcher that reinforce its stability while also adding a subtle rhythm to the silhouette. The wood has been left with a natural finish that highlights its warm tone and visible grain. Resting atop the wooden base is a generously padded seat upholstered in soft off-white sheepskin, giving the stool an inviting texture and a tactile contrast to the structured frame beneath. The sheepskin not only softens the profile but also offers comfort and warmth, both physically and aesthetically. Stools have long been versatile furnishings, used across cultures and eras in functional and decorative ways. In the Scandinavian context, they often served as multi-purpose pieces: footrests, extra seating, or even small tables. The low height of this stool, paired with its plush top, make it ideal as an ottoman or casual seating option that adds organic softness to an interior. Its modest scale allows it to be moved easily, fitting neatly into both small and open-plan spaces.
This piece captures the essence of Norwegian design in its purest form: practical, beautifully made, and inherently charming. Whether used on its own or paired with a lounge chair, this stool brings a grounded, natural quality to any space.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The seat has recently been reupholstered in premium sheepskin. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in house atelier in a fabric of your choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
21.65 in W x 16.14 in D x 15.74 in H; Seat height 15.74 in
55 cm W x 41 cm D x 40 cm H; Seat height 40 cm
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Senufo stools are traditional, handcrafted stools, integral to the Senufo people's cultural heritage. This piece was crafted in the Ivory Coast in the first half of the 20th century. Traditionally made from a single block of wood, pieces like this one were used in both daily life and ceremonies. Women, for example, used lower ones on wash days, while others had ceremonial duties and were taller; they were used by elders and at significant family events.
Handcrafted with utmost care, Senufo stools are captivating objects. The aesthetic is a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity with a rich history and plenty of beauty. The shape of this stool’s seat has an organic asymmetrical form, providing a sculptural quality to the stool as formed by nature, making it not just functional, but also a work of art. The geometric lines are not precise, and the edges are not defined, instead, imperfect materiality is the ideal of beauty. The craftsmanship is also evident in the carving, further highlighting the natural beauty of the wood. The combination of the traditional woodworking and the minimalist design makes this stool a modern piece that fits easily into any space. It has rustic elements with an edge that is impossible to reproduce. Strong but subtle, this piece brings cultural richness, as well as functionality to an interior.
Senufo stools have had a resurgence in popularity in recent years among interior designers for their sculptural yet minimalist look. Apart from their practicality, this stool celebrates African artistry and honours tradition. The greatest advantage of this stool, though, lies in its timeless beauty and unique charm.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The item has recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature of the material, the stool may have marks, scratches, and discolouration.
Dimensions:
26.18 in W x 16.73 in D x 15.15 in H
66.5 cm W x 42.5 cm D x 38.5 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
What makes wood so appealing, besides its natural beauty, is the ease in which it can be cut and the array of beautiful shapes that can be sculpted from it. This mid-century stool, known as ‘Fjøskrakk (barn stool) Mod. 522’, was created by Krogenæs Møbler in Norway, and exudes pure Scandinavian craftsmanship and refined style.
This model is said to have been designed by Ragnvald Krogenæs (1907-1969). The “Krogenæs stool” is a Norwegian classic, with its tractor-form seat and tripod legs with T-form stretchers. Crafted from solid pine wood, this tripod stool bears the main design hallmarks of mid-century Scandinavian furniture: simplicity and functionality. There are a couple of design elements that set this stool apart, including its ergonomically carved seat, the splayed legs and the arched stretchers, which all add a touch of intrigue to its otherwise minimalist aesthetic. The masterfully crafted mortise and tenon joints further highlight the arches in the front. The subtle curvature and rounded edges that characterise this piece create a gentle and stylish mid-century modern look that is still based on the organic beauty and qualities of the wood itself. In the world of contemporary interior design, sculptural stools like this have surged in popularity, as they can blend seamlessly into modern homes, offering not only practicality but also a sense of nostalgia and authenticity. This stool’s clean lines and cosy wood tones complement various decor styles. Additionally, its enduring appeal lies in its ability to bridge the gap between the past and present, paying homage to mid-century design principles while adapting to the needs of today's interiors. Wooden stools are truly one of the most practical and stylish additions one can make to any room.
Characterised by functionality, simplicity and clean lines, Scandinavian - and as such, Norwegian - mid-century design is all about harmony. Consequently, this stool is more than just a functional furniture piece: it is also a conversation piece, inviting guests to admire the design and appreciate the craftsmanship that went into its creation.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The pine wood has some scratches and marks.
Dimensions:
21.25 in W x 14.17 in D x 13.97 in H; Seat height 13.38 in
54 cm W x 36 cm D x 35.5 cm H; Seat height 34 cm