Designed by Henning Kjaernulf, this so-called “kurulstol” or kurul chair, is an iconic model by Danish designer, Henning Kjærnulf. The Kurul chair is an ancient folding chair, originally a folding stool with straight or curved legs. Among the Romans, in addition to being an ordinary utility chair, it was symbolically linked to officials, often within the judiciary.

This pair of armchairs combines the traditional kurul structure with a rounded and curved appearance with an upholstered seat and backrest that gives the historic look a modern edge. The oak frames are carved and sculpted in an unmistakeable way, showing the skills of both the designer and the manufacturer. The bodies are composed of two slats of wood of equal length in the front and back, fastened together in a saltire formation (resembling the letter X) which are extended up at the top and back to form the armrests and the backs as well. The seats, upholstered in sheepskin, are stretched between the front and back slats connecting the two. Kjærnulf removed the folding function of the historic design, giving it a more stable, organic look. This impression is further enhanced by the solid oak, which is carved with great precision into straight and curving lines. The rich sheepskin melts these carved and straight lines together, contrasting to the oak’s smoothness. While the historic kurul chair was often decorated with intarsia, this model only showcases subtle decor elements, such as the scalloped bridge under the seat, and the curving armrests.

While the kurulstol is a Renaissance classic originating from ancient Rome, thanks to Kjaernulf, Scandinavian modernism remains at the core of the design. Kjærnulf’s designs are easy to spot in a crowd thanks to his originality, making his pieces like the razorblade chair and this model eternally unique. These chairs were manufactured by EG Kvalitetsmobel in Denmark during the 1960s.

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SOLD

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Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor scratches and marks on the wood. The chair has been reupholstered recently in premium sheepskin.

Dimensions:

24.8 in W x 26.77 in D x 31.3 in H; Seat height 17.32 in

63 cm W x 68 cm D x 79.5 cm H; Seat height 44 cm

About the designer:

Danish mid-century designer and architect, Henning Kjaernulf is somewhat of a mystery. A lot more is known about his designs than Kjaernulf himself. His wooden designs, crafted to perfection, speak for themselves. Kjaernulf mainly designed for the Danish manufacturers EG Kvalitetsmøbel, Nyrup Møbelfabrik, and Vejle Stole Møbelfabrik. The latter produced the designer’s well-known teak extending dining table design. The historic archives of the Danish municipality, Stenlille, reveal the history of Nyrup Møbelfabrik, mentioning Kjaernulf’s architectural designs for the company’s factory, referring to him as an architect based in Odense, Denmark.

Kjaernulf’s works reveal quality craftsmanship throughout, featuring clean Danish modern era lines with sculpted edges and shapes. The unique shapes, like his razorblade chair backrests, distinguish the designer from other Danish mid-century designers.

In light of how sought after his dining sets and lounge chairs are, it remains a mystery why so little is known about the designer. The curious background of Kjaernulf if anything, adds more charm to his pieces. ~H.