A beech rocking chair, suspended in seat and back with woven paper cord. Twisted paper cord woven across an open wood frame has been used to form the seats of Danish chairs since the 1940s but through the 1950s and 1960s paper cord became perhaps the most distinctive and, for some people, the type of seat most closely associated with chairs from the Danish Modern period.

When thinking about custom, sustainable, or heirloom quality furniture, the materials used are as important as the design itself. One material that is often vastly underrated is Danish cord. Noteworthy for its durability, Danish cord is also beloved for its functional and aesthetic qualities. As the name implies, it is a product of Denmark that became an important material in the Danish Modern period of the 1940s and 1950s. Danish cord is a strong, three-ply, paper cord roughly 1/8” in diameter. Renowned designers such as Hans Wegner and Børge Mogensen employed Danish cord in some of their most iconic designs. The woven or basket form of seat of this rocking chair has a tight, visually pleasing pattern in great condition. As a rocking chair, this model has an equally arresting beech structure that shows great craftsmanship. The bottom part recalls the famous “J16” rocking chair model of Hans Wegner, as the rocker rails curve smoothly into the legs. The beech wood’s light colour complements the cord well, and together they fit with almost any colour palette.

While they play a prominent role in both architecture and pop culture, rocking chairs solidified their place in Scandinavian design history as well. As this Danish model proves, functionality can manifest in many forms, but it is always accompanied by quality and a great aesthetic quality in Danish design.

SOLD

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor scratches and marks on the wood.

Dimensions:

24.4 in W x 26.37 in D x 29.13 in H; Seat height 16.53 in

62 cm W x 67 cm D x 74 cm H x 42 cm SH