Dutch Lounge Chair with Woven Rush Seat, The Netherlands 1950s (sold)


















Dutch Lounge Chair with Woven Rush Seat, The Netherlands 1950s (sold)
This Dutch mid-century lounge chair is impressive in its simplicity. The design carries the same beloved modernist characteristics applied to American, Scandinavian, and Italian mid-century design – simple, functional – and shows the rustic side of Dutch design of the era.
In terms of design, this wooden lounge chair with rush seat fits completely into the concept of the Dutch foundation, ‘Stichting Goed Wonen’ (1946 – 1988), which was involved in propagating new living standards: clear, aesthetic design and good construction. In the name of “good living” this chair was created to raise living in the Netherlands to a higher level by meeting the criteria of a certain aesthetic, technical, and social requirements. The style this chair advocates is related to ‘Nieuwe Bouwen’, a movement from the early twentieth century. The architects involved in it strived for light interiors without non-functional decoration. The wooden frame of this chair is a beautiful example of this, with clear, straight lines and a construction that testifies of some architectural knowledge on the maker’s side. The frame is made of high-quality wood with seven vertical spindles in the back that create an open look. The organic, woven rush seat compliments the design nicely, while the strong, geometric structure creates a modern, timeless look. The seat is raised towards the front, following the angle of the widening armrests.
The 1950s saw brilliant Dutch designers working to create furniture of the highest quality that explored truly modern shapes and forms. Meanwhile, in the spirit of “good living”, furniture pieces were required to be functional and of the highest quality as well. This lounge chair fulfils these requirements, serving as a piece of design history, and as a piece that is sure to stand out in any interior today.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Small scratches and marks on the wood.
Dimensions:
23.81 in W x 32.28 in D x 27.36 in H; Seat height 12.59 in
60.5 cm W x 82 cm D x 69.5 cm H; Seat height 32 cm
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 5.000 - 7.500 usd / eur
This mid-century side chair pair was born from a desire to create a design that was comfortable, organic and cosy in its simplicity. The design incorporates subtle, yet stunning decorative elements on a base that many like to call “honest design”.
This pair stands as evidence of why many European architects succeeded at the craft of furniture design: the precision of the structures and the rush weaving is evident at first glance, showing great geometric order. Driven by function, the maker’s focus was evidently on practicality, structural stability, and a design in favour of these principles. The aesthetic is defined by the flowing wooden lines and the minimal structures framing the woven rush seats. The backrests showcase subtle ornamental details, thanks to the carved wave-like design, albeit small, this detail adds a lot to the overall visual balance of the design as it counters the dominating straight lines. The frame is complemented by the elegant rush seats woven tightly in the wood, with the material of the seats giving the pair a warm and cosy feel all while staying very functional. The chairs’ simplicity and honest elegance makes them exceptional pieces of furniture.
The skilled craftsmanship is evident making sure that this pair of side chairs is durable, sturdy, and functional, while the use of high-quality wood and rush make it a beautiful design heirloom.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, some marks and scratches are present. The wicker seating of the chairs shows some signs of discolouration.
Dimensions:
24.61 in W x 25.79 in D x 29.93 in H; Seat height 16.34 in; Seat depth 19.89 in; Arm height 24.61 in
62.5 cm W x 65.5 cm D x 76 cm H; Seat height 41.5 cm; Seat depth 50.5 cm; Arm height 62.5 cm