Art Deco Stool in Bookmatched Zebrawood, Europe 1930s (sold)
Art Deco Stool in Bookmatched Zebrawood, Europe 1930s (sold)
Most of Europe has a long history of furniture-making. Through the 19-20th century, the continent also had a very strong tradition of cabinetmaking, or producing traditional furniture by hand. In the early 20th century, these cabinetmaking traditions began to merge with modern forces to create simple and refined pieces showcasing an amazing level of woodworking like this stool.
In the heady days of the 1930s’ Europe, an era marked by unprecedented cultural dynamism and bold artistic expressions, the Art Deco movement emerged as a testament to modernity and sophistication. This period witnessed the creation of exquisite furniture pieces that epitomized the union of form and function, this Zebrawood Art Deco Stool standing out as a prime example. The term "bookmatched zebrawood" refers to a meticulous woodworking technique where veneers are carefully sliced from a single piece of wood, creating mirrored patterns resembling the pages of an open book. Zebrawood, aptly named for its striking resemblance to the stripes of a zebra, was a favoured choice during the Art Deco era due to its distinctive grain patterns and rich, contrasting colours. The unique visual appeal of bookmatched zebrawood played a pivotal role in defining the luxurious and opulent aesthetic of Art Deco furniture and consequently, that of this stool. Art Deco design was characterized by geometric shapes, bold colours, and lavish ornamentation, reflecting the spirit of progress and innovation of the time. Zebrawood, with its inherent elegance and dynamic patterns, perfectly complements the sleek lines and angular forms prevalent in Art Deco furniture. The wood's warm tones and distinct grain add a touch of natural beauty to the otherwise modern impression of the design . The 1930s also marked a golden age of furniture design in Europe, with influential designers such as Jacques-Émile Ruhlmann and Jules Leleu contributing to the burgeoning Art Deco movement. These visionaries embraced new materials and innovative techniques while maintaining a commitment to craftsmanship and artistic integrity seen in this four-legged model. Stools, typically overlooked in comparison to larger furniture pieces, played a crucial role in the Art Deco interior. Their compact size and versatility made them ideal for multifunctional spaces, embodying the modern ethos of efficiency and adaptability. Today, stools are experiencing a resurgence in popularity as contemporary design embraces the concept of versatile and space-saving furniture.The upholstered seat in a premium patterned fabric highlights the round shape while quite literally also adding a functional layer to the stool.
This Art Deco Stool in bookmatched zebrawood serves as a captivating keepsake of an era marked by bold design and unparalleled craftsmanship. As a testament to the enduring allure of Art Deco furniture, this stool showcases the marriage of form and function, exquisite materials, and masterful woodworking. In a world where nostalgia meets modern sensibilities, the resurgence of stools as coveted design pieces highlight their timeless appeal and adaptability in contemporary living spaces.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The stool’s seat has been upholstered recently in premium patterned 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:
16.73 in ⌀ x 17.71 in H
42.5 cm ⌀ x 45 cm H
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
Despite being long misattributed to Axel Einar Hjorth, this “Pall” or “Palle” stool was designed and manufactured by K. J. Pettersson & Söner Storvreta in the second half of the 20th century. The stool is a striking example of Scandinavian design of the 1970s. It represents the Swedish brand's commitment to high-quality and sustainable design that would seamlessly blend into both modern and traditional interiors.
The model embodies principles of the mid-century and Scandinavian modern movements, where functionality, simplicity, and the use of natural materials take precedence. Visually, the piece features a bold and almost sculptural form, with clean lines and smooth surfaces that reflect the organic beauty of the wood. Its silhouette is minimalist yet distinctive, with a gently curved seat to provide ergonomic comfort. In the absence of heavy ornamentation, this stool takes pride in its material’s natural qualities. Pine wood became the bamboo of the north in the sense that it lasts for decades. The stool is constructed from several slats of pine wood, with the grain clearly visible, adding texture and warmth. Thanks to the individual blocks, which are visible from the side, the pattern and grain differs throughout, thus increasing the visual appeal. The base of the stool is open on each side, emphasizing its sculptural look and providing a sense of airiness. This thoughtful craftsmanship not only highlights the beauty of the material but also ensures stability and practicality in use. This sort of northern minimalism allows people to invite peace into their home without creating a space that is uninviting or cold. Similarly, this stool is full of vitality without being chaotic or overworked.
The stool is a testament to the timeless quality of Scandinavian design, which continues to resonate in contemporary interiors. Its unadorned elegance make it a perfect piece for modern homes, offering both style and utility. With its durable construction and inviting form, this piece is more than just a stool—it is a work of art that would bring a sense of natural beauty and practicality to any space.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Item has some small chips and marks. The wood has a nice patina.
Dimensions:
23.42 in W x 23.62 in D x 11.15 in H
59.5 cm W x 36 cm D x 36 cm H
About the designer:
The “Pall” or “Palle” tabouret has long been associated with Hjorth, however, many with knowledge in the field suspected it to be a misattribution both in terms of period and designer. Swedish auction house, Uppsala Auktionskammare finally put an end to the mystery surrounding this stool design in early January 2020, when in their Decorative Sale auction catalogue a model of the previously misattributed Pall stool was for the first time attributed to K.J. Pettersson & Söner.
The Swedish town of Storvreta was known for its many furniture manufacturers and the largest among them was Karl Julius Pettersson and Sons (Gösta, Nils, Karl-Erik and Birger respectively) furniture manufactory. Pettersson & Söner started as a small-scale manufacturing business in 1933 in a building at the address Fullerövägen 9. Production grew rapidly, resulting in a larger factory and furniture shop, now under the company’s name, AB K. J. Pettersson & Söner. In 1948 a separate furniture store / exhibition hall was started on the property next to the furniture factory, which a few years later was moved to more suitable premises. In 1953 the expansion continued with another, even larger factory building which still survives.
The furniture company specialised primarily in sofa beds with patented constructions. In low season the company employed around fifty to sixty people, while in high season, the number grew to around a hundred. As Karl-Erik Pettersson reminisced:
“A good thing was that we didn't have to ask any authority for permission to build during the first 10-12 years. It was just putting the shovel in the ground and building as we wished. And we really built. We expanded the factory and we built it privately. But, as the municipal bureaucracy expanded, more and more people wanted to be involved in deciding what we should do and how we would do it. We continued to specialize in sofa beds, corner beds and countertops. And it went well and time and time again we got our sofas jury-selected at the big furniture fairs.” K. J. Pettersson & Söner worked in Storvreta for 48 years until closing down in 1980.