Frits Schuitema Armchair Model "1130" for Schuitema en Zonen with Seat and Backrest of Woven Rope, Belgium 1970s (sold)
















Frits Schuitema Armchair Model "1130" for Schuitema en Zonen with Seat and Backrest of Woven Rope, Belgium 1970s (sold)
The Mid-Century Modern era cemented the design principles of quality, functionality, and an unadorned, understated look for future pieces in Belgium as well. Accordingly, this chair created in the 1970s is defined by its materials, the finely worked solid wood and woven papercord.
This classic armchair stands as evidence why many Belgian craftsmen succeeded at furniture design: the precision of the structure, the joinery, and the papercord weaving is evident at first glance, showing great geometric order. Driven by function, Frits Schuitema’s focus was evidently on practicality, structural stability, and a design in favour of these principles. The combination of subtle curved and straight lines and the absence of excess decoration is very typical of Belgian modern designers who like their contemporary European designers, saw possibilities in the aesthetics of modernist design and materials. The use of papercord is the defining material of this model. Noteworthy for its durability, the organic material has also been beloved for its functional and aesthetic qualities. The woven or basket form of seat and back of this chair have a tight, visually pleasing pattern in great condition. This armchair has an equally arresting solid wood structure that shows great craftsmanship evident in the dovetail joinery on the arms. The producer, Shaker Furniture Schuitema en Zonen, one of the forerunners of Belgian Shaker furniture producing with clarity, honesty, and quality defining their work.
This beautiful model’s simplicity and honest elegance combined with Belgian design elements makes it an exceptional furniture piece. The woven seat and back give it a warm and cosy feel all while staying functional.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some marks and discolouration on the wood and the papercord.
Dimensions:
23.03 in W x 22.2 in D x 34.25 in H; Seat height 18.3 in; Arm height 26.18 in
58.5 cm W x 56.5 cm D x 87 cm H ; Seat height 46.5 cm; Arm height 66.5 cm
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
This mid-century French armchair combines a visually stunning structural body with expert caning technique and high-quality materials.
As with the UK and much of Europe, there was something of a design renaissance in France in the 1950s, due to developments in materials and technology after the war. In France, designers were often also architects, whose focus on functionality and quality resulted in sculptural models, such as this armchair. This model is all about the gorgeous teak structure and the cane panels. Pure, sleek forms, free from artifice or decoration characterise the aesthetic; a style that is commonly referred to as reconstructivism. A reconstructivist design builds upon prior, deconstructionist models and techniques, but adapts them to classic themes and structures, with the goal of creating works of genuine emotion and significance. This armchair in particular recalls the chairs of Swiss architect, Pierre Jeanneret’s designs for Chandigarh in India.
The body features octagonal mesh cane webbing, which is an elegant material that enhances quality and complements the teak wood. Cane webbing is strong enough to support the weight of a sitting person and flexible enough to bend around the sharp corners of wooden frames. Production of cane webbing requires a lot of labour, attention and craftsmanship and every production step involves repetitive careful hand selection. The cane panels are original and in great condition, testifying to the outstanding quality of this armchair and the skill of its maker. ~H.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Original cane panels. Some minor scratches and marks on the wood.
Dimensions:
25.59 in W x 32.87 in D x 31.1 in H; Seat height 11.41 in
65 cm W x 83.5 cm D x 79 cm H; Seat height 29 cm