Pair of Bauhaus Style Wicker Armchairs, Europe First half of 20th century (sold)






































Pair of Bauhaus Style Wicker Armchairs, Europe First half of 20th century (sold)
Bauhaus was a rational, functional German design movement that lasted from 1917-1933. It blurred the lines between disciplines, using arts and crafts techniques in an increasingly mass-produced, industrialised world. This pair of armchairs, recalling the Bauhaus, is made of beautiful natural materials: wicker and stained wood.
The wooden structure was a technical innovation in its time, as it was created by steam bending the wood. During the process, the wood is exposed to steam to make it pliable. Heat and moisture from steam can soften wood fibres enough, so they can be bent and stretched, and when cooled down they will hold their new shape. This is most apparent in the armrests‘ curvature that flows down to form the front legs. This continuous piece is in the focus of the design. The wooden frames are complemented by the elegant wicker seats and backs woven tightly around the wood.
Unlike designs from outside the continent, European designers’ products weren’t flashy but instead focused on being well-made and to fit a warm, comfortable and welcoming home. As this pair exemplifies, blending functionality, good quality natural materials and organic colours with excellent craftsmanship, is the key to the success of this design period.
While the Bauhaus movement itself lasted only 14 years, Bauhaus architecture and design has had an enduring impact on generations of designers.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some small marks and scratches on the wood.
Dimensions:
21.85 in W x 21.26 in D x 29.53 in H; Seat height 15.55 in; Seat depth 19.49 cm; Arm height 24.80 in
55.5 cm W x 54 cm D x 75 cm H; Seat height 39.5 cm; Seat depth 49.5 cm; Arm height 63 cm
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Crafted during a time when movements like Modernism were reshaping design worldwide, this early 20th-century armchair reflect a transitional style rooted in both simplicity and elegance. This era emphasizes clean lines, unique shapes, and high-quality craftsmanship to achieve timeless pieces like this one.
This remarkable armchair was designed by German artist, Willi Ohler. The so-called “Worpsweder” either denote chairs made at the Worpsweder Kunsthütten (Worpsweder arts huts) in Germany, or a specific style of German chairs with solid wood frames, broad armrests, often from tall wood, with woven seats and backs. These piece features all of those characteristics. The honey-toned wood highlights the warm patina that has developed over decades. The softly sculpted armrests framing the chair bring both elegance and ergonomic comfort to the overall form. Woven wicker is the main highlight of the piece. The material is used to construct the seat and tall backrest. The beautifully symmetrical pattern showcases the timeless artistry of artisanal furniture. The rectangular, slim legs create a sleek structure while not abandoning sturdiness. This chair preserves the value and beauty of master craftsmanship and exquisite materials.
Worpswede in Lower Saxony is famous nationwide for its long tradition as an artists' colony. Nowadays, about 130 artists and craftsmen and women live there permanently. The artists who created the so called "Worpsweder Kuentlerkolonie" were looking for the simple and original in art and life. The traditional reed and rush woven chairs of this region were greatly appreciated by the artists of the colony, and some of them were still produced around 1900-1920. They have become collectors’ pieces thanks to the craftsmanship that went into each chair’s creation.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The item has recently been reconditioned. The woven back and seat are slightly worn. Due to the nature of the materials, the chair may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration.
Dimensions:
33.07 in W x 33.66 in D x 38.18 in H; Seat height 16.73 in; Seat depth 19.48 in; Arm height 24.80 in
84 cm W x 85.5 cm D x 97 cm H; Seat height 42.5 cm; Seat depth 49.5 cm; Arm height 63 cm
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
The "Stora Kraal" easy chair was originally designed by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist in 1952, and was quickly incorporated into Nordiska Kompaniet’s famous Triva Collection, a new versatile furniture series aimed at modern, postwar consumers.
Lacquered metal, wicker and leather. This model is defined by its materials and its immediately recognizable design created by the masterful combination of them. Known for her unique and humanistic design vision, Hörlin-Holmquist created the Stora Kraal according to these principles. Accordingly, this model holds a soft simplicity and a uniqueness in its appearance - light, clean lines with organic materials and form. Without worrying about short-lived trends and what other people thought, Hörlin-Holmquist created the peculiar, shell shape of this chair that is only increasing in popularity. The design is very open, the backrest flows down and opens up to form the armrests and wide seat. While the armrests sit low and hardly separate from the back and seat, they still give the impression of hugging the sitter. The woven wicker body is held by the metal structure that is composed in a masterful way, providing stability despite its light, minimal appearance.
Hörlin-Holmquist took a larger role in the development of the Triva Collection to provide Nordiska Kompaniet with a variety of furniture designs and interior fittings that expressed a modern Scandinavian ethos through soft lines and adaptive humanism. This Stora Kraal, thanks to its materials, is the collection’s most organic piece, and to many, the most desired one as well.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. New leather straps.
Dimensions:
27.75 in W x 32.67 in D x 39.37 in H; Seat height 15.74 in
70.5 cm W x 83 cm D x 100 cm H; Seat height 40 cm
About the Designer:
Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist was born on May 30, 1925 in Arvika, Sweden. She was a Swedish modernist architect and designer. Hörlin-Holmquist graduated from Stockholm’s Konstfack in 1952, and before that she studied and worked in England.
She often worked with her husband Erik Holmquist, and together they modelled and created the pieces together. A key aspect for the couple was always to test their designs in their own home before completing a project.
"I think both furniture and textiles, wherever they end up, must be kind, gentle and courteous, but without losing their character. They should have human qualities, not be pompous and only stand alone, but be able to adapt to the environment they end up in..."
Hörlin-Holmquist worked and studied in England from 1946-1947 immediately after the war, where she also studied art history and became fascinated with the classic English upholstered furniture and style. Something that without a doubt inspired her own creations later in life while she still developed her own expression. She returned to Sweden where she attended Konstfack from 1948 and graduated from the school in 1952. She started working with Nordiska Kompaniet shortly after her graduation and became a lead designer. Her timeless and iconic ‘Paradiset Collection’ was created during her employment with Nordiska Kompaniet in 1956-1957 and holds a soft simplicity and a uniqueness in its appearance - light, clean lines and yet gracious with an air of romance.
Today, her designs are highly treasured collectibles. She is primarily remembered, for her ability to create designs for the modern home in the 1950s without worrying about short-lived trends and what other people thought - to stay true to her own unique and humanistic design vision. ~H.
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Early 20th century designers were eager to break free from the aesthetics of the past and experiment with new forms and techniques. At the same time, especially in Europe, the modernist design movement was often based on traditional styles and approaches, such as wood turning. This armchair exudes vintage charm and craftsmanship, blending intricate design with timeless elegance.
This chair model boasts a functional, well-thought-out structure, crafted from quality oak. The openness of the piece is highlighted by its horizontal slats, from the stretchers placed between the feet to the the backrest. Still, at the heart of this chair lays its materials; the durable oak and the traditional woven wicker. The wicker seat, a hallmark of practicality and comfort, adds a layer of tactile warmth to this chair. The intertwining fibres create a resilient and breathable surface that showcases the diagonal cross pattern commonly referred to as “rush weave” or wicker. Additionally, the textured surface of the woven rush contrasts nicely with the wood. The attention to craftsmanship is further evidenced by the lower structure, featuring two bobbin turned legs. This is a type of ornament which consists of a series of small knobs resembling spools, or bobbins. The detailed wood carving creates a sophisticated, almost sculptural quality, giving the chair a unique sense of texture and depth.
With its organic feel and natural elements, this chair stands out with its timeless appeal. The piece’s simple yet refined structure allows them to integrate into various interior styles, from vintage-inspired rooms to more contemporary settings where they add a touch of old-world charm.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor marks and scratches on the wood.
Dimensions:
24.21 in W x 21.65 in D x 34.05 in H; Seat height 18.89 in; Seat depth 17.12 in; Arm height 27.55 in
61.5 cm W x 55 cm D x 86.5 cm H; Seat height 48 cm; Seat depth 43.5 cm; Arm height 70 cm
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
In mid-century Danish design, timeless elegance and craftsmanship dominated the era, combined with the use of organic materials such as wood and papercord. Crafted from the warm brown hues of wood, this armchair showcases the inherent beauty, versatility, and timeless charm of handmade furniture defined by highly skilled craftsmanship.
Wood’s natural lustre and ability to develop a beautiful patina over time make it an ideal material for crafting enduring and appealing pieces. This armchair boasts gracefully curved armrests and linear back slats, showcasing the artisan's keen attention to form and detail. The curved arms not only provide a comfortable resting surface, but also contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of the chair. The backrest, with its gentle curve, adds a touch of individual character and refinement to the design. Each element of the chair reflects the organic sensibility that defined Danish mid-century cabinetmakers’ designs, where form and function seamlessly converged. However, what truly injects these chairs with their organic appeal is their seats woven from papercord. This choice of material adds an organic and tactile dimension to the design. Papercord, made from twisted and woven paper fibres, offers a natural and eco-friendly alternative to traditional seating materials. Its rich texture and earthy tones complement the warmth of the wood, creating a harmonious balance in both visual and tactile aspects. The meticulous craftsmanship of the joinery further enhances the chairs' allure; impeccably constructed with no visible screws, the seamless connections speak volumes about the artisan's dedication to precision and quality. The absence of visible hardware not only contributes to the chair’s aesthetic purity, but also underscores the skilled craftsmanship that went into its creation.
This Danish wooden armchair embodies the essence of mid-century design, where natural materials, graceful forms, and meticulous craftsmanship come together. The marriage of wood and woven papercord not only highlights the organic side of this design but also ensures that the chair remains not just functional, but also an enduring heirloom piece.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use.
Dimensions:
22.05 in W x 22.44 in D x 32.09 in H; Seat height 18.11 in; Seat depth 17.52 in; Arm height 25.79 in
56 cm W x 57 cm D x 81.5 cm H; Seat height 46 cm; Seat depth 44.5 cm; Arm height 65.5 cm
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
In 1944, Niels Otto Møller founded J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik in Denmark, a company that has received many awards, including the Danish Furniture Prize in 1974 and 1981. Møller is an important representative of Danish postwar design and had always been committed to excellence and the use of the finest materials.
Clean, simple designs and the quality of materials and workmanship are why Nordic design is timeless. This “model 67” chair is an appealing example of the above statement. The organically moulded solid wood frame and the woven straw seat make this model a classic. Noteworthy for its beautiful pattern, rush weaving is beloved for its functional and aesthetic qualities. The woven seat of this chair has a tight, visually pleasing pattern in great condition. The frame has exciting curves, especially visible in the front arm supports and armrests that visually complement the frame’s curves as well. The two materials pair very well, the smoothness of the wood highlights the texture of the straw’s fibre.
When Niels Otto Møller designed a chair, he would find the materials and then design the furniture. It is said that each design took him five years to complete. This work ethic - exemplified by this “model 67” chair - is why the Møller collection is relatively small for a company that’s been around for more than 70 years, but that’s what makes Møller so special.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The seat has some marks and scratches and beautiful patina.
Dimensions:
22.44 in W x 20.47 in D x 31.1 in H; Seat height 18.11 in
57 cm W x 52 cm D x 79 cm H; Seat height 46 cm
About the designer:
Niels O. Møller (1920 - 1982) is an important representative of Danish postwar design and had always been committed to excellence and the use of the finest materials.
In 1939, he finished his apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker and continued his studies at the Århus School of Design. In 1944, he founded his own furniture factory, J. L. Møllers Mobelfabrik and became an independent designer and producer. Along with the production of classical tradition furniture, Niels Møller worked for two years in a small workshop of the factory to design his first chair: N° 1. From there on, the company produced all models of Niels O. Møller. Over the years J.L. Møllers Mobelfabrik grew and began to export to Germany, the US and Japan.
In 1981, the company was awarded with a "Dansk MøbelIndustri Furniture Prize" with a special mention for its ability to combine quality craftsmanship and modern production. Niels O. Møller remained famous for his elegant teak and rosewood furniture as the iconic series 78, a model of lightness and purity. It is a reference in Scandinavian design. Today, J.L. Møllers remains family property and continues to produce all models of Niels O. Møller.
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
This smoking chair reveals how European designers approached everyday furniture with an appreciation for both craft and nature. This piece combines classic elements with a more modern, organic design. Using natural materials and traditional techniques, the resulting aesthetic is beautifully eye-catching.
The use of wood and wicker to craft this chair belongs to a tradition that valued honest workmanship and the tactile richness of natural materials - this material choice allowed for the creation of objects that feel grounded, inviting, and timeless. The richly toned wood highlights the warm patina that has developed over decades. The softly sculpted armrests framing the chair bring both elegance and ergonomic comfort to the overall form. The backrest is adjustable, thus allowing for optimal lounging. Woven wicker is the main highlight of the piece. The material is used to construct the seat and tall backrest. The beautifully symmetrical pattern showcases the timeless artistry of artisanal furniture. The rectangular, slim legs create a sleek structure while not abandoning sturdiness. This chair preserves the value and beauty of master craftsmanship and exquisite materials.
This chair brings atmosphere to a space, rather than just ornament, offering warmth through material and form. Whether placed in a rustic setting or paired with more contemporary pieces, it holds its own with quiet confidence. The beauty lies not in novelty but in the enduring clarity of thoughtful making, which is why chairs like this continue to resonate so strongly today.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature of the materials, the item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration.
Dimensions:
25.78 in W x 33.85 in D x 33.85 in H; Seat Height 13.77 in; Seat depth 23.62 in; Arm height 22.24 in
65.5 cm W x 86 cm D x 86 cm H; Seat Height 35 cm; Seat depth 60 cm; Arm height 56.5 cm