Woven Cord Chairs with Steam Bent Wood Frames in the Manner of Erich Dieckmann, Germany circa 1950s (sold)
Woven Cord Chairs with Steam Bent Wood Frames in the Manner of Erich Dieckmann, Germany circa 1950s (sold)
Erich Dieckmann was one of the pre-eminent furniture designers of the Bauhaus and, like Marcel Breuer, was experimenting with steel tubing, standardization, and geometric forms in the 1920s and 1930s.
This rare pair of armchairs, recalling the Bauhaus, is made of beech and cord. Dieckmann’s furniture models are often characterized by quality hardwoods, cane matting and geometric frames that link the armrests and legs, creating a unique runner construction. This model is therefore clearly inspired by a typical Dieckmann model, with a curved beech wood frame that perfectly shows the designer's unique avant-garde yet minimalist style and workmanship. 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 whole design. The beech frames are complemented by the elegant cord seats and backs woven tightly around the wood.
These chairs are defined by their materials, steam bent beech and woven cord. Both techniques require expert skill, which the manufacturer evidently possessed. Erich Dieckmann was one of the most important furniture designers of the Bauhaus movement, leaving behind an iconic body of Bauhaus-inspired seating.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor scratches on the legs.
Dimensions:
21.85 in W x 26.18 in D x 30.71 in H; Seat height 15.16 in; Seat depth 19.29 in; Arm height 24.21 in
55.5 cm W x 66.5 cm D x 78 cm H; Seat height 38.5 cm; Seat depth 49 cm; Arm height 61.5 cm
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Less famous than their Western European contemporaries, Czechoslovakian prolific creators were no less talented. They were asked not to design artistically but to create furniture for the “volk”, or ordinary people. Pieces were expected to last, to be versatile, easy to reproduce and functional, but also elegant and well-designed.
Overall, Czech mid-century modern designs tend to be more sober than their French, German, American, and even Scandinavian counterparts. As demonstrated by these chairs, form and decorative elements played a role, but innovation and artistry took a backseat to factors like functionality and ease of production. This pair has a sober design that relies on materials as the primary decorative elements. The solid beech frames are governed by straight lines with the seats and backs covered by woven sections of wicker. The only entirely decorative element is the rounded end of the elongated back legs. However, the design manages to use functional elements in a decorative way as well, which is most apparent in the wider wooden plates on the armrests. Aesthetically, the wickerwork stands out thanks to the expert weaving technique and the natural beauty of the material. The wicker accentuates the beech frames and the gentle curve of the seats and backrests as well.
For much of the 20th century, industrial, and furniture designers in the Eastern Bloc created their work in near anonymity — including in the former Czechoslovakia, where communist ideologies ran counter to capitalist ideas like branding and acclaim. Now, however, 20th-century Czech designs are making their way back onto the international stage. In the process, the influence their ingenuity had on Western design is sparking a long-overdue appreciation for their work.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use.
Dimensions:
21.25 in W x 24.6 in D x 31.1 in H; Seat height 17.71 in ; Arm height 26.77 in
54 cm W x 62.5 cm D x 79 cm H; Seat height 45 cm; Arm height 68 cm