Swedish "Emmastol" Chairs with Stained Wood Legs, Sweden ca 1950s (sold)
Swedish "Emmastol" Chairs with Stained Wood Legs, Sweden ca 1950s (sold)
The so-called Emma chair got its name in 1821 after a reddish-brown colour in Sweden, called the “Emma colour”. Since 1830 it has been a term for upholstered armchairs in the neo-rococo style with a high, curved back and small or no armrests. This made Emma particularly suitable for the ladies wearing crinoline dresses. The chair type often appeared in neo-rococo and upholstered style variants.
Neo-Rococo took hold in France and England in the 1830s and became widespread in the rest of Europe around the 1840s. The Swedish neo-rococo was mostly inspired and borrowed from the 18th century but as this pair shows, the Emmastol was adapted in a distinctively Swedish way. This is the most apparent in the straighter, tapered wooden legs and the humbler proportions. The homely curviness that defines Swedish mid-century pieces is very apparent, especially in the round edges and gently curving backs. The small, arm-like lower extensions of the backs are kept from the original Emmastol design, giving this pair just enough historical detail. The backs are slightly tilted and paired with the thick cushions, they provide great sitting comfort (whether the sitter wears a crinoline or not). The aesthetic is completed by the textural upholstery that gives these chairs a modern look. The rich fabric with the tufted buttons accentuates the round shape of the chairs and the wooden legs as well.
While the heyday of the Emma armchair was during the 19th century, there is a newfound appreciation for the style nowadays. This is most likely because the classic Emma chair is a wonderful piece that becomes a small piece of jewel in any space. And of course also because this easy-to-place seating style - as demonstrated by this pair - is of the highest craftsmanship quality, created to be kept for generations.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have been reupholstered recently in a premium 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:
24.8 in W x 28.34 in D x 30.9 in H; Seat height 15.35 in
63 cm W x 72 cm D x 78.5 cm H; Seat height 39 cm
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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
The “Laila” model by the Finnish designer, Ilmari Lappalainen, originates from 1948, with the earliest original drawings kept in the Lahti City Museum in their Lappalainen Collection.
This pair of “nr. 238” armchairs are from the Finnish designer’s most famous series called “Laila”. The design became sought after by collectors even in its production time, which is quite rare in the case of Nordic mid-century modern furniture. Lappalainen was a renowned designer, famous for his designs’ comfort. Some of his designs even received medical approval because they had such a good seating, that it prevented back problems. These armchairs have a cosy modern style, modelled on the Swedish and Danish furniture of the time, including the round edges and generous seat cushions and back with five tufted buttons. The bodies have the classic Nordic look, which explains the contemporary popularity of these armchairs both among the public and museums. The modern aesthetic is further elevated by the soft sheepskin upholstery that complements the shape and the wooden, tapered legs as well.
Wood is omnipresent in the Nordics, and Finnish woodworking is world-famous for its traditions. These chairs were created for Asko, the Finnish furniture manufacturing company founded in 1918 by Aukusti Asko Avonius, known for the production of high-quality furniture. By 1930, the company had developed into the largest furniture chain in Finland and the largest supplier of furniture in the Scandinavian countries. Favourites of this time included Ilmari Lappalainen’s present Laila armchairs.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have been reupholstered recently in premium sheepskin. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
32.87 in W x 32.87 in D x 32.48 in H; Seat height 17.51 in
83.5 cm W x 83.5 cm D x 82.5 cm H; Seat height 44.5 cm
Literature:
Riitta Miestamo "The Form and Substance of Finnish Furniture", Askon Säätiö, Esan Kirjapaino oy, Lahti 1981.p 65.
About the Designer:
Ilmari Lappalainen (1918 - 2006) was a great Finnish designer whose most active working years were from the end of the 1940s until the end of the 1970s.
Lappalainen first graduated as a teacher of woodworking in 1939, followed by a degree in interior design in 1947. By the end of the school of interior design, he was already working as an intern in Asko and after graduating he got a permanent design position at the company. Lappalainen worked as a teacher and as an interior designer for Asko's department stores, public spaces and hotels.
Lappalainen's most popular products / series are the Laila sofa set, the Seija rocking chair, the lazy castle Rex and the Pulkka armchair. Interestingly, the chairs from the Columna series were sold as health chairs for a long time, because they had such a good ergonomic design, that it prevented back problems. The chairs eventually received medical approval as well. ~H.