Ethiopian-Style Stool with Scrolled legs, Norway first half of the 20th century (sold)




























Ethiopian-Style Stool with Scrolled legs, Norway first half of the 20th century (sold)
Ethiopian and other African-influenced furniture had been made in Europe from the 1850s, the most famous being Adolf Loos’s “Theban stool” designed around 1903 in the Egyptian revival style. Based on its visual qualities, this pair of hand carved Ethiopian-style stools could have inspired Loos’s design.
This original design also took a piece of English furniture as its inspiration, although Liberty's three-legged stool was itself based on an ancient Egyptian stool seen by Leonard Wyburd in the British Museum. Loos' version differed from this by virtue of its tighter proportions. Josef Frank developed yet another more elongated form around 1929. The body of these tripod stools are carved from a single tree trunk, which was a common technique in Africa during the 19th and early 20th century. The low seats have a deepening, uneven, organic seating surface and show the natural qualities of the wood. This creates a stunning, elemental aesthetic that praises both the material’s natural beauty and the craftsman’s work. Still, the eyes are immediately drawn to the curled, scrolling legs that support the seat. This shape is traditional for tribal stools from Ethiopia, especially for the ones created by the Jimma and Oromo people in the forest area of Western and Southern Ethiopia respectively. Traditionally, these stools were made of hardwood - similarly to Scandinavian pieces - and served a mostly functional purpose, such as for the tribe’s elderly who carried them around. This pair was most likely created in Norway inspired by the original African pieces.
These stools have a beautiful folk look to them with visible, raw craftsmanship and history. Using African and Asian tribal-inspired stools have become popular accent pieces in contemporary homes. This is because - like this pair - these pieces are all completely unique and carry a charm that is impossible to mass produce.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some cracks in the wood.
Dimensions:
12 in W x 11.41 in D x 13.77 in H
30.5 cm W x 29 cm D x 35 cm H
Second stool
13.77 in W x 12.2 in D x 14.56 in H
35 cm W x 31 cm D x 37 cm H
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Brutalist furniture emerged as a reaction against refinement and ornament, favouring instead expressive raw materials. Designers and artisans embraced rough textures, asymmetry, and forms that appeared almost primitive in their honesty. While many Brutalist pieces relied on heavy geometric volumes, others explored a more organic language, drawing inspiration from nature and hand-carved objects. Chairs such as this example blur the boundary between furniture and sculpture, where utility merges with artistic expression.
This side chair stands out through its highly sculptural presence and deeply textured surface. Hand-carved from solid wood, the chair preserves a raw and tactile character throughout its form. The seat is formed as a hand carved, rough disc, supported by four irregular legs that taper organically towards the floor. Above, the backrest rises in a dramatic arched form, creating a silhouette that immediately draws the eye. The uneven contours, visible tool marks, and richly textured surface give the piece a sense of organic flow and individuality, ensuring that no two pieces are entirely the same. Rather than concealing the making process, the chair celebrates it, allowing every carved ridge to become part of its visual identity. The dark patinated wood further enhances this effect, creating depth across the surface and accentuating the sculptural quality of the design. Despite its unconventional appearance, the chair balances visual drama with functionality.
More than a seating piece, this chair functions as a work of art. Its expressive form allows it to stand alone as a statement object while still serving its practical purpose. The combination of raw craftsmanship, organic shaping, and Brutalist sensibility offers the chair a powerful presence.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has recently been reconditioned. Minor marks, scratches, and discoloration.
Dimensions:
13.78 in W x 13 in D x 33.07 in H; Seat height 17.72 in; Seat depth 12.60 in
35 cm W x 33 cm D x 84 cm H; Seat height 45 cm; Seat depth 32 cm
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Throughout the mid-20th century, European cabinetmakers continued to draw on traditional woodworking techniques while embracing the cleaner silhouettes associated with modern design. Smaller utility pieces from this period, such as this pair of stools, serve a variety of functions while maintaining the same attention to proportion and material quality found in larger furnishings. Their simplicity allowed the beauty of the wood and the skill of the maker to take centre stage.
Reduced to only the necessary elements, this pair showcases the quality of the timber, the precision of the joinery, and the maker's understanding of proportion. Crafted from solid wood, each stool is defined by a compact square seat supported by four gently splaying legs. The construction is straightforward, yet the clear lines and strong craftsmanship prove their quality. Beneath the seats, stretchers connect the legs on all sides, reinforcing the structure while creating a pleasing geometry. These elements not only contribute to the stability of the stools but also add depth and visual interest to the otherwise minimal silhouette. The slightly softened edges of the seats balance the angular construction, preventing the design from feeling austere. The understated appearance of the stools allows the material itself to become the focal point, showcasing the character and natural variation of the wood.
Versatile and enduring, these stools function equally well as occasional seating, side tables, or decorative accents within an interior. Their uncomplicated form allows them to integrate effortlessly into a wide variety of settings, from rustic and traditional spaces to more contemporary environments.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The stools have recently been reconditioned. Some minor chips are present. Due to the nature and age of the material, the items may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration.
Dimensions:
12 in W x 11.61 in D x 18.89 in H
30.5 cm W x 29.5 cm D x 48 cm H
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
The 1950s in France was a very versatile decade, the era’s design projects had a wide range both aesthetically and material wise. The modernist solid wood models were mostly created by hand, including this bench, showing the organic and modern approach to design.
This bench has an almost brutalist look that allows the distinctive back and the stained elm wood to guide the design. The design is defined by the long horizontal lines, the impeccable joinery, and the natural, raw beauty of the material. It can be incorporated into any space thanks to its classic look, not to mention its functionality; benches in general can be placed in any space, including the living room, bedroom, hallway or even outside. The design has a startling rawness and has a preference for the material to set the tone of the overall aesthetic, which is somber, giving importance to the craftsmanship that formed it into its eerie organic shape. French furniture manufacturers are still regarded as some of the best of the mid-century era and are especially known for impeccable joinery and woodwork (think Guillerme et Chambron or Pierre Chapo for example).
The designer generation active during the mid-20th century created some of the most iconic wooden furniture designs of the whole century. This Aranjou edition table is a beautiful example of how successfully they managed to merge traditional craftsmanship and materials with an essentially modern approach to design.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some small marks on the wood.
Dimensions:
78.74 in W x 16.53 in D x 33.85 in H; Seat height 17.32 in
200 cm W x 42 cm D x 86 cm H; Seat height 44 cm
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 1,000 - 2,500 usd / eur
Danish furniture from the 1970s saw an interest in craftsmanship and natural materials, moving away from strict industrial modernism toward pieces with a more tactile and handmade character. This oak stool reflects the cabinetmakers’ interest in highlighting the texture of wood through carving, turning, and exposed grain, while materials such as sheepskin and wool were introduced to soften otherwise simple constructions.
Rather than concealing elements of the construction process, pieces from this period embraced it, allowing hand-worked details to become part of the final expression. This stool showcases the contrast between its heavily carved legs and soft sheepskin seat. The frame is constructed through essential elements: four turned legs supporting a thick upholstered top. Each leg is individually worked with rounded carvings that create a rhythmic appearance, giving the otherwise compact stool a strong sculptural quality. The oak retains a warm natural tone that highlights the carving and the variation in the grain. Above, the padded seat is upholstered in cream sheepskin, introducing a different texture to the composition. The wool surface softens the geometry of the wooden structure and gives the piece a tactile warmth. Thanks to the upholstery, the stool gains a fuller and more relaxed silhouette despite its minimal construction.
The balance between rough carved wood and soft sheepskin gives the piece its timeless appeal. This piece functions as extra seating, a footstool, or as a small accent, while still carrying the material richness and presence of Scandinavian furniture of the period.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The stool has recently been reconditioned. Due to the age and nature of the wood, the item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. The piece has recently been reupholstered 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:
19.69 in W x 13.78 in D x 18.51 in H
50 cm W x 35 cm D x 47 cm H
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Born in Paris into a family of craftsmen, Pierre Chapo was heavily influenced by the modernist movements of the 20th century, and more specifically, the Bauhaus. While also inspired by designers like Charlotte Perriand and Le Corbusier, his work was primarily focused on craftsmanship. Chapo’s passion for wood can be seen in all of his creations, from stools to dining tables, including this "S38A" bench.
Pierre Chapo designed the model in 1973. The piece is constructed out of French Elm, and it is a classic in the true sense of the word. The natural grain of the elm shines through, its authenticity being celebrated, rather than disguised or embellished. The curve of the bench offers fluidity and highlights the organic character of the piece. Not only does the elm ensure the longevity of the model but it also contributes to the durability. The three legs placed at the base of the bench make sure the two wooden elements that form the seat are stabilised. Not only this, but two stretchers are placed between the legs, securing each part of the model. This bench showcases incredible craftsmanship while presenting a unique charm; grounded, yet light, through the smart use of curves and the gap in the seat.
The three principles that motivated Pierre Chapo were material, form, and function. He measured his furniture by means of this golden ratio and used elm wood as his preferred material. This bench is a beautiful example of his ideals. The “S38A” model fits perfectly with other Chapo designs such as tables, but could also work very well on its own.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The bench has recently been reconditioned. Minor scratches are present. Due to the age and nature of the material, the item may have marks and discolouration.
Dimensions:
57.87 in W x 23.62 in D x 17.72 in H
147 cm W x 60 cm D x 45 cm H
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
European furniture makers in the mid-20th century increasingly embraced simplified forms that highlighted the natural character of wood rather than concealing it beneath ornament or excessive carving. Influenced by Brutalism, benches like this pair were often reduced to their essential elements: a solid seat supported by sturdy legs. This allowed proportion, craftsmanship, and material quality to define the overall impression of mid-20th century furniture.
This pair of benches features long, uninterrupted wooden tops and angled supports. The seats are cut from thick planks of elm, their surfaces revealing a lively grain pattern that runs continuously across the length of each piece. With its pronounced grain and durability, elm wood was favoured, giving even modest forms a strong appearance. Rather than being perfectly geometric, the edges of the seats retain a slight softness that preserves the natural look of the wood and keeping it from looking overly polished. The legs are positioned at a subtle outward angle, giving the pieces stability and completing the composition. Their relatively narrow proportions create an elongated silhouette that feels practical and understated, allowing the richness of the elm to remain the dominant visual element.
Placed together, the benches create a rhythmic effect, as well as ensuring generous seating space. Their simplicity makes them highly adaptable, from dining areas to unconventional interiors. The design relies entirely on material, proportion, and construction, which gives the pair a quiet confidence characteristic of mid-century European furniture.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The benches have recently been reconditioned. Minor scratches and spots are present. Due to the age and nature of the material, the items may have marks and discolouration.
Dimensions:
78.75 in W x 11.42 in D x 17.92 in H
200 cm W x 29 cm D x 45.5 cm H
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 1,000 - 2,500 usd / eur
Originating from Turkiye, ottomans have long functioned as seating elements, designed to complement larger upholstered pieces while offering flexibility in their use. Through the mid-20th century designers focused on efficient forms that could shift easily between roles - for example as a footrest, an occasional seat, or even storage.
This ottoman captures that approach through its soft and understated construction. The design has a low and gently rounded silhouette, defined my its softness in both shape and material. The rich and slightly irregular character of the sheepskin defines the piece. The fabric catches light differently across its surface and gives the piece a sense of depth despite its simplicity. This material choice also reflects a broader interest in natural textures during the period, where softness and warmth were used to offset the cleaner lines of modern interiors. Beneath, small pine feet provide a subtle lift, preventing the stool from appearing too heavy while introducing a quiet contrast in material. The proportions are compact and well-balanced, making it easy to position alongside a chair or sofa without dominating the space. The oval shape adds a slight variation to the more common square or circular formats, making it feel more organic.
More than just a footstool, pieces like this allow for wider usage, perfect for additional seating options within a limited space. There is no excess detail or dominating structure; instead, the focus remains on the functionality and warm character of this piece.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The ottoman has recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. The item has recently been reupholstered in a premium sheepskin. 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:
31.50 in W x 22.84 in D x 17.72 in H
80 cm W x 58 cm D x 45 cm H
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
Mid century modern design in Europe was driven by a desire to balance comfort, clarity, and everyday use. Emerging after the Second World War, it favoured honest materials, soft sculptural forms, and furniture that felt functional yet welcoming. Designers moved away from heavy ornamentation and instead focused on proportion, tactility, and a focus on how pieces work within a space.
In recent years, benches have become a popular choice in home décor. Of course, a bench’s primary purpose is to provide a convenient and comfortable place to sit. However, a pair, such as this beautiful wooden model, can also be used as an interior decorative element. With a clear preoccupation with geometry, this model’s outstanding architectural frame speaks of the mastery of the designer and of the producer. The wooden frame is outstanding, both in visual and technical terms. Each bench features a softly curved backrest that offers both comfort and rhythm, accentuated by a middle slat for subtle texture and visual warmth. The form of the backs gives the pieces a sculptural quality, inviting the sitter into a posture that feels both natural and upright. The light colour and the slender lines that make up the benches create an airy feeling, while also retaining an overall impression of strength and durability. The neat finish also further emphasises the beautiful grain pattern and warm tones of the wood giving the piece a rich, inviting appearance.
With the major rise in popularity that mid-century modern experienced, it’s easy to see touches of the style in contemporary homes. The natural and unfading beauty of wood, and the understated, but ingeniously stylish design is timeless of the era. With an outstanding balance of straight and curved lines, quality materials, and unmistakably modern design elements, this pair of benches is sure to provide a stylish touch to any interior.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The benches have recently been reconditioned. The finish differs slightly in each bench. Visible scratches and dents are present. Due to the nature and age of the wood, the items also have some marks and slight discolouration.
Dimensions:
72.83 in W × 18.11 in D × 30.51 in H
185 cm W x 46 cm D x 77.5 cm H
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
The term brutalism — which derives from the French word brut, meaning “raw” — was originally coined to describe an architectural style that emerged in the 1950s featuring monumental buildings, usually made of unornamented concrete, whose design was meant to project an air of strength and solidity. Similarly, in furniture design Brutalism inspired designers to create models with the same look of strength and style.
This rare Jean & Sébastien Touret oak bench is a beautiful example of this design movement, with a clear emphasis on the material’s natural qualities. This bench was created for a religious community of Loir et Cher -a department in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France - from oak of the property.
The duo’s design has a strong architectural approach, and while it is very sturdy on first sight, the outstanding execution of the legs and the natural appeal of oak make this bench the embodiment of creative, elegant design. Much like in architecture, brutalist furniture has organic, unpolished shapes. The seat and back planks of this bench exemplify this characteristic, with uneven edges, letting the natural qualities of the oak shine. The use of the sizeable pieces of oak wood with a beautiful grain, and the visible joints and bolts give this bench a natural, elemental feeling. The body was created employing the “bois arraché technique”, a finishing method by which lacquer is rubbed onto wood.
It might go unnoticed, but nowadays, brutalist furniture is part of any modern interior design project. In the same fashion, glimpses of brutalist interior design are found in top interior design projects. Think about Kelly Wearstler‘s interior design projects, where both on residential and commercial interior design projects, the popular interior designer integrates brutalist furniture. Nevertheless, like Wearstler, most designers prefer brutalist furniture with organic shapes, just like this oak bench.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some scratches on the wood and old woodworm marks.
Dimensions:
55.11 in W x 18.11 in D x 44.68 in H; Seat height 16.92 in
140 cm W x 46 cm D x 113.5 cm H; Seat height 43 cm
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Pierre Chapo was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's balanced lines, Corbusier's research on proportions and the Bauhaus. The three principles that motivated him were material, form, and function. Despite his love for the imperfect, he measured his furniture by means of the golden ratio and used elm wood as his preferred material, and this model is a beautiful example of his ideals in a material form.
This “S31 A” stool has the playful and majestic characteristics typical of Pierre Chapo's emblematic creations. Asymmetrical, yet perfectly balanced. Made from elm, this stool has a rustic style with architectural precision. This comes as no surprise, as Pierre Chapo trained as an architect in Paris and this knowledge becomes evident in his elaborate structural solutions. The joinery technique is unique yet simple, enhancing the honest design. Just as with art styles, culture and fashion, each region of the world had their own joinery styles. While each region’s techniques are vastly different from one another, they still followed the same principles, in that they would join the timbers in such a way that they couldn’t be pulled apart. This is also true for this stool, making it a durable and timeless piece. The smooth circular seat shows off the beautiful grain of the elm which not only highlights Chapo’s preference for the material but also his deep respect for it. Furthermore, the rounded shape is a lovely contrast to the sharpness of the legs.
Being functional as well as aesthetically pleasing, this stool is a great addition to set the tone of a space. Its design is archtectural yet simple in its material choice, there is nothing superfluous about it. It strips back the unnecessary, showcasing the essential beauty of the wood and its capabilities.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use.
Dimensions:
15.94 in W x 15.94 in D x 17.32 in H
40.5 cm W x 40.5 cm D x 44 cm H
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
This pair of barstools showcase the Danish principles of interior design: careful proportions, high-quality materials, and an emphasis on functionality. The result was seating models that felt refined enough for domestic settings while retaining the simplicity and durability required for everyday use.
Designers in the post-war period focused on simple, well-made pieces of home-grown and exotic woods alike. Made from richly grained wood, these stools embody the perfect balance of detail and minimalist design. A striking contrast between materials defines the character of this pair. The warm-toned wooden frames and veneered backrests are paired with black leather seats, creating a composition that feels both elegant and inviting. The bent base provides visual softness and ergonomic support, while the slim legs and stretchers maintain an elegant, lightweight profile. Particularly appealing is the way the grain of the wood flows across the backs, introducing movement and depth to an otherwise restrained silhouette. The leather seats add another layer of texture, their dark surfaces grounding the composition and emphasizing the richness of the wood. Defined by clean, smooth lines, and excellent joinery, each of these stools was evidently created by skilled craftsmen.
Placed at a kitchen counter, bar, or high dining table, the pair brings a distinctly Scandinavian sense of ease to an interior. More than simply elevated seating, they reflect the Danish talent for creating furniture that is practical, comfortable, and quietly sophisticated, sure to appeal to generations.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The stools have recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, some marks and scratches are present. The seats come with their original leather or have been reupholstered by a previous owner, and show some signs of use and minor scratches. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
14.37 in W x 13.58 in D x 39.57 in H; Seat Height 29.92 in; Seat Depth 12.20 in
36.5 cm W x 34.5 cm D x 100.5 cm H; Seat Height 76 cm; Seat Depth 31 cm