Floating Easy Chair in Sheepskin by Otto Schulz (attr.), Sweden 1940s (sold)
Floating Easy Chair in Sheepskin by Otto Schulz (attr.), Sweden 1940s (sold)
This distinct mid-century easy chair features multiple special characteristics, from its floating back to the curvaceous armrests. This model is, without a doubt, the work of a master cabinetmaker.
The elegant organic lines of the design create a striking silhouette. Its generous proportions and luxurious upholstery create a visually pleasing look and provide great sitting comfort. The chair’s seat and backrest are separated in a style that is typical of Swedish designer, Otto Schulz. This stylish feature highlights the beautiful oaken frame and show off the cabinetmaker’s expert craftsmanship. The armrests are in an unusual shape, curving outwards, and along with the generous proportions and upholstery, are perfectly sculpted to accommodate the sitter. Schulz was known for his floating back designs as it is seen here, preventing the design from looking heavy. The sheepskin makes this feature even more outstanding, as it embraces the solid structure with its softness. The sturdy frame and armrests are carved from solid oak and have acquired a beautiful patina over the decades.
In a true Swedish modern way, this easy chair flaunts premium materials and expert craftsmanship in a modern style that honours its materials and their users. With plenty of visually arresting qualities, this model is a timeless and rare find.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor scratches and marks on the wood. The chair has been recently reupholstered in 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:
27.95 in W x 28.74 in D x 31.88 in H; Seat height 17.71 in
71 cm W x 73 cm D x 81 cm H; Seat height 45 cm
About the designer:
Otto Schulz (1882-1970) was a Swedish interior designer, furniture designer, publisher and founder of the furniture company BOET in Gothenburg.
Schulz was born in Germany and moved to Sweden in 1907. He mainly produced opulent upholstered furniture, as well as lavishly inlaid, decorative box furniture style-wise between functionalism and traditionalism. He has some of his own invented techniques patented, including the use of decorative nails as part of the design, called Bopoint. After establishing his own furniture company, BOET, he used it as a showroom to exhibit his designs as well.
In the 1920s he started publishing the eponymous magazine BOET, which was also a platform for his own collection. The magazine was at the time the most influential, appearing in regular editions in Sweden and often included interviews with well-known designers and architects. ~H.
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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
These chairs were created by 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 grown to be the largest furniture chain in Finland and the largest supplier of furniture in the Nordic countries. This pair of Model “217” or “Continent” armchairs belongs to this period of Finnish furniture design, combining the generous comfort of traditional upholstered seating with a more restrained and modern appearance.
These armchairs embody comfort and elegance in equal measure. With their soft curves and rounded bodies, they cradle the sitter in a harmonious and just as stylish embrace. The defining feature of these lounge chairs is their enveloping design, which creates a sense of cosy intimacy and warmth. Each chair has a broad, rounded backrest that curves forward at the sides into the upholstered arms. The soft curves that define their shape not only evoke inviting comfort but also serve a practical purpose, as the curvature follows the natural contours of the human body. The chairs appear open and welcoming thanks to the arms and backs curving outwards, while the deep seats and generous padding emphasise their comfortable character. The soft outline of the design remains clearly defined, enhanced by the dark moss-green upholstery. The fabric has a rich, textured surface that accentuates the gentle curves and gives the chairs a warm, inviting appearance. The seats extend forward between the rounded arms, with their upholstered fronts creating a uniform image. Short wooden legs support the chairs, their warm brown colour contrasting beautifully with the green fabric. In the absence of additional ornamentation, the focus stays on the distinctive shape, supported by functionality and comfort.
As part of Asko's furniture production, the model “217” represents an interesting chapter in the development of modern seating. With their cosy appearance, distinctive bodies and appealing material combination, the armchairs bring warmth and character to an interior while retaining the comfort and practicality for which they were designed.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the wood has minor scratches, dents and discolouration. The chairs have recently been reupholstered in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
27.76 in W x 31.89 in D x 27.95 in H; Seat height 15.75 in; Seat depth 20.67 in; Arm height 24.41 in
70.5 cm W x 81 cm D x 71 cm H; Seat height 40 cm; Seat depth 52.5 cm; Arm height 62 cm