This set of four extraordinary beech “Yin” chairs are a rare showcase of Richard Nissen’s and his company’s exceptional woodworking skills.

The “Yin” models were most likely made in very small numbers (as far as known less than 100 were made). This model is called “Yin” or “China” which was inspired by the traditional Ming chairs, for as these chairs incorporate several of the distinctive features of the 14th to 17th century traditional Ming chairs. These chairs also inspired Hans Wegner when he created his “China” chairs.

The top rail is made of a total of six parts with black wedges. The armrests have an elegant curve that embrace the sitter. The conical tapered legs are solid and run all the way through the seat up to the armrests. Connecting the armrests and the seats, the bentwood in the back adds extra support. The rectangle seats are made of loose woven cane, with ornamental borders placed underneath the seats.

The chairs were manufactured by Nissens Trævarefabrik Denamrk in Langaa, the company that really hit the mark on quality rivalling that of Dansk. The chairs bear the mark of the company on their bottoms.

SOLD

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use.

Dimensions:

25.01 in W x 21.66 in D x 34.65 in H; Seat height 16.34 in

63.5 cm W x 55 cm D x 88 cm H; Seat height 41.5 cm

Provenance:

The Richard Nissen collection.

About the designer:

Richard Nissen was born in Denmark in 1928. After graduating in 1943, the third generation, Richard Nissen, began working in the factory of his family that started with the production of barrels and eventually grew to be renowned for its woodworking.

Richard Nissen became operations manager in 1952, and in the 1950s he decisively changed the profile of the wood products factory in the direction of being a manufacturer of design items. In 1955, Nissen began the production of applied art in collaboration with the sculptor Jens H. Quistgaard, and in 1957 he bought the factory from his father. Richard Nissen has stated about the collaboration: 'In 1955, DANSK Design came from New York to Langå to see our models. I had changed a little on one of Quistgaard's hills, - given the curved handle with steel dowels inside. When the people from DANSK Design saw it and heard the award, they shouted at me, Richard - we are in business'.

Nissens Trævarefabrik came to play a major role in the Danish Design wave, and for a number of years Richard Nissen employed approx. 220 people; mostly local people from Langå and surroundings. In 1970, however, an internal rift arose in DANSK Design, and Richard Nissen parted ways with them the following year and continued on his own.

Nissens Trævarefabrik was one of the world's largest applied art producers in the late 1970s, but the 1980s were a tough time for the factory, which in 1990 was sold to the Bodum Group.

Today, the products of Richard Nissen and Nissens Trævarefabrik are sought after for their outstanding woodwork and Danish Modern aesthetics. ~H.