Dutch Modern Armchair by Jan den Drijver for De Stijl, The Hague 1950s
Dutch Modern Armchair by Jan den Drijver for De Stijl, The Hague 1950s
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
This armchair, like its high back kin, is an early and rare piece by Dutch furniture and interior designer, Jan den Drijver, representing Dutch Modernism. Slanting, oblique lines characterize the frame, which gives this chair a distinctive shape.
Dutch mid-century furniture, such as this back chair, is defined by characteristics of simplicity and functionality and a preoccupation with geometry. This unique Dutch modern armchair has a distinctive shape with a low seat and a backrest inclined just in the right angle to offer a comfortable lounging position. The curved lines of the solid wooden frame continue in the armrests and legs, giving this chair an overall soft and open feeling. The backrest is supported by six horizontal wooden spindles, to which the tufted back cushion is tied to in a decorative manner to ensure its position. The seat features the original stretched out springs upon which the cushion sits, further guaranteeing sitting comfort.
Both the back and seat cushion has been reupholstered in a light premium fabric, complimenting the beautiful colour of the wood. Thanks to its upholstery and visually arresting design, this armchair is appealing from every angle.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in premium fabric.
Dimensions:
22.44 in W x 28.74 in D x 28.74 in H; Seat height 16.92 in
57 cm W x 73 cm D x 73 cm H; Seat height 43 cm
About the designer:
While Jan den Drijver (Johannes Hendrik Bastiaan den Drijver) (1903-1993) is a very well-known figure in the history of Dutch design, not a lot is known about his life from before establishing “De Stijl” in The Hague.
Although a designer of paramount importance, den Drijver remains mostly known for his chair designs for De Ster Gelderland and his own company, De Stijl. A furniture maker, furniture designer and interior designer, den Drijver still mystifies. The author, R. Boes wrote an unpublished article titled “An investigation into the cabinetmaker, furniture designer and interior designer Jan den Drijver”, which shows that the interest in the designer’s work and life is not only alive, but a subject to still ongoing research as well.
What we do know is that the store “The Stijl” was once housed at Laan van Meerdervoort 864 in The Hague between 1933-1936, which was confirmed by the RKD (Netherlands Institute for Art History) as well. The RKD confirms the address as a showroom and workshop of 'Woninginrichting De Stijl' for the years, after moving from the Thomsonlaan 99. We are excited to find out more about this outstanding Dutch designer, whose work speaks on his behalf for now. ~H.
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Designed by Henning Kjaernulf, this so-called “kurulstol” or kurul chair, is an iconic model by Danish designer, Henning Kjærnulf. The Kurul chair is an ancient folding chair, originally a folding stool with straight or curved legs. Among the Romans, in addition to being an ordinary utility chair, it was symbolically linked to officials, often within the judiciary.
This armchair combines the traditional kurul structure with a rounded and curved appearance with an upholstered seat and backrest that gives the historic look a modern edge. The oak frame is carved and sculpted in an unmistakeable way, showing the skills of both the designer and the manufacturer. The body is composed of two slats of wood of equal length in the front and back, fastened together in a saltire formation (resembling the letter X) which are extended up at the top and back to form the armrests and the backs as well. The seat, upholstered in soft sheepskin, is stretched between the front and back slats connecting the two. Kjærnulf removed the folding function of the historic design, giving his model a more stable, organic look. This impression is further enhanced by the solid oak, which is carved with great precision into straight and curving lines. The rich sheepskin melts these carved and straight lines together, contrasting to the oak’s smoothness. While the historic kurul chair was often decorated with intarsia, this model only showcases subtle decor elements such as the scalloped bridge under the seat, and the curving armrests.
While the kurulstol is a Renaissance classic originating from ancient Rome, thanks to Kjaernulf, Scandinavian modernism remains at the core of the design. Kjærnulf’s designs are easy to spot in a crowd thanks to his originality, making his pieces like the razorblade chair and this model eternally unique. This chair was manufactured by EG Kvalitetsmobel in Denmark during the 1960s.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor scratches and marks on the wood. The chair has been reupholstered recently in premium sheepskin.
Dimensions:
24.8 in W x 26.77 in D x 31.29 in H; Seat height 17.32 in; Arm height 26.18 in
63 cm W x 68 cm D x 79.5 cm H; Seat height 44 cm; Arm height 66.5 cm
About the designer:
Danish mid-century designer and architect, Henning Kjaernulf is somewhat of a mystery. A lot more is known about his designs than Kjaernulf himself. His wooden designs, crafted to perfection, speak for themselves. Kjaernulf mainly designed for the Danish manufacturers EG Kvalitetsmøbel, Nyrup Møbelfabrik, and Vejle Stole Møbelfabrik. The latter produced the designer’s well-known teak extending dining table design. The historic archives of the Danish municipality, Stenlille, reveal the history of Nyrup Møbelfabrik, mentioning Kjaernulf’s architectural designs for the company’s factory, referring to him as an architect based in Odense, Denmark.
Kjaernulf’s works reveal quality craftsmanship throughout, featuring clean Danish modern era lines with sculpted edges and shapes. The unique shapes, like his razorblade chair backrests, distinguish the designer from other Danish mid-century designers.
In light of how sought after his dining sets and lounge chairs are, it remains a mystery why so little is known about the designer. The curious background of Kjaernulf if anything, adds more charm to his pieces. ~H.