Gouged Oak and Leather Lounge Chair by Pavel Novak, Czech Republic 1980s












































Gouged Oak and Leather Lounge Chair by Pavel Novak, Czech Republic 1980s
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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
Generally, Czech mid-century modern designs tend to be more sober than their French, German, American, and even Scandinavian counterparts. However, works by Pavel Novak are an exception - as evidenced by chair. The Czech designer’s repertoire is finally starting to surface, and as this chair shows, we are lucky to witness it.
Novak often worked with a gouge, that originally never had any other vocation than to furnish his farm. This piece is made of hand gouged oak, which is in itself a time-consuming and rare woodcarving technique. While most woodworkers offer help with fixing gouges in wood, Novak used the technique to create this rustic looking body that can be considered to be a functional sculpture. Thanks to the unique, hand-carved texture, the lounge chair is one of a kind, with a unique pattern. The leather seat is suspended between the three legs, one of which is elongated to serve as a backrest. The joinery technique is seamless and shows the outstanding craftsmanship and vision of Novak. The leather straps are inset into the legs in a rough, yet sophisticated way.
In fact, rough yet sophisticated are the adjectives that best define the overall aesthetic of this chair, reflected in the pairing of the materials as well. The patinated leather’s smooth surface contrasts beautifully with the gouged, coarse look of the oak. With its straightforward design, this oiece is a seminal work of Pavel Novak.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor cracks. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the chair may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration.
Dimensions:
40.94 in W x 30.71 in D x 48.82 in H; Seat depth 20.08 in
104 cm W x 78 cm D x 124 cm H; Seat height 51 cm
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Born in Utrecht in 1917, Cees Braakman spent most of his career shaping the identity of the renowned furniture manufacturer, Pastoe. He joined the company at a young age and later became its central designer and manager. Following a formative trip to the United States in 1947, where he encountered the work of Charles and Ray Eames and the innovative production methods of Herman Miller, he began developing furniture that combined modern construction techniques with a distinctly Dutch sense of restraint.
Braakman’s designs from the 1950s and 1960s are characterised by clean lines, functional clarity, and carefully balanced proportions, qualities clearly visible in this chair. The design showcases a beautiful interplay between the slender metal construction and natural materials. The black lacquered frame forms a precise architectural structure, outlining the chair with crisp lines. Rather than appearing overly industrial, however, the frame is softened by the introduction of rich cognac-coloured leather upholstery and wooden armrests. The seat and backrest are generously proportioned, creating a comfortable visual weight that contrasts beautifully with the lightness of the supporting structure. The warm tone of the leather introduces depth and character, while its smooth surface accentuates the chair’s geometry. Particularly striking is the way the wooden armrests are integrated within the metal frame, lending the design an added sense of refinement.
The balance between comfort and structural clarity lies at the heart of Braakman’s work, and this armchair demonstrates that philosophy exceptionally well. Its restrained palette and clean silhouette move it past a simple a seating piece, reflecting the Dutch modernist belief that thoughtful design can elevate everyday furniture into something practical, and visually compelling.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The armchair has recently been reconditioned. Due to the age and nature of the metal, the item may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. The chair has recently been reupholstered in a premium leather. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
24.21 in W x 22.44 in D x 30.71 in H; Seat height 19.29 in; Seat depth 17.72 in; Arm height 25.20 in
61.5 cm W x 57 cm D x 78 cm H; Seat height 49 cm; Seat depth 45 cm; Arm height 64 cm
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Mid century lounge chairs often explore the balance between structure and comfort, especially through the combination of solid wood and upholstered seating. Designers in this period - like Folke Ohlsson - moved away from fully rigid, heavy forms and allowed open construction to contribute to the overall visual impression.
This armchair follows that approach through its use of the wooden frame and upholstered body. The structure is defined by a sculptural wooden base that wraps around the lower part of the chair, offering a sturdy base and visual outline to the piece. The legs are thin and slightly angled, giving the chair a stable stance without overpowering the silhouette. Above, the seat and backrest are upholstered in green leather, with a cushion and headrest that create a layered and comfortable look. The leather’s colour complements the warm tone of the wood. At the same time, the material softens the geometry of the frame through its smooth and sleek look. What makes this piece stand out is that it balances comfort and structure, in line with timeless mid-century modernism. This model can be easily styled in a reading nook or as an accent chair in a living room, offering both comfort and a strong visual presence.
Folke Ohlsson was one of the first Swedish designers who managed to bring “Swedish Modern” design to the United States’ market successfully. According to the story, when Ohlsson arrived in the United States, he took his suitcase and cardboard to hotels all over the country inviting salesmen, department stores, and decorators to view his miniature designs and watch as he disassembled and reassembled his chair design. He quickly became notorious for his patented “knock-down” construction that reduced shipping and storage costs and helped to make the Swedish company Dux a household name in the USA.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The item 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 premium leather. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
34.64 in W x 32.28 in D x 36.22 in H; Seat height 17.12 in; Seat depth 18.89 in; Arm height 19.88 in
88 cm W x 82 cm D x 92 cm H; Seat height 43.5 cm; Seat depth 48 cm; Arm height 50.5 cm
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Saying mid-century modernism had a revival would be a serious understatement. In reality, the designs have never gone out of style completely, especially in Europe. Mid-20th century pieces are classics thanks to their expert craftsmanship, their visual impact, and the material quality. This armchair pair showcases this timelessness with their modern form.
Without any heavy ornamentation, the focus falls on the natural materials used to craft this pair of chairs. The authenticity is celebrated rather than disguised or embellished. This choice of wood and leather not only aligns with the organic principles of mid-century modernism, but it also contributes to the chairs' overall longevity in both form and function. It is evident that the maker of these chairs possessed great talent in cabinetmaking, and used high-quality materials that became even more appealing with the decades gone by. This is visible in the beautiful patina of the braided leather backrests that resemble a checkerboard. This element adds a touch of individuality and artistry, setting the chairs apart from the mass-produced furniture of the time. Moreover, the sitting comfort is increased by the upholstered cushions. The textured upholstery of the seat cushion beautifully complements the frame. The chair embodies comfort and cosiness through the mix of proportions and expertly selected materials.
Functionally and visually, this armchair pair demonstrates how mid-20th century European design could bridge tradition and modernity without sacrificing comfort or structural clarity. It is well suited to domestic living rooms, or quiet seating nooks while its understated modernism makes it versatile alongside both mid-century and contemporary interiors.
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, some marks and scratches are present. The items have recently been reupholstered in-house. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
20.7 in W × 22.2 in D × 29.1 in H; Seat height: 13.0 in; Seat depth: 16.5 in; Arm height: 21.9 in
52.5 cm W x 56.5 cm D x 74 cm H; Seat height 33 cm; Seat depth 42 cm; Arm height 55.5 cm
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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
Finn Juhl is celebrated for his sculptural approach to furniture design. Rooted in the principles of modernism and influenced by the Scandinavian cultural emphasis on practicality and beauty, Juhl sought to create furniture that was both elegant and accessible. Danish design flourished in this era, embodying a timeless aesthetic that prioritised human comfort and sustainable practices, laying the foundation for its post-war international acclaim.
The “Bwana” model was produced in the 1960s by France & Son. The chair and footstool blend three main elements: craftsmanship, the clean lines of Modernism and the clear-eyed practicality of Functionalism. These elements combined with the use of exquisite materials create a piece that is both historical and modern visually. Unlike models from outside the continent, Danish furniture wasn’t flashy but rather well-made to fit a warm, comfortable and welcoming home. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, its geometrically-inspired frame is constructed from a rich wood that exudes luxury. The deep shade and grain of the wood creates an impactful look while adding subtle decoration to the piece. The different tones of brown flow from the arms and form into the front legs of the armchair, creating depth and dynamism. The chair and footstool are upholstered in a green leather, adding vibrancy to any interior space.
Finn Juhl once said "One cannot create happiness with beautiful objects, but one can spoil quite a lot of happiness with bad ones", and this armchair and footstool will most definitely not spoil any happiness in the interior where they are placed.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor scratches on the wood. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the items may have some marks, and discolouration. These items come with their original upholstery or has been reupholstered by a previous owner. 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:
Chair:
33.66 in W x 22.83 in D x 36.02 in H; Seat height 15.74 in; Seat depth 21.85 in; Arm height 20.84 in
85.5 cm W x 58 cm D x 91.5 cm H; Seat height 40 cm; Seat depth 55.5 cm; Arm height 53 cm
Footstool:
25 in W x 17.51 in D x 15.15 in H
63.5 cm W x 44.5 cm D x 38.5 cm H
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Illum Wikkelsø was a recognisable figure of Danish seating design in the post-war decades, known for creating furniture that combined sculptural silhouettes with a strong emphasis on comfort. Working throughout the 1950s and 1960s with manufacturers such as Søren Willadsen, Wikkelsø developed lounge chairs and sofas that softened the stricter geometry of earlier modernism through curved lines. His designs often relied on exposed wood, generous upholstery, and carefully balanced proportions, allowing seating to feel visually substantial without becoming heavy.
Model “110” reflects this approach through its dramatic winged silhouette and restrained material palette. The chair is upholstered in black leather that wraps continuously around the high back, seat, and armrests, emphasizing the sculptural quality of the form. The backrest rises upward into pronounced side panels that connect the wings to the armrests. The sides curve gently forward, creating a protective and enveloping shape around the sitter. These extended sides visually frame the head and shoulders. The leather surface contributes to the overall character of the piece: its subtle texture catches light differently across the curved sections, giving depth to the large upholstered planes. In contrast to the dark upholstery, the chair rests on a solid wooden base with angled legs that introduce warmth and visual lightness. The exposed wood creates a clear separation between the upholstered body and the floor.
The balance between softness and structure is central to the success of this design. The chair carries the commanding presence associated with high-back lounge seating, yet the flowing transitions between its elements prevent it from feeling rigid. Wikkelsø’s ability to merge comfort with sculptural clarity is especially evident here, making the model equally compelling as functional seating and as a statement piece within an interior.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has recently been reconditioned. The chair comes with its original leather that has developed a natural patina over time. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
29.93 in W x 35.04 in D x 35.44 in H; Seat height 14.57 in; Seat depth 21.26 in; Arm height 21.66 in
76 cm W x 89 cm D x 90 cm H; Seat height 37 cm; Seat depth 54 cm; Arm height 55 cm