Three-Legged "Fjøskrakk Mod. 522" Pine Stool by Ragnvald Krogenæs for Krogenæs Møbler, Norway 1960s
Three-Legged "Fjøskrakk Mod. 522" Pine Stool by Ragnvald Krogenæs for Krogenæs Møbler, Norway 1960s
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
What makes wood so appealing, besides its natural beauty, is the ease in which it can be cut and the array of beautiful shapes that can be sculpted from it. This mid-century stool, known as ‘Fjøskrakk (barn stool) Mod. 522’, was created by Krogenæs Møbler in Norway, and exudes pure Scandinavian craftsmanship and refined style.
This model is said to have been designed by Ragnvald Krogenæs (1907-1969). The “Krogenæs stool” is a Norwegian classic, with its tractor-form seat and tripod legs with T-form stretchers. Crafted from solid pine wood, this tripod stool bears the main design hallmarks of mid-century Scandinavian furniture: simplicity and functionality. There are a couple of design elements that set this stool apart, including its ergonomically carved seat, the splayed legs and the arched stretchers, which all add a touch of intrigue to its otherwise minimalist aesthetic. The masterfully crafted mortise and tenon joints further highlight the arches in the front. The subtle curvature and rounded edges that characterise this piece create a gentle and stylish mid-century modern look that is still based on the organic beauty and qualities of the wood itself. In the world of contemporary interior design, sculptural stools like this have surged in popularity, as they can blend seamlessly into modern homes, offering not only practicality but also a sense of nostalgia and authenticity. This stool’s clean lines and cosy wood tones complement various decor styles. Additionally, its enduring appeal lies in its ability to bridge the gap between the past and present, paying homage to mid-century design principles while adapting to the needs of today's interiors. Wooden stools are truly one of the most practical and stylish additions one can make to any room.
Characterised by functionality, simplicity and clean lines, Scandinavian - and as such, Norwegian - mid-century design is all about harmony. Consequently, this stool is more than just a functional furniture piece: it is also a conversation piece, inviting guests to admire the design and appreciate the craftsmanship that went into its creation.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The pine wood has some scratches and marks.
Dimensions:
21.25 in W x 14.17 in D x 13.97 in H; Seat height 13.38 in
54 cm W x 36 cm D x 35.5 cm H; Seat height 34 cm
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 15,000 - 20,000 usd / eur
Swedish architect and furniture designer Axel Einar Hjorth served as the lead designer for Sweden’s Nordiska Kompaniet department store from 1926 to 1938. During this time, Hjorth designed the “Sportstugemöbler” series, (which translates to “sports cabin furnishings”) a collection of wooden furniture designed for country homes. The various models in the sportstugemöbler series took their names from the Stockholm archipelago – including Blidö, Lovö, and famously, Utö.
These Utö chairs were designed in 1932 as part of the collection. Unlike the department store's interiors for floors and villas in the cities, the Utö designs had a simple character with robust and basic shapes in solid pine. Accordingly, the design of these chairs focuses on simple lines and the material itself. Made of pine wood, these chairs are strong, reflecting Hjorth’s principles in which he mixed the ideals of the modernist movement with provincial Swedish traditions. As a result, the design of this set is completely timeless. Each chair demonstrates a conscious construction, where the joinery and fittings related to traditional craftsmanship are emphasized. Dominated by rounded, straight lines, the chairs have spindle backrests and ergonomically carved seats. The form alludes harmony and stability, fitting the summer cabin concept perfectly.
In an international perspective, Hjorth's “sportstugemöbler” series was the forerunner of later pioneering designers such as Charlotte Perriand. It is therefore no surprise that these Utö chairs became part of Swedish and international modernist design history. In their time, the Utö collection may have appeared as pioneering and radical, but today they are viewed as status symbols in interiors of international character.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some marks and stains on the wood. Due to the nature and age of the wood, the items may have scratches and discolouration.
Dimensions:
18.89 in W x 18.3 in D x 31.49 in H; Seat height 16.92 in
48 cm W x 46.5 cm D x 80 cm H; Seat height 43 cm
Literature:
Christian Bjork, Thomas Ekstrom and Eric Ericson, 'Axel Einar Hjorth: Mobelarkitekt', Stockholm, 2009, p.130
About the designer:
Axel Einar Hjorth was born in a small Swedish village named Krokek, just outside Norrköping, on March 7, 1888. At the age of 20, he moved to Stockholm to study architecture and design at the Högre Konstindustriella Skolan.
Although he never graduated, in the 1920s Hjorth started working as a furniture designer for various manufacturers, such as H. Joop & Co., Myrestedt & Stern, Jonssons, and Nordiska Kompaniet. Hjorth’s designs from this period had neoclassical features combined with Swedish Grace. This romantic national style of Sweden was elegant and refined, yet simple. The anniversary exhibition of 1923 in Gothenburg marked the breakthrough of Swedish decorative arts, and made Axel Einar Hjorth a well-respected artist. From October 1926, Hjorth became the chief designer and architect of Nordiska Kompaniet department store in Stockholm. In the 1930s, Hjorth designed a furniture collection out of pine meant for serial production known as Sportstugemöbler (furniture for holiday houses).
Hjorth’s designs, from the luxury of neoclassicism to the severity of functionalism, are sharply distinctive in style, materials, and character. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Hjorth did not conform to the socially oriented ideas produced by Svensk Form (the Swedish Society of Crafts and Design). He played a significant role in the development of Swedish society as a whole, and particularly in Swedish industrial art
Today Hjorth is often viewed as a precursor to the modern designs popularized by Charlotte Perriand, Jean Royére, Pierre Chapo, or Josef Frank. Recently, there has been a revival of appreciation for his work, showing his genius in a new light. ~H.