Eternal Form - A Century of Modern and Contemporary Design
159
Hans J. Wegner
Set of six 'The Chair' armchairs, model no. JH503
- Estimate
- HK$80,000 - 120,000€8,700 - 13,100$10,300 - 15,400
HK$275,000
Lot Details
mahogany, leather
Each: 77.5 x 63.5 x 51 cm. (30 1/2 x 25 x 20 1/8 in.)
Executed by master cabinetmaker Johannes Hansen, Copenhagen, Denmark. Underside of each impressed JOHANNES HANSEN/COPENHAGEN/DENMARK and with manufacturer's stamp. Designed 1949, executed 1960s.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
The present model was exhibited at the 'Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild', Kunstindustrimuseet, Copenhagen, 30 September-16 October 1949, Stand 12.
In 1950, the magazine Interiors called the present model chair “the most beautiful chair in the world,” and with this recognition, Hans Wegner and his designs truly became internationally known and celebrated. “The Chair” gained further popularity in 1960 when the United States hosted its first televised presidential debate between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy, and both candidates sat in the present model chair. This largely publicised and watched television event gave “The Chair” exposure to an international audience and helped to solidify it as an iconic piece of modern design. Though relatively simple in its form, “The Chair” (originally called the “Round“ chair) exhibits expert construction through its hidden joinery as well as supreme comfort. These chairs, which were first used in an office building in Copenhagen until the 1980s, are elegant, have no unnecessary details, and exemplify the highest level of cabinetmaking.
In 1950, the magazine Interiors called the present model chair “the most beautiful chair in the world,” and with this recognition, Hans Wegner and his designs truly became internationally known and celebrated. “The Chair” gained further popularity in 1960 when the United States hosted its first televised presidential debate between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy, and both candidates sat in the present model chair. This largely publicised and watched television event gave “The Chair” exposure to an international audience and helped to solidify it as an iconic piece of modern design. Though relatively simple in its form, “The Chair” (originally called the “Round“ chair) exhibits expert construction through its hidden joinery as well as supreme comfort. These chairs, which were first used in an office building in Copenhagen until the 1980s, are elegant, have no unnecessary details, and exemplify the highest level of cabinetmaking.
Provenance
Description
Literature