A pioneer of Danish modern design, Hans J. Wegner is celebrated for his iconic creations that seamlessly blend craftsmanship and artistic innovation. Having designed over 500 chairs, he is considered one of the most important and prolific modernists. The present now-iconic 'China' chair, model no. 4283, is a quintessential representation of his design philosophy. In 1943, Wegner designed this model chair after seeing an illustration of an antique round back Chinese chair in a book about chair typologies throughout history. Deeply interested in this model, he obtained his own version of the chair through the East Asiatic Company and went on to design chairs whose form is deeply indebted to Chinese examples. He simplified the form into its most clear and logical design while also utilising the best materials and superb craftsmanship, which is what truly makes it a classic example of Danish Modern design. The model is renowned for its distinctive, organic forms and meticulous joinery, a hallmark of his work. Crafted with an emphasis on both aesthetics and comfort, this chair offers a harmonious balance between form and function.
Phillips wishes to thank the Fritz Hansen A/S for their assistance cataloguing the present lot
Provenance
Private Collection, Denmark
Literature
Nyt Tidsskrift For Kunstindustri, no. 6, June 1944, p. 90 Johan Møller Nielsen, Wegner en Dansk Møbelkunstner, Copenhagen, 1965, p. 36 Jens Bernsen, Hans J. Wegner: Om Design, exh. cat., Dansk Design Center, Copenhagen, 1995, pp. 17, 26-27, 68 Christian Holmsted Olesen, Wegner: Just One Good Chair, exh. cat., Design Museum Denmark, Copenhagen, 2014, pp. 114, 120-21
walnut, leather 81 x 57 x 51 cm. (31 7/8 x 22 1/2 x 20 1/8 in.) Designed 1943. Executed in 1972 by Fritz Hansen, Copenhagen, Denmark. Underside with manufacturer’s label printed FH/MADE IN DENMARK/7205/BY FRITZHANSEN/FURNITUREMAKERS/DANISH/CONTROL.