Arne Jacobsen easy chairs

The 4335 easy chairs, designed by Arne Jacobsen and produced by Fritz Hansen in 1962, are among the most refined and rare examples of Danish mid-century modern design. Created as part of a bespoke furniture series for Saint Catherine’s College at the University of Oxford, this model exemplifies Jacobsen’s holistic approach to architecture and design, where every element—from the building’s layout to its furniture—was considered in harmony.

Arne Jacobsen (1902–1971), a pioneering figure in Danish modernism, is widely celebrated for seamlessly integrating functionalism with sculptural elegance. The 4335 chair reflects this ethos through its understated proportions, exquisite material palette, and a form that prioritizes comfort without sacrificing visual clarity. The commission for Saint Catherine’s College—Jacobsen’s only British architectural project—was a total design endeavor, encompassing buildings, landscaping, lighting, furniture, and even cutlery. This chair, part of that vision, was designed to blend with the modernist rigor of the college’s architecture, which drew inspiration from Mies van der Rohe while incorporating Nordic warmth and tactility.

Crafted from richly grained rosewood, the frame of each chair features subtly tapered legs and gently curved armrests, showcasing both the natural beauty of the wood and the precise craftsmanship of Fritz Hansen’s workshop. The rosewood has developed a warm, lustrous patina, further enhancing the visual depth of the design. Jacobsen’s preference for natural materials and elegant restraint is fully realized in this use of rosewood, which contrasts beautifully with the newly reupholstered black leather cushions.

The black leather, soft and refined, adds a contemporary touch while maintaining fidelity to the chair’s original material palette. It provides a luxurious seating surface that is durable and inviting, reinforcing the chair’s functionality as an everyday object without diminishing its design pedigree. The upholstery’s crisp tailoring complements the clean lines of the wooden frame, highlighting the interplay between organic curves and structural precision.

Also included in this rare set is a matching ottoman, made with the same attention to detail and material quality. The ottoman not only enhances the chairs’ comfort but also completes their sculptural presence, offering a harmonious and symmetrical seating arrangement. Together, the pieces express Jacobsen’s concept of “gesamtkunstwerk”—the total work of art—where architecture and furniture form a unified whole.

In terms of condition, the chairs and ottoman are exceptionally well preserved. The rosewood frames retain their original finish and character, with only minor signs of age consistent with careful use. The new leather upholstery is immaculate, ensuring these chairs are not only visually striking but also ready for practical use in contemporary interiors.

Due to their historical significance, scarcity, and association with a landmark architectural project, the 4335 chairs hold a special place in the canon of Scandinavian design. They are both functional artifacts and collectible works of design history—ideal for connoisseurs of Arne Jacobsen’s work, collectors of Danish modernism, or institutions seeking exemplary pieces of 20th-century design with a documented provenance and enduring relevance.