Børge Mogensen easy chair

This very rare easy chair was designed by Børge Mogensen and produced by master cabinetmaker Erhard Rasmussen for the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition in 1949. Crafted entirely from solid cherry wood, the chair exemplifies Mogensen’s early exploration of organic form and sculptural expression within a modernist design language.

The chair’s profile is visually striking, featuring a dramatically curved backrest with two symmetrical cut-outs tapering into a central vertical element that creates an abstract organic motif. Both the backrest and seat are formed from molded laminated cherry, a technique that provides structural strength and ergonomic shaping while maintaining a visually light appearance. The seat is gently concave and appears to float above the base, seamlessly connected to the splayed, tapering legs via exposed mortise joints that highlight the high level of artisanal craftsmanship.

The legs are joined by sculpted horizontal stretchers, enhancing rigidity and contributing to the dynamic geometry of the design. The finish displays a warm, honey-toned cherry with a natural satin sheen, showing minor wear consistent with age and light use. The chair is preserved in very good condition, with a well-developed patina that accentuates the grain and craftsmanship details.

Børge Mogensen (1914–1972) is regarded as one of the most influential figures in 20th-century Danish design. A protégé of Kaare Klint and graduate of the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Mogensen is celebrated for his creation of functional, democratic furniture rooted in traditional craftsmanship and rational design. This early piece predates his later mass-produced work and demonstrates his deep engagement with material exploration and cabinetmaking traditions.

The chair measures 54 centimeters in width, 62 centimeters in depth, and 75 centimeters in height, with a seat height of 38.5 centimeters (approximately 21.3 x 24.4 x 29.5 inches, seat height 15.2 inches).