Uno & Östen Kristiansson easy chair

This rare hunting easy chair was designed by Swedish designers Uno & Östen Kristiansson and produced by Luxus in Vittsjö during the 1950s. It reflects the duo’s distinctive design ethos, which blends architectural clarity with an organic approach to materiality and form. The chair is part of a broader Scandinavian modernist tradition emphasizing craftsmanship, ergonomic comfort, and natural materials.

The frame is constructed in solid oak, exhibiting warm golden tones and visible straight grain that accentuates the sharp angles and structural lines of the form. The design features a dynamically canted silhouette, with wide-spread rear legs and an aggressively sloped backrest, optimizing both stability and recline. The joinery is carefully detailed, with beveled transitions and exposed screw mounts indicating a functionalist influence balanced by sculptural intent.

The seat and backrest are formed from a single piece of thick vegetable-tanned leather in cognac brown. The leather shows signs of age through a richly mottled patina and subtle wear patterns, which speak to its authenticity and use. The leather is mounted to the frame using an integrated slot and tension system, including a supporting leather belt on the back, which adjusts the suspension and conforms to the sitter’s body. The natural tanning process and age of the leather result in an organic surface variation that contributes to the chair’s expressive material quality.

Uno & Östen Kristiansson were active throughout the mid-20th century, working across lighting and furniture. Their work with Luxus in the 1950s and 60s is notable for its refined detailing and balance of modernist clarity with Swedish artisanal sensibilities. Luxus, a small-scale producer based in Vittsjö, became known for its use of high-quality woods and leather, often in collaboration with the Kristiansson brothers.

The chair is in good vintage condition, with visible but even wear to the leather and minor signs of usage on the wood frame. The patina of the leather is consistent with age and use and enhances the tactile and visual character of the piece. The oak frame retains its original finish and remains structurally sound.

This chair exemplifies the mid-century Scandinavian ethos, combining function, material honesty, and comfort. Dimensions are 52 cm wide, 70 cm deep, and 77 cm high, with a seat height of 34 cm (20.5 x 27.6 x 30.3 inches, SH 13.4 inches).