Sven Ivar Dysthe armchairs

This is a rare and well-preserved set of four armchairs, model 1001, designed by Norwegian architect and designer Sven Ivar Dysthe and produced by Dokka Møbler in Norway in 1959. The chairs embody a refined industrial-modernist aesthetic that merges Scandinavian material richness with a distinctly international, almost Bauhaus-informed functionalism.

Each chair features a slender, linear stainless steel frame with a satin finish, lending a technical and minimal presence to the construction. The arms and side stretchers are executed in solid rosewood, presenting a rich, dark grain pattern with notable figuring. These wooden elements act as tactile and visual counterpoints to the cool austerity of the steel and showcase high-level craftsmanship, especially visible in the subtle shaping of the armrests and precise joinery.

The seat and back are upholstered in original black leather, deeply ribbed for both visual texture and seating comfort. The leather exhibits some creasing and light surface patina consistent with age but remains supple and in good structural condition. The upholstery is fully integrated into the design, supported by a curved backrest panel and a thick seat cushion that is inset into the steel frame. The chairs retain their original manufacturer labels from Dokka Møbler, further verifying provenance.

Sven Ivar Dysthe was a pivotal figure in post-war Norwegian design, and model 1001 reflects his background in both architecture and industrial design. The model was introduced as part of Dysthe’s early collaboration with Dokka Møbler and quickly gained attention for its modularity and adaptability in both public and private interiors. The use of rosewood and leather, paired with metal, was indicative of a broader Scandinavian trend toward blending natural and modern materials during the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Each chair measures 65.5 cm in width, 58 cm in depth, and 82 cm in height, with a seat height of 45 cm. In imperial units, these translate to approximately 25.8 inches wide, 22.8 inches deep, and 32.3 inches high, with a seat height of 17.7 inches.