Jørgen Nilsson easy chairs
This pair of easy chairs, designed in 1964 by Danish designer Jørgen Nilsson, is constructed entirely from solid wengé wood. The design emphasizes a strong architectural structure, with a visible rhythm created by five broad, vertically curved slats forming both the seat and the backrest. The curvature of these slats creates a contoured, ergonomic seating experience that is both supportive and visually dynamic. The frame features cylindrical legs and rails, unified by expertly executed joinery that accentuates the natural density and grain of the wood.
The chairs exhibit a rich, deep brown coloration characteristic of wengé, with pronounced linear grain patterns. The finish is consistent and well-preserved, highlighting the tactile quality of the material. The arms extend gently outward with subtle shaping, reinforcing the sculptural integrity of the form while maintaining restraint in ornamentation. Viewed from various angles, the interplay of curved and straight elements lends the chairs a commanding but refined presence.
Jørgen Nilsson’s work is emblematic of the postwar Danish cabinetmaking tradition, where modernist principles were filtered through a lens of artisanal rigor. Although less widely known than some of his contemporaries, Nilsson’s approach combines a structural clarity with a sensitivity to proportion and material that reflects the values of Danish modern design. This model, produced by the renowned cabinetmaker J.H. Johansens Eftf., exemplifies the high standard of craftsmanship associated with limited-production furniture from this period.
The chairs are in excellent condition, exhibiting only minimal signs of wear. The surfaces have been well maintained, retaining their original finish and displaying no structural damage or repairs. All joints are stable and precise, with no visible distortions or warping in the wood elements.
Each chair measures 64 cm in width, 71 cm in depth, and 77 cm in height, with a seat height of 34.5 cm. In imperial units, the dimensions are approximately 25.2 inches wide, 28 inches deep, 30.3 inches high, with a seat height of 13.6 inches.
Literature
Grete Jalk, Dansk Møbelkunst gennem 40 aar, vol 4, 1957–1966, p. 266–267.
Dimensions (cm) | W: 64 / D: 71 / H: 77 / Seat H: 34.5 |
Producer | J.H. Johansens Eftf. |
Decade | 1960s |
Country | Denmark |
Style | Danish modern, Scandinavian Modern |
Material | Wengé |
Designed in | 1964 |
Item Number | 250204 |
Jørgen Nilsson