Hans Wegner easy chairs
This very rare pair of “Buck” easy chairs was designed by Hans J. Wegner and produced by cabinetmaker Johannes Hansen in Denmark in 1959. The chairs feature an oak frame combined with woven cane seats and backrests, enhanced by brass and leather details. Their angular, wedge-shaped legs and the absence of stretchers on the front and sides give the chairs a strong graphical presence while maintaining a visual lightness.
Hans Wegner was known for evolving his designs over time, refining their proportions and structural details. The “Buck” chair motif originated from the popular “Sawbuck” chair and developed into several rare variants made by Johannes Hansen. This particular model, introduced at the 1959 Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition, is among the most refined and minimalist interpretations in the “Buck” series. Unlike earlier versions that sometimes featured painted frames and alternative seating materials, this iteration celebrates the natural beauty of oak and cane weaving. The armrests exhibit precise joinery, demonstrating the high level of craftsmanship.
Hans J. Wegner (1914–2007) was a master Danish designer renowned for his expert woodworking and innovative chair designs, blending functionalism with sculptural elegance. His long collaboration with Johannes Hansen, a distinguished Danish cabinetmaker, resulted in high-quality, limited-production pieces showcased at the prestigious Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibitions.
This pair is extremely rare, with few known surviving examples. They remain in excellent vintage condition, showing minimal wear consistent with their age.
The dimensions of each chair are approximately 75.5 cm wide, 68 cm deep, and 66 cm high (29.7 x 26.8 x 26 inches), with a seat height of 35 cm (13.8 inches).
Provenance
Architect Svenn Eske Kristensen.
Literature
Grete Jalk [ed.]: “40 Years of Danish Furniture Design”, vol. 4, ill. p. 91. Literature: Christian Holmsted Olesen: “Wegner, bare een god stol”, ill. p. 206.
Dimensions (cm) | W: 75.5 / D: 68 / H: 66 / Seat H: 35 |
Producer | Johannes Hansen |
Decade | 1950s |
Country | Denmark |
Style | Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern |
Material | Brass, Cane, Leather, Oak |
Designed in | 1959 |
Item Number | 145412 |
Hans Wegner
Hans J. Wegner (1914–2007) was a Danish furniture designer and a leading figure in the mid-century modern movement. Known as the “Master of the Chair” Wegner created over 500 chair designs throughout his career, many of which have be...
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