Bruno Mathsson easy chairs

This rare pair of easy chairs, model Eva, was designed by Bruno Mathsson and produced by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden, in 1969. Crafted from laminated birch and featuring original leather webbing, the chairs embody a refined fusion of organic form, ergonomic innovation, and Scandinavian craftsmanship.

The frames are molded and laminated birch, bent into continuous, flowing curves that seamlessly extend from the legs to the armrests and backrests. Finished in a natural tone, the wood exhibits a consistent light honey coloration and a smooth surface that highlights the grain and lamination. The seats and backs are suspended with wide bands of natural vegetable-tanned leather, which have developed a warm patina and subtle darkening over time. The leather shows natural creasing and surface wear appropriate for its age, adding character while remaining fully structurally sound.

The chairs’ design prioritizes functional and anatomical considerations. The cantilevered seats and high, curved backs support posture without excess bulk, while the undulating arms provide comfort and continuity of form. The construction is seamless with no visible joinery, enhancing the impression of lightness and fluidity. The sculptural yet minimal profile of the Eva model exemplifies Mathsson’s lifelong commitment to ergonomic seating.

Bruno Mathsson (1907–1988) was a pivotal figure in Swedish modernist design and a pioneer of Scandinavian functionalist furniture. Trained as a cabinetmaker, he collaborated closely with his father’s firm, Karl Mathsson, and innovated new wood-bending techniques and body-conscious seating from the 1930s onward. The Eva chair, initially conceived in the 1940s and refined over subsequent decades, remains one of his most enduring designs.

This pair is in good original vintage condition, exhibiting light patina on the leather, minor scuffs, and age-appropriate wear on the wood. Structurally sound and complete, the chairs retain their original materials and proportions without modification.

Each chair measures 60 cm wide, 69 cm deep, and 84.5 cm high (approximately 23.6 by 27.2 by 33.3 inches), with a seat height of 38 cm (15 inches).