Poul Kjærholm dining chairs

This rare and significant set of six PK-9 dining chairs, designed by Poul Kjærholm and produced by E. Kold Christensen in Denmark, stands among the most iconic expressions of Danish modernist furniture. First introduced in 1960, the PK-9 exemplifies Kjærholm’s distinctive design language—an elegant synthesis of structural clarity, industrial materials, and sculptural form.

The chairs feature a striking three-legged base made from flat spring steel, precision-welded and polished to a subtle luster. The base curves gently to the floor in a tripod configuration that provides both stability and visual lightness, giving the chairs an almost weightless presence. This use of steel—cool, disciplined, and finely worked—was a signature of Kjærholm, who famously stated that steel possessed the same artistic merit as wood.

The seat shells, often described as tulip-shaped due to their organic, petal-like form, are upholstered in the original warm brown leather. The leather displays a rich and nuanced patina, with natural creases, tonal variation, and surface wear consistent with age and use. This aging process only enhances the visual depth of the chairs, underscoring Kjærholm’s philosophy that materials should reveal their intrinsic character over time. The combination of leather and steel—soft against hard, organic against engineered—is central to the experiential quality of the design.

Functionally, the PK-9 offers a surprising level of comfort given its minimal profile. The contoured seat adapts subtly to the body, and the triangular base offers an ergonomically stable sitting position, whether used around a dining table or as standalone design objects. Their sculptural silhouette allows them to be read as both furniture and form—each chair a study in balance, proportion, and material refinement.

Poul Kjærholm (1929–1980) was a seminal figure in Danish design, known for pushing beyond the wood-centric tradition of his peers such as Hans Wegner and Børge Mogensen. A trained cabinetmaker who later turned to industrial design, Kjærholm developed a body of work rooted in material exploration, formal restraint, and architectural sensitivity. His partnership with E. Kold Christensen resulted in the meticulous production of his designs, including the PK series, before rights transferred to Fritz Hansen in the 1980s.

The original E. Kold Christensen production, as in this set, is particularly prized among collectors and connoisseurs for its authenticity, construction details, and the unique patina of early materials. These editions are often identified by discreet stamps or etchings on the steel frame, confirming their provenance.

This set of six PK-9 chairs is in good vintage condition. The steel bases remain structurally sound and retain their original finish with minor signs of age. The leather upholstery, though worn in places, is evenly patinated and free from major damage, lending the set a cohesive, richly aged character that enhances their collectibility.