Børge Mogensen easy chair

Item number: 135231Category: Seating
Information

This very rare easy chair was designed by Børge Mogensen and produced by master cabinetmaker Erhard Rasmussen for the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition in 1949. Crafted entirely from solid cherry wood, the chair exemplifies Mogensen’s early exploration of organic form and sculptural expression within a modernist design language.

The chair’s profile is visually striking, featuring a dramatically curved backrest with two symmetrical cut-outs tapering into a central vertical element that creates an abstract organic motif. Both the backrest and seat are formed from molded laminated cherry, a technique that provides structural strength and ergonomic shaping while maintaining a visually light appearance. The seat is gently concave and appears to float above the base, seamlessly connected to the splayed, tapering legs via exposed mortise joints that highlight the high level of artisanal craftsmanship.

The legs are joined by sculpted horizontal stretchers, enhancing rigidity and contributing to the dynamic geometry of the design. The finish displays a warm, honey-toned cherry with a natural satin sheen, showing minor wear consistent with age and light use. The chair is preserved in very good condition, with a well-developed patina that accentuates the grain and craftsmanship details.

Børge Mogensen (1914–1972) is regarded as one of the most influential figures in 20th-century Danish design. A protégé of Kaare Klint and graduate of the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Mogensen is celebrated for his creation of functional, democratic furniture rooted in traditional craftsmanship and rational design. This early piece predates his later mass-produced work and demonstrates his deep engagement with material exploration and cabinetmaking traditions.

The chair measures 54 centimeters in width, 62 centimeters in depth, and 75 centimeters in height, with a seat height of 38.5 centimeters (approximately 21.3 x 24.4 x 29.5 inches, seat height 15.2 inches).

Literature

40 years of Danish furniture design: the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers ’Guild exhibitions 1927-1966; Danish furniture art through 40 years: Copenhagen Carpenters’ Guild’s furniture exhibitions 1927-1966 / Jalk, Grethe. – Tåstrup, 1987, Bd. 3, p. 117.

Product Details
Dimensions (cm)
W: 54 / D: 62 / H: 75 / Seat H: 38.5
ProducerErhard Rasmussen
Decade1940s
CountryDenmark
StyleDanish modern, Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern
MaterialCherry
Designed in1949
Item Number135231
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Designer

Børge Mogensen

Børge Mogensen (1914–1972) was one of the most important and influential figures in Danish modern design. Known for his functional, democratic, and human-centered furniture, Mogensen helped shape the visual identity of mid-century Scandinavian ...

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Disclaimer
Our furniture is carefully selected original objects with a documented design history. As they are vintage items, there is normal wear, age-related patina, minor marks or variations in surface and color. These traces are part of the authenticity of the furniture and do not constitute defects.
All objects are photographed in studio light to show details, finish and proportions. We strive to reproduce color and material as accurately as possible, but minor deviations may occur depending on the monitor and lighting conditions. Dimensions are given with a certain margin.
Structural or functional remarks are noted in the description when they exist. For complete security, we recommend that you contact us if you have any questions or if you would like additional pictures or information before purchasing.