Josef Frank easy chair

This very rare easy chair, model 508, was designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden during the 1950s. The design reflects Frank’s unique interpretation of Scandinavian modernism, enriched by his Central European background and humanistic design philosophy. It combines refined materials with a graceful silhouette, marked by clarity of form and tactile warmth.

The frame is constructed from solid mahogany, chosen for its rich color, tight grain, and warm tonal qualities. The slender, elegantly proportioned frame features tapered legs and armrests that soften into rounded ends. The backrest consists of slim vertical spindles attached to a subtly curved top rail, which inclines gently for ergonomic support. This open-back design enhances the chair’s visual lightness and spatial transparency.

The seat is hand-woven in rattan, creating a contrasting texture and tone against the polished wood frame. The weaving follows a traditional Danish pattern with tight, rhythmic loops that complement the rectilinear seat frame. The naturally aged rattan exhibits a golden hue. The chair shows minor signs of wear and some small damages to the rattan consistent with age and use, yet it remains structurally sound and fully functional.

The chair is in good vintage condition, with the mahogany frame well preserved and exhibiting only minor surface wear. The craftsmanship is evident in the joinery and finishing, all true to the original Svenskt Tenn production, a company renowned for preserving Josef Frank’s design legacy.

Josef Frank, originally from Austria and later a Swedish citizen, was a pivotal figure in mid-20th-century Scandinavian design. Rejecting the starkness of functionalism, he championed color, craftsmanship, and eclectic forms. His furniture designs balanced tradition and innovation, and his collaborations with Svenskt Tenn helped define an alternative and enduring narrative within Swedish design during the postwar era.

Svenskt Tenn, founded in 1924, remains one of Sweden’s leading design firms. Their partnership with Frank cultivated a design philosophy that favored expressive yet practical objects, standing apart from the dominant trends of Scandinavian modernism.

The chair measures 54 cm in width, 65 cm in depth, and 73 cm in height, with a seat height of 34 cm. In imperial units, this corresponds approximately to 21.3 inches wide, 25.6 inches deep, 28.7 inches high, and a seat height of 13.4 inches.