Ole Wanscher sofa
This rare sofa is a distinctive variation of model 1668, designed by Danish architect and furniture designer Ole Wanscher and produced by Fritz Hansen during the 1940s. The piece exemplifies the refined, modernist sensibility Wanscher developed in the post-functionalist era, emphasizing comfort, structural clarity, and sculptural restraint. It is executed in stained beech wood with its original ochre wool upholstery, showcasing an elegant harmony between natural material and textile texture.
The sofa has a gently curved profile, giving it a sense of architectural cohesion and inviting formality. The backrest is tufted with a rhythmic pattern of buttons, while the outer back and sides feature deep vertical channeling, emphasizing its sculptural presence. The base consists of a continuous plinth made of dark-stained beech, grounding the design visually and structurally. The overall proportions are generous, with high armrests, a low seating height, and thick seat cushions that maintain their geometric clarity.
Ole Wanscher (1903–1985) was a central figure in 20th-century Danish design, bridging classic craftsmanship and modernist ideals. A student of Kaare Klint, Wanscher developed a refined and restrained design language rooted in historical form, ergonomics, and exacting detail. His collaboration with Fritz Hansen yielded a range of experimental and comfortable upholstered pieces during the mid-20th century. Fritz Hansen, established in 1872, was already a well-known Danish manufacturer by the 1940s and became central in promoting Scandinavian design internationally.
The sofa remains in good vintage condition, with wear consistent with its age. The original wool fabric shows surface patina and some fraying near the lower back edge, with small losses to the weave. The frame is structurally stable and the wooden base retains its original finish, exhibiting only minor abrasions.
It measures 210 cm in width, 90 cm in depth, and 71 cm in height, with a seat height of 37 cm (82.7 x 35.4 x 28 inches, SH 14.6 inches).
Dimensions (cm) | W: 210 / D: 90 / H: 71 / Seat H: 37 |
| Producer | Fritz Hansen |
| Color | Orange |
| Decade | 1940s |
| Country | Denmark |
| Style | Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern |
| Material | Beech, Fabric, Wool |
| Designed in | 1940s |
| Item Number | 120358 |
Ole Wanscher
Ole Wanscher (1903–1985) was a Danish furniture designer, architect, and author, and one of the central figures in the development of Scandinavian modern furniture design during the 20th century. He is particularly known for his refined, elegant...
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