Axel Einar Hjorth sofa

This rare sofa, model Utö, was designed by Axel Einar Hjorth and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet in Sweden in 1932. The frame is made from acid-stained pine, showcasing a rustic yet refined aesthetic typical of Hjorth’s furniture created for Swedish summerhouses. The staining process accentuates the wood grain, producing a textured surface with a deep patina that highlights the natural character and imperfections of the pine.

The design features a solid wooden structure with a slatted backrest and gently curved armrests, supported by robust tapered legs. The seating area is complemented by a white bouclé cushion, offering a soft visual and tactile contrast to the raw wooden frame. This combination reflects Hjorth’s skillful blending of modernist ideals with traditional craftsmanship rooted in Scandinavian vernacular furniture.

Axel Einar Hjorth was a prominent Swedish designer of the early 20th century, known for his tenure at Nordiska Kompaniet and his ability to bridge functionalism with Swedish craft traditions. The Utö series was conceived as part of his collection for leisure homes, where he merged vernacular influences with contemporary design principles.

The sofa is in good vintage condition, with a well-preserved patina on the pine and a cushion that has been recently reupholstered.

Dimensions are 140 cm in width, 48.5 cm in depth, 79 cm in height (55.1 x 19.1 x 31.1 inches), with a seat height of 39 cm (15.4 inches) and a cushion height of 45 cm (17.7 inches).