Hans Wegner armchairs

This is a rare set of six armchairs, model JH-701, designed by Danish master Hans J. Wegner and produced by cabinetmaker Johannes Hansen in Denmark during the 1960s. The design represents a pivotal moment in Wegner’s career where he explored the fusion of organic wooden forms with industrial materials, resulting in a chair that is both sculptural and functional.

Each chair is constructed with a slender, tubular stainless steel frame, which supports a finely sculpted solid oak backrest and arm element in a continuous arc. This single piece of oak is expertly shaped and smoothed, terminating in softly rounded ends, giving the chair its defining visual character and ergonomic support. The backrest is carefully joined with precision finger joints, a testament to both Wegner’s craftsmanship and Hansen’s execution.

The seat is upholstered in the original natural brown leather, patinated with age and use, showing minor wear and creasing consistent with careful vintage handling. The seat is circular and subtly dished to accommodate comfort, while the gentle flexibility of the steel legs adds a spring-like quality when seated. The combination of warm oak, aged leather, and cool steel gives these chairs both visual contrast and material harmony.

Hans J. Wegner (1914–2007) was one of the foremost figures in Danish modern design, renowned for his contributions to organic modernism and his emphasis on joinery and craftsmanship. Wegner trained as a cabinetmaker before studying design at the Copenhagen School of Arts and Crafts. His partnership with Johannes Hansen was particularly significant, as Hansen was among the few cabinetmakers able to realize Wegner’s complex ideas with the level of refinement required for international exhibitions and collectors.

The JH-701 model is one of the few instances where Wegner embraced tubular steel, making it a notable departure from his more common all-wood designs. Its lightness, stackability, and sculptural quality have made it an enduring example of mid-century Danish design.

Each chair measures 62.5 cm in width, 45.5 cm in depth, and 68.5 cm in height, with a seat height of 43 cm. These correspond to approximately 24.6 inches wide, 17.9 inches deep, 27 inches high, and a seat height of 16.9 inches. The set is in good vintage condition, with visible patina to the leather and slight oxidation to the steel, consistent with age and authenticity.