Hans Wegner JH-505 armchairs

This set of four Cowhorn armchairs, model JH-505, was designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1952 and produced by master cabinetmaker Johannes Hansen in Denmark. These chairs are among the most refined and sculpturally expressive examples of Danish modern seating, representing the height of collaboration between a leading designer and one of the finest cabinetmaking workshops of the mid-20th century.

The chairs are made from solid teak, a dense and richly toned hardwood with excellent durability and tactile warmth. Each chair has been meticulously shaped and joined, with seamless transitions between structural elements. The frame is composed of rounded, tapering legs, cylindrical stretchers, and a continuous, sculpted arm-back rest. This upper rail, carved from a single block of teak, forms the characteristic cowhorn shape—flaring out and upward to accommodate the arms and support the upper back. The pronounced grain and subtle curvature emphasize both the strength and elegance of the form.The seats are crafted from thick, vegetable-tanned saddle leather, richly aged to a warm caramel tone. The leather is secured to the frame with wooden pegs at each corner and stretched tightly to form a floating seat. The surface shows signs of use, including natural creases, patination, and small wear marks consistent with decades of use, enhancing its character. The front and back edges of the seat have softened over time, indicating long-term functional use while preserving full integrity.Each chair displays the highest level of Danish joinery, with exposed finger joints visible on the backrest, showcasing the precise work of Johannes Hansen’s workshop. The rear legs curve into the back supports in a continuous vertical gesture, while the seat rail and stretchers remain minimal yet strong, allowing for visual lightness and structural resilience.

Hans Wegner, often referred to as the “Master of the Chair” designed over 500 chairs during his career, with many becoming iconic pieces. The Cowhorn chair reflects his philosophy of combining functionality, comfort, and organic form. Introduced in the early 1950s, it was one of his more complex early experiments in ergonomics and woodworking, especially notable for the shaping of the armrest and the interplay of solid materials.

Johannes Hansen was one of Denmark’s most respected cabinetmakers, known for his close collaboration with architects and designers and for his role in producing limited-run and exhibition-quality furniture. Chairs from the Hansen workshop are characterized by precision, hand-finished detail, and rare materials.

These chairs are in good vintage condition, each showing wear consistent with age, including patina and softening of leather, minor edge scuffs, and a rich deepening of the teak wood tone. No structural repairs or alterations are visible, preserving the original design and construction.

The dimensions of each chair are 59 cm wide, 46 cm deep, and 74 cm high, with a seat height of 42 cm. In imperial units, this is approximately 23.2 inches wide, 18.1 inches deep, 29.1 inches high, and a seat height of 16.5 inches.