Aino Aalto dining chairs

This is a rare set of six model 615 dining chairs designed by Aino Aalto and produced by Artek in Finland during the 1950s.

Each chair is constructed from solid oak and features handwoven cane seats and backrests in a cross-weave pattern. The natural oak frames display a warm, golden-brown tone with visible grain, complementing the slightly darker, organic texture of the woven cane elements. The design reflects the restrained elegance and material honesty characteristic of post-war Scandinavian modernism. The chairs exhibit a rectilinear and functional form, with square-section front legs and subtly curved rear legs that extend into the gently reclined backrest supports. The cane is tightly woven in a basket-weave layout, creating both structural integrity and a tactile visual surface. The seat is lightly recessed into the wooden frame, while the backrest is angled for comfort. The proportions are modest and balanced, with careful attention to construction detail and joinery.

Aino Aalto (1894–1949) was a Finnish architect and designer, and a foundational figure in modern Scandinavian design. As co-founder of Artek, she played a key role in shaping the aesthetic and production values of Finnish modernism. Though frequently overshadowed by her husband Alvar Aalto, Aino developed numerous independent designs known for their practicality, warmth, and enduring simplicity. The model 615 chairs are representative of her interest in accessible, durable, and thoughtfully designed furniture suitable for both domestic and institutional settings. Produced by Artek, the company founded in 1935 by the Aaltos along with Nils-Gustav Hahl and Maire Gullichsen, the chairs were part of a broader movement to merge modernist ideals with Finnish craftsmanship. Artek’s furniture was often designed for long-term public use, such as schools, libraries, and offices, while maintaining architectural clarity and refined material language.

The condition of the chairs is very good, with light wear to the oak consistent with age and use. The woven cane remains intact and firm with minor tonal variation and patina. The set retains its structural stability and presents as a coherent and well-preserved example of early Artek production.

Each chair measures 44 cm in width, 50 cm in depth, and 80 cm in height, with a seat height of 44.5 cm. In imperial units, this corresponds to approximately 17.3 inches wide, 19.7 inches deep, 31.5 inches high, and a seat height of 17.5 inches.