Aksel Bender Madsen & Ejner Larsen armchair

This is a Danish modern armchair designed by Ejner Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen and produced by the esteemed cabinetmaker Willy Beck in Copenhagen, Denmark. The chair is executed in solid teak with a woven cane seat and backrest, representing a harmonious blend of organic materiality and refined craftsmanship.

The frame is constructed from warm, medium-toned teak with a uniform grain pattern and a smooth, matte finish. The legs are rounded and taper subtly toward the base, providing a slender and lightweight visual impression. The armrests are gently curved, terminating in softly rounded ends that add ergonomic comfort and contribute to the sculptural integrity of the piece. The woven cane backrest features a tightly executed pattern with vertical wrapping and horizontal interlacing that provides both support and visual texture. The seat is composed of a more loosely woven cane structure, slightly contoured for seating comfort.

The designers, Ejner Larsen (1917–1987) and Aksel Bender Madsen (1916–2000), were long-time collaborators who studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts under Kaare Klint. Their work is characterized by a functionalist approach to form, material clarity, and human-centered design. Their partnership resulted in numerous iconic designs during the mid-20th century, with many pieces produced by Willy Beck, a cabinetmaker known for impeccable construction and a commitment to Danish traditional woodworking methods.

The piece belongs to the Danish modern movement, emphasizing minimalism, natural materials, and high craftsmanship. This chair exemplifies the ethos of the era through its unembellished construction, honest material use, and refined proportions.

The condition is excellent, with both the teak frame and cane weaving well-preserved and free from restoration traces. The patina of the wood is even and well-maintained, and the cane shows no signs of fraying or structural compromise.

The dimensions are 64 cm in width, 54 cm in depth, and 80.5 cm in height. The seat height is 43.5 cm, and the armrest height is 68 cm. These correspond to approximately 25.2 inches wide, 21.3 inches deep, and 31.7 inches high, with a seat height of 17.1 inches and armrest height of 26.8 inches.