Aksel Bender Madsen & Ejner Larsen armchair

This armchair was designed by Aksel Bender Madsen and Ejner Larsen and produced by cabinetmaker Willy Beck in Copenhagen, Denmark during the 1950s. It represents one of the finest examples of Danish modern craftsmanship, combining precise joinery with a restrained sculptural form that reflects the ideals of mid-century Scandinavian design.

The chair is made of solid teak with a handwoven cane seat and backrest. The teak structure displays a warm reddish-brown tone with a fine grain pattern, softly rounded edges, and elegantly tapering legs. The arms are seamlessly integrated into the frame, showing a subtle curvature that complements the ergonomic shape of the woven surfaces. The woven cane has a tight, even pattern that follows the natural contour of the seat and backrest, providing both flexibility and comfort while maintaining visual lightness.

The overall construction demonstrates the high standard of Danish cabinetmaking during the period, particularly the precision and finish associated with the workshop of Willy Beck. The chair’s proportions and transitions between materials reveal the influence of the Danish tradition of human-centered design, where aesthetic refinement and functional clarity are held in equal balance.

Aksel Bender Madsen (1916–2000) and Ejner Larsen (1917–1987) were a long-standing design partnership active from the late 1940s onward. Both trained as architects, they collaborated extensively on furniture for leading Danish manufacturers. Their designs are characterized by simplicity, comfort, and an architectural understanding of structure and detail. Through their work with cabinetmakers like Willy Beck, they helped define the clean and tactile aesthetic of Danish modern furniture.

This example remains in excellent condition with small signs of use consistent with age. The cane is intact and recently restored, and the teak frame retains its warm, original finish with only minimal wear. The chair measures 64 cm in width (25.2 inches), 51 cm in depth (20 inches), and 79 cm in height (31.1 inches). The seat height is 43 cm (16.9 inches) and the arm height is 67.5 cm (26.6 inches).