Arne Jacobsen easy chair
This rare and early example of the Egg chair, model 3316, was designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1958 and produced by Fritz Hansen in Denmark. It is one of the initial production runs of this now-iconic form, distinguished by its original cognac brown leather upholstery and early Fritz Hansen branding. The chair’s sculptural form, derived from Jacobsen’s experiments in free-form organic shaping, remains one of the most recognizable silhouettes in 20th-century design.
The Egg chair features an enveloping shell seat constructed over a foam-padded frame, supported by a four-star base in cast aluminum. The leather upholstery has aged with a deep, natural patina, showing rich tonal variation in the cognac brown hue. There are visible signs of use consistent with its age, including scuffing and creasing in the leather, but the chair has been professionally restored at the seat area to ensure structural soundness while preserving its vintage character.
Designed originally for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, the Egg was conceived as a private space within public architecture, meant to provide a sense of seclusion and comfort in a lobby or lounge. Jacobsen developed the shape using a novel technique for the time, experimenting with polyurethane foam over a fiberglass shell to achieve continuous, curving surfaces that contrast sharply with the rectilinear architectural context.
Arne Jacobsen was a key figure in Danish modernism, known for uniting architecture, furniture, and interior design into coherent, human-scaled environments. The Egg chair is among his most important contributions, merging ergonomic form with sculptural expressiveness. Produced by Fritz Hansen, a manufacturer renowned for its precision craftsmanship and close collaborations with major Danish designers, the chair has since become a global design icon.
This example is presented in good vintage condition, with visible wear and a warm, even patina throughout the leather. The professional repair ensures the chair remains usable while retaining its historical integrity. It is highly collectible due to its early production status, original materials, and preserved manufacturer’s stamp.
Dimensions are 88 cm wide, 85 cm deep, and 105 cm high (34.6 x 33.5 x 41.3 inches), with a seat height of 36 cm (14.2 inches).
Dimensions (cm) | W: 88 / D: 85 / H: 105 / Seat H: 36 |
Producer | Fritz Hansen |
Decade | 1950s |
Country | Denmark |
Style | Danish modern, Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern |
Material | Aluminum, Leather |
Designed in | 1958 |
Item Number | 119592 |
Arne Jacobsen