Axel Einar Hjorth easy chair

This very rare easy chair, model Lovö, attributed to Axel Einar Hjorth and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet in Sweden, is a masterful example of early 20th-century Swedish furniture design. Part of Hjorth’s iconic Sportstugemöbler series—created for summer homes and cabins in the 1930s—the Lovö model exemplifies his departure from the strict rationalism of contemporaneous European modernism in favor of a distinctly Swedish rustic modern aesthetic.

Crafted from solid pine, the chair has a warm, honey-toned finish that highlights the natural grain, knots, and subtle textural variations of the wood. The pine surface has developed a rich patina over time, emphasizing the chair’s authenticity and historical depth. The sculptural quality of the wood is especially evident in the smoothly rolled armrests and the gently curved frame, culminating in a scalloped base that adds a rhythmic, architectural touch to the otherwise restrained structure.

The form is both bold and inviting. The chair’s proportions are generous, with a broad seat and a wide, supportive backrest. These elements are upholstered in a clean, beige linen fabric that complements the warm tones of the pine and reinforces the visual simplicity of the design. The linen is tightly fitted and newly restored, showing no signs of wear or staining. Thick, plush cushions provide comfort while maintaining a tailored, structured appearance that enhances the chair’s balance between rustic form and modern refinement.

The Lovö series is among Hjorth’s most celebrated contributions to Scandinavian design. Produced by the esteemed cabinetmaker Nordiska Kompaniet, the line was intended for Sweden’s new generation of summer homes—spaces that called for durable, honest materials and simple, functional forms. Yet despite their utilitarian origins, Hjorth’s pieces possess a sculptural quality that makes them equally suited for modern interiors today.

In terms of condition, the chair is in excellent vintage state. The wood surface shows only minor signs of age, consistent with respectful use, and retains its structural integrity and visual clarity. The patinated pine and newly upholstered linen together offer a harmonious balance of age and renewal, rusticity and elegance.

The dimensions of the chair are 67 cm in width, 80 cm in depth, 77 cm in height, with a seat height of 41 cm. In imperial units, this corresponds to approximately 26.4 inches wide, 31.5 inches deep, 30.3 inches high, and a seat height of 16.1 inches.