Axel Einar Hjorth easy chairs

This very rare set of four easy chairs, model Lovö, attributed to Axel Einar Hjorth and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet in Sweden, represents a defining example of early 20th-century Swedish design that bridges vernacular tradition with modernist sensibilities. Part of Hjorth’s iconic Sportstugemöbler (sports cabin furniture) series, the Lovö chairs embody the rustic-modern ethos he pioneered during the 1930s.

Crafted from solid pine, the chairs feature generous proportions and a bold yet functional construction. The natural pine has aged to a warm golden-brown tone, with visible knots and grain that underscore the organic quality of the material. The surface bears subtle marks and minor wear consistent with age, contributing to the authenticity and vintage character of the pieces. The lower edge of each chair frame is scalloped, a motif frequently seen in Hjorth’s rustic designs, lending the furniture a sculptural dimension without compromising its simplicity.

The form is composed of thick planks with straight backs, broad seats, and armrests that curve outward in a restrained but assertive gesture. This silhouette is both comfortable and robust, suited to leisure use in seasonal homes, as originally intended. The construction highlights exposed joinery and the inherent character of the wood, in keeping with the Sportstugemöbler philosophy of honest materials and rural craftsmanship.

Each chair is fitted with cushions covered in natural sheepskin, ranging in tone from light to medium brown. The texture and warmth of the sheepskin provide a soft counterpoint to the linearity and solidity of the pine frame. Additional back cushions are included, offering ergonomic support while maintaining the understated aesthetic. The sheepskin is in good condition with a natural, aged texture, consistent with respectful use and care.

The Lovö model belongs to a broader group of designs—including Utö and Sandhamn—that Axel Einar Hjorth developed for Nordiska Kompaniet during a period when Sweden’s upper-middle class was investing in seasonal retreats. These furnishings offered a unique design solution: rustic in spirit but architecturally modern, hand-crafted yet designed for a discerning audience. While initially polarizing due to their plainness and lack of ornamentation, these works have since been re-evaluated as among the most original and enduring contributions to Swedish design history.

Dimensions (each chair): 66.5 cm width × 90 cm depth × 76.5 cm height × 43 cm seat height
In inches: 26.2 in × 35.4 in × 30.1 in × 16.9 in seat height