Axel Einar Hjorth rocking chair

This rare rocking chair, model Lovö, was designed by Axel Einar Hjorth and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet in Sweden during the 1930s. It forms part of Hjorth’s Sportstugemöbler series, a collection intended for Swedish summer homes that combines a rustic sensibility with modernist design principles and traditional craftsmanship.

The chair is constructed from acid-stained pine, revealing a rich natural grain enhanced by a warm, aged patina. Its frame is distinguished by a high-back design featuring sculptural winged sides and gracefully curved armrests, which together emphasize comfort and structural stability. The rockers are smoothly integrated into the overall form, facilitating balanced and fluid motion. The seat and backrest retain their original cushions, upholstered in yellow fabric accented with leather, providing a subtle contrast to the textured wood surface.

Axel Einar Hjorth was a prominent Swedish architect and furniture designer known for his innovative and forward-looking designs. Serving as chief designer at Nordiska Kompaniet in the late 1920s and 1930s, he played a significant role in shaping Swedish modernism. The Sportstugemöbler series, including the Lovö rocking chair, is prized for its elegant fusion of simplicity and rustic charm.

Nordiska Kompaniet, a prestigious Swedish department store and furniture manufacturer, earned recognition for its high-quality craftsmanship and collaborations with leading designers. Hjorth’s creations for NK continue to be highly regarded among collectors of Scandinavian design.

The chair measures 63.5 cm in width, 100 cm in depth, and 92 cm in height (approximately 25 by 39.4 by 36.2 inches), with a seat height of 45 cm (17.7 inches). It is in well-preserved vintage condition, showing visible signs of wear on both the wood and fabric consistent with its age and use.