Axel Larsson easy chair

This rare and distinctive easy chair, model 1207, was designed by the Swedish architect and designer Axel Larsson and produced by Bodafors möbelfabrik in Sweden. The chair exhibits a sculptural silhouette with flowing organic lines and a high backrest that curves upward in an elegant sweep, a form that unites ergonomics with visual drama. It is constructed with a warm-toned solid mahogany frame, supporting a tightly handwoven seat and back made of black leather straps arranged in a regular lattice pattern.

The contrast between the mahogany and dark blue-black leather accentuates the craftsmanship and tension of the chair’s structure. The wide armrests are smoothly integrated into the side frames with expressive angular joints and a subtle flare, demonstrating a balance between precision joinery and a biomorphic aesthetic. Over time, the leather has developed a heavy patina, with visible signs of wear that speak to the chair’s age and authenticity, reinforcing its vintage character and continued usability.

Axel Larsson (1898–1975) was a leading Swedish designer of the 20th century known for his rational yet graceful furniture for hotels, public institutions, and private interiors. His collaborations with Svenska Möbelfabrikerna Bodafors in the 1930s and 1940s yielded some of his most iconic pieces. Larsson’s work reflects the Swedish modernist ethos: functionality, honesty in materials, and refinement in form.

Model 1207 was presented at the 1939 New York World’s Fair as part of Sweden’s contribution to the fair’s design exhibition. This international exposure highlights the chair’s historical significance and the Swedish government’s promotion of progressive design during the interwar years. The chair’s presence at the fair underscores its status not only as a utilitarian object but also as a cultural artifact emblematic of Scandinavian modernism.

This example is in good vintage condition, with original components and a rich surface patina throughout. The leather shows signs of age, including scuffing, abrasions, and minor creasing, particularly at stress points and edges. The mahogany frame retains its structural integrity with only minor wear consistent with decades of use.