Bruno Mathsson easy chair

This easy chair, model Pernilla, was designed by Bruno Mathsson and produced by Karl Mathsson AB in Värnamo, Sweden in 1944. The design is an icon of Scandinavian modernism, reflecting Mathsson’s exploration of ergonomics, comfort, and lightness through the use of bent laminated wood and woven materials.

The frame is crafted in laminated birch, displaying a warm honey tone and gentle curvature that defines Mathsson’s organic approach to furniture design. The continuous flowing lines of the frame create a sculptural silhouette that is both visually delicate and structurally resilient. The high backrest and pronounced seat curvature were developed to follow the natural shape of the human body, offering exceptional comfort.

The seat and back are formed by original paper webbing in a reddish-brown tone, woven in a diagonal pattern typical of Mathsson’s work. The webbing shows even patination and surface wear, consistent with age, contributing to the authenticity and character of the piece. The combination of materials gives the chair a sense of airiness and tactile warmth.

The Pernilla model exemplifies Mathsson’s philosophy that furniture should adapt to the sitter, not the other way around. This early production by Karl Mathsson AB represents the high level of craftsmanship and innovation that made Bruno Mathsson a central figure in 20th-century Swedish design.

Good vintage condition with signs of use and an attractive patina on both wood and webbing.

Dimensions: width 64 cm (25.2 in), depth 103 cm (40.6 in), height 91.5 cm (36 in), seat height 37 cm (14.6 in).