Easy chairs

This is a rare pair of easy chairs produced by Åby Möbelfabrik in Sweden during the 1930s. Constructed from solid pine, the chairs feature a barrel-shaped form with a distinctively rustic aesthetic. The pine wood is characterized by a rich, warm tone and a visibly pronounced grain pattern that emphasizes the natural materiality. The chairs are reinforced with black cast iron bands that encircle the backrests and sides, visually and structurally referencing traditional coopered barrel construction. This rugged detailing contributes to the robust and vernacular character of the pieces.

The design includes wide, flat armrests and a slightly reclined backrest, providing comfort while maintaining a sturdy and architectural presence. The seats are fitted with original or period-appropriate cushions upholstered in a coarse, textured greenish-brown fabric, tufted for additional structure and visual depth. The materials and form align closely with the rustic modernism pioneered by Swedish designers in the early 20th century.

The style and construction of these chairs bear strong similarities to the Sportstugemöbler series designed by Axel Einar Hjorth, a collection of furniture created for Swedish holiday homes that combined rustic simplicity with the emerging modernist ideals of the time. Although these chairs are not attributed directly to Hjorth, they share the same spirit of using natural, durable materials in bold, straightforward forms intended for informal leisure environments.

The condition of the chairs is excellent considering their age, with the pine frames showing some wear and patination appropriate for 1930s furniture. The cast iron bands are intact and stable, and the fabric cushions, while showing slight signs of use, remain in very good structural and visual condition.

The dimensions: width 71 cm (28 inches), depth 74 cm (29.1 inches), height 76 cm (29.9 inches), and seat height 41 cm (16.1 inches).