Eero Aarnio stool

This rare stool was designed by Eero Aarnio and produced by the Finnish manufacturer ASKO during the 1960s, a period when Aarnio was gaining recognition for his innovative and playful approach to modern furniture design. The stool is constructed from rattan, a material that lends it both visual lightness and structural flexibility. The natural rattan framework is tightly woven and subtly patinated, characteristic of mid-century Scandinavian craft methods that emphasized organic materials and tactile surfaces.

The seat is topped with a fixed cushion in bold red fabric, providing a vivid chromatic contrast to the earthy tones of the rattan. The cushion’s upholstery is plain and untextured, consistent with the era’s preference for simple, unadorned surfaces that highlight form and material over ornamentation. The circular seat rests securely on a drum-like base, creating a compact, symmetrical silhouette that is functional for both seating and casual use in interior spaces.

Eero Aarnio, known internationally for his sculptural plastic furniture such as the Ball Chair and Bubble Chair, also designed in natural materials earlier in his career. His work with ASKO during the 1960s represents an important phase in Finnish design history, where designers explored the interface of traditional materials and emerging modernist forms.

The stool remains in good vintage condition with light signs of wear, such as minor abrasions and softening of the rattan finish, but no structural damage. A label is affixed to the underside of the stool, verifying its origin and production by ASKO. These features contribute to the piece’s collectability and historical value.

The dimensions are 39 cm in diameter and 45 cm in height, equivalent to approximately 15.4 inches in diameter and 17.7 inches in height.