Ejner Larsen dining chairs
This is a set of six dining chairs designed by Ejner Larsen and produced by the distinguished Danish cabinetmaker Ludvig Pontoppidan. The chairs are constructed from solid mahogany with seats and backrests upholstered in black leather, combining fine craftsmanship with a restrained modernist aesthetic typical of Danish mid-century design.
The mahogany frames are finely shaped with squared legs and structural stretchers, ensuring both strength and a clear architectural rhythm. The wood presents a warm reddish-brown hue with a fine, straight grain, and has acquired a soft, even patina over time. The joinery is crisp and precise, showcasing traditional cabinetmaking techniques with subtly chamfered edges and seamless integration between frame and supports.
The black leather upholstery is tightly fitted, exhibiting a smooth, matte surface with minimal creasing. Both the seat and the backrest are generously padded for comfort. The backrest has a gentle convex curvature that provides lumbar support, while the seat remains broad and slightly contoured. The clean separation between the backrest and the rear uprights adds a lightness to the otherwise compact and solid silhouette.
Ejner Larsen (1917–1987), a key figure in the Danish design tradition, frequently worked in collaboration with Aksel Bender Madsen. He was trained under Kaare Klint and upheld principles of clarity, craftsmanship, and proportion in his designs. Ludvig Pontoppidan’s workshop was known for producing high-quality pieces in limited quantities, often in collaboration with leading architects and designers of the era. Their output is particularly valued for its material honesty and executional precision.
This set of chairs reflects Danish functionalist ideals through its focus on comfort, high-quality materials, and visually modest but structurally sophisticated design. It is representative of mid-century Danish cabinetmaker production, combining modern lines with hand-executed craftsmanship.
All six chairs are in excellent condition. The mahogany frames show only minor surface wear consistent with age, and the leather upholstery remains intact and supple, with no tears or notable discoloration.
Each chair measures 48.5 cm in width, 51 cm in depth, and 82.5 cm in height, with a seat height of 46 cm. In imperial units, this equates to approximately 19.1 inches wide, 20.1 inches deep, 32.5 inches high, and a seat height of 18.1 inches.
Dimensions (cm) | W: 48.5 / D: 51 / H: 82.5 / Seat H: 46 |
Producer | Ludvig Pontoppidan |
Color | Black |
Decade | 1950s |
Country | Denmark |
Style | Danish modern, Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern |
Material | Leather, Mahogany |
Designed in | 1950s |
Item Number | 250113 |
Ejner Larsen