Ernst Kühn dining chairs

This rare set of 12 dining chairs, designed by Ernst Kühn and produced by Lysberg Hansen & Therp in Denmark during the 1950s, stands as a distinguished example of Scandinavian mid-century craftsmanship, combining sophisticated materiality with an emphasis on lightness, proportion, and comfort. These chairs reflect the design ethos of the era—where structural clarity and artisanal detail were elevated through the judicious use of natural materials.

Each chair is constructed from solid rosewood, a material highly prized in Danish furniture-making for its strength, durability, and richly expressive grain. The frames exhibit a deep, warm patina that has developed over decades, bringing out the complex tonal variations within the rosewood. The craftsmanship is evident in the fluid transitions between frame components and the precision of the joinery, particularly where the legs meet the seat rails and the backrest integrates with the uprights.

The defining visual feature of the chairs is the slightly curved backrest, fitted with handwoven cane. The cane introduces a sense of visual transparency and airiness, softening the visual weight of the dark rosewood while providing comfortable, ergonomic support. This woven detail is executed with refined consistency, demonstrating a high level of artisanal skill that complements the otherwise restrained geometry of the design.

The seats are upholstered in their original neutral-toned textile, which provides a soft contrast to the dark wood and natural cane. While the fabric exhibits minor wear consistent with age, it remains serviceable and contributes to the authentic vintage character of the set. The seating profile is modestly contoured for comfort and aligned with the understated aesthetic values of Danish modern design.

The legs are subtly tapered, further reinforcing the sense of vertical lightness and poised structure. This detail, along with the chairs’ relatively open construction, ensures they retain a graceful silhouette when viewed from all angles—making them particularly well-suited for larger dining environments where repetition and alignment enhance architectural rhythm.

Each chair measures 50 cm in width, 54 cm in depth, and 88.5 cm in height (19.7 × 21.3 × 34.8 inches), with a seat height of 46 cm (18.1 inches), offering generous proportions without visual bulk. The chairs are marked with the manufacturer’s label, confirming their origin from Lysberg Hansen & Therp, a respected Danish firm known for its collaborations with prominent designers and commitment to quality production.

This complete set of twelve chairs remains in well-preserved vintage condition, with minor surface wear that attests to careful use and the inherent durability of the materials. As a unified ensemble, the set exemplifies Ernst Kühn’s approach to modern Danish furniture—grounded in natural material expression, formal balance, and enduring utility—making it a highly desirable and architecturally coherent addition to both period and contemporary interiors.