Finn Juhl dining chairs

This exceptionally rare set of dining chairs, model FJ-51, designed by Finn Juhl and produced by master cabinetmaker Niels Vodder in Denmark, represents one of the most refined and collectible expressions of Danish modern design. Introduced in the early 1950s, the FJ-51 exemplifies Juhl’s sculptural approach to furniture, where flowing organic forms are fused with exquisite joinery and thoughtful ergonomics.

Each chair is crafted from solid rosewood, a rare and luxurious material known for its deep, varied grain patterns and warm, reddish-brown hue. The rosewood used in these chairs has been meticulously selected and finished, showcasing the depth and luster of the wood while enhancing the elegant curvature of the frame. The tapering legs and smoothly contoured backrest reflect Juhl’s vision of furniture as functional sculpture—light, dynamic, and expressive.

The seat and backrest are upholstered in black leather, which provides both a visual contrast and a tactile complement to the rosewood. The leather is finely tailored with clean edges and minimal seaming, in keeping with the chair’s minimal yet refined aesthetic. The upholstery is original or period-correct, showing a rich patina and subtle wear consistent with careful vintage use. The seating experience is supportive yet comfortable, with a firm but yielding seat and a gently angled backrest that follows the body’s natural contours.

A defining feature of the FJ-51 is its architectural composition. The frame’s components intersect with exceptional precision, with visible joints that enhance rather than conceal the method of construction. The rear legs sweep upward to form the backrest supports in a single uninterrupted motion, a hallmark of Juhl’s design language. These formal gestures are not merely decorative—they serve the ergonomics and structural logic of the chair.

Each chair is marked with the stamp of cabinetmaker Niels Vodder, a detail that confirms the authenticity and provenance of the set. Vodder was Juhl’s closest collaborator and one of Denmark’s most respected mid-century craftsmen, known for executing Juhl’s most complex and sculptural designs with unparalleled precision.

The condition of the chairs is superb vintage, with the rosewood frames retaining a rich, well-maintained finish and the leather in excellent structural condition. Minor signs of wear on the leather and wood are appropriate for the age and enhance the overall authenticity and appeal.

Finn Juhl (1912–1989) was a pivotal figure in 20th-century design, widely recognized for introducing a sculptural and expressive dimension to modern furniture. The FJ-51 dining chair is among his most elegant and rarest works, produced in very limited numbers and now highly sought after by collectors and institutions worldwide.