Finn Juhl easy chair

This rare example of the model Bwana easy chair was designed by Finn Juhl and produced by France & Daverkosen in Denmark during the 1960s. The chair exemplifies Juhl’s sculptural and expressive approach to Danish modernism, combining organic form with architectural precision.

The frame is constructed from solid teak, displaying a warm reddish-brown tone with visible grain and a soft satin finish. The structure is slender yet robust, featuring finely rounded edges and tapering cylindrical legs that support a wide, deep seat. The rear legs extend upward to meet a curved teak top rail, serving both as a sculptural cresting element and structural support for the suspended leather backrest.

The seat, back, and armrests are upholstered in original black leather, which shows minor creasing and surface wear consistent with age. The leather is tensioned over a cantilevered frame, producing a visually light but supportive seat. The armrests curve outward and subtly angle upward, ending in rounded teak pads that enhance the chair’s ergonomic and tactile qualities.

Finn Juhl, a leading figure in Danish modern design, was renowned for his artistic sensibility and ability to create furniture as expressive, three-dimensional sculptures. His collaboration with France & Daverkosen from the 1950s helped introduce Danish design to an international audience. The Bwana chair, less commonly seen than his earlier works, represents Juhl’s mature period, merging structural innovation with relaxed proportions and a monumental presence.

The chair measures 86 cm in width, 89 cm in depth, and 91 cm in height, with a seat height of 40 cm—approximately 33.9 x 35 x 35.8 inches, and a seat height of 15.7 inches.