Folke Jansson easy chair

This easy chair is a rare example of the “Tellus” model designed by Folke Jansson and manufactured by S. M. Wincrantz Möbelindustri in Sweden during the mid-20th century. It is a hallmark of Swedish mid-century modern design, showcasing sculptural form, material integrity, and understated elegance.

The chair retains its original upholstery, a richly woven fabric in a tonal blend of blue and green threads. The texture is subtle but clearly visible on close inspection, adding a layer of visual depth to the otherwise uniform blue appearance. The fabric is in excellent vintage condition with no signs of wear or damage, preserving both color vibrancy and structural tension.

The form is defined by a wide, enveloping backrest that smoothly transitions into the curved armrests, creating a continuous and embracing profile. The back gently inclines toward the rear while the seat cushion maintains a clearly defined rectangular shape. The visual softness of the chair is balanced by the precision of its silhouette, an approach characteristic of Folke Jansson’s design sensibility.

The chair stands on four dark-stained beech legs, each finely tapered and ending in a small brass ball foot. These slender legs provide an elegant lift to the rounded body, enhancing the floating appearance and referencing the lightness often pursued in Scandinavian furniture design of the period. The chair’s proportions offer generous width and depth, while the shell-like form delivers ergonomic support.

Folke Jansson was a Swedish designer and sculptor born in 1920, recognized for a small but refined body of furniture designs, most of which remain rare due to limited production. His work often blends organic forms with minimalist execution, drawing inspiration from natural curves and spatial balance. The Tellus series is among his most accomplished efforts, combining artistic vision with functional furniture making.

S. M. Wincrantz Möbelindustri, based in Sweden, was a quality-driven furniture manufacturer active during the golden age of Scandinavian modernism. While less widely known than some contemporaries, the firm collaborated with designers like Jansson to produce distinctive, high-quality furniture pieces.

The dimensions of the chair are 91 cm in width, 77 cm in depth, 74 cm in height, and 41 cm seat height (35.8 x 30.3 x 29.1 in, seat height 16.1 in).