Folke Jansson sofa

This is a rare and well-preserved example of the model “Tellus” sofa designed by Folke Jansson and produced by S. M. Wincrantz Möbelindustri in Sweden during the mid-20th century. The sofa demonstrates an elegant execution of Swedish mid-century modernism, combining sculptural form with precise upholstery work and fine detailing.

The sofa are upholstered in the original blue fabric, a richly textured weave composed of a mix of blue and green threads that create a subtle depth and tonal variation in close view. The upholstery is taut and intact, retaining the designer’s intent of soft but clean modernist curves, with no apparent sagging or wear, indicating the set remains in excellent vintage condition.

Both sofa and chair are characterized by their gently curved, embracing backs and smooth, uninterrupted lines. The silhouettes taper delicately from the broad backrest to the narrower front edge, integrating the armrests into the overall flow of the design. The seats are constructed with single loose cushions that maintain a crisp rectangular profile, offering a structural contrast to the enveloping, organic shell of the frame.

The legs are made of dark-stained beech wood and are finely turned to a tapering point, ending in small brass ball feet, a refined and typical detail of Scandinavian design from this era. This combination of angled legs and low, sculptural form grounds the design in the late 1940s to early 1950s period, with aesthetic parallels to Italian and Scandinavian lounge furniture of the time.

Folke Jansson (1920–1984) was a Swedish architect and designer known for a small number of sculptural furniture designs and public works. While his furniture output was limited, it is notable for its distinct organic curves and attention to spatial harmony. The Tellus model is among his best-known works and exemplifies his sensitivity to form and material.

S. M. Wincrantz Möbelindustri, the producer, was a lesser-known but quality-driven Swedish furniture manufacturer active in the mid-century period, collaborating with a number of contemporary designers and contributing to the legacy of Scandinavian modernism through a restrained yet expressive design language.

The dimensions of the sofa are 162 cm wide, 83 cm deep, 74 cm high with a seat height of 41 cm (63.8 x 32.7 x 29.1 in, seat height 16.1 in).