Hans Wegner armchairs

This very rare set of six armchairs, model JH-501, universally known as The Chair, was designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1949 and produced by the esteemed Danish cabinetmaker Johannes Hansen. This model stands as one of the most iconic achievements in 20th-century furniture design, embodying the ideals of Danish modernism—refined materiality, sculptural clarity, and human-centered comfort.

Crafted from solid teak, each chair in this set reflects the natural beauty of the wood through its warm, reddish-brown hue and pronounced grain structure. The finish is smooth and tactile, achieved through meticulous hand-finishing, which enhances both the visual and textural qualities of the teak. Wegner selected teak not only for its appearance but also for its strength and stability—qualities that have contributed to the longevity of these pieces.

The seat is made of woven cane, a traditional and breathable material that contrasts gently with the weight and solidity of the wood. The cane is tightly and evenly woven, offering a resilient and visually light surface. The combination of cane and teak produces a harmonious balance of tone, texture, and structural lightness.

The defining feature of The Chair is its continuous, curved backrest, which flows seamlessly into the armrests. This form not only provides exceptional comfort and support but also demonstrates Wegner’s mastery of organic shaping and joinery. Each joint, including the elegant finger joints connecting the arms to the frame, is executed with the precision and care that was the hallmark of Johannes Hansen’s workshop. The result is a piece that is as strong and enduring as it is graceful.

The condition of this set is exceptional. The teak frames are structurally sound, with only minimal signs of wear and a rich patina that reflects decades of careful preservation. The cane seats are intact and well-maintained, retaining their tautness and uniform appearance. Together, these details confirm both the original quality of the materials and the skill of their construction.

The Chair achieved international recognition in 1960 when it was selected for the first-ever televised U.S. presidential debate between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon. Its visual simplicity, comfort, and understated prestige made it the ideal choice for this historic event, and it has since become a symbol of modernist excellence.

Hans J. Wegner (1914–2007), often referred to as “The Master of the Chair,” designed over 500 chairs in his career, but The Chair remains his most emblematic. Its seamless blend of sculpture, ergonomics, and traditional woodworking has earned it a place in museums, state institutions, and design collections around the world.

Dimensions (each chair):

• Width: 63 cm

• Depth: 52 cm

• Height: 76.5 cm

• Seat height: 43 cm
  In inches, this translates to approximately:

• Width: 24.8 inches

• Depth: 20.5 inches

• Height: 30.1 inches

• Seat height: 16.9 inches