Hans Wegner armchairs

This is a rare and historically significant set of eight armchairs designed by Hans J. Wegner and produced by master cabinetmaker Johannes Hansen in Denmark. Crafted from solid oak and woven cane, these chairs represent an early and celebrated example of Wegner’s exploration of structure, comfort, and material expressiveness. The model was exhibited at the 1947 Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition held at the Museum of Decorative Art (now the Designmuseum Danmark), marking its debut as part of the Danish modern movement.

The chairs feature a strong yet refined frame in light oak, carefully joined and finished to reveal the fine grain and warm tone of the wood. The oak has aged to a honey-colored patina, displaying subtle color variation along the armrests and stretchers. The construction is characterized by cylindrical vertical and horizontal members, joined with visible dowels and tenons in a manner that reflects traditional joinery techniques, yet executed with the minimalism typical of Danish mid-century design.

The seat and backrest are composed of handwoven cane in a dense, tight pattern, creating a comfortable and breathable surface. The weave is robust and precise, with a consistent rhythm and cleanly finished edges that enhance both visual and tactile quality. The armrests are flat, rounded, and gently tapered at the ends, visually lightening the silhouette while contributing to ergonomic support.

Hans J. Wegner (1914–2007) is regarded as one of the most influential figures in Scandinavian design, known for his exceptional contributions to chair design. A trained cabinetmaker and architect, Wegner combined a deep respect for craftsmanship with an architectural understanding of form. His collaborations with Johannes Hansen, a leading Danish cabinetmaker of the mid-20th century, were critical in launching many of his most iconic models during the annual Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibitions in Copenhagen.

These chairs embody the essence of Danish modernism: functional clarity, natural materials, and hand-executed perfection. The frame’s visible joinery and the woven cane technique are central to the chair’s expressive language and reflect Wegner’s principle that construction should be both visible and beautiful.

All eight chairs are preserved in excellent condition. The oak frames are clean and tight, with only small signs of repairs. The cane remains intact, supple, and free from breakage or sagging.

Each chair measures 60 cm in width, 56 cm in depth, and 92 cm in height. The seat height is 43 cm, and the armrest height is 66 cm. These dimensions translate to approximately 23.6 inches wide, 22 inches deep, and 36.2 inches high, with a seat height of 16.9 inches and armrest height of 26 inches.