Hans Wegner easy chair

This is a rare folding chair, model JH-512, designed by Hans J. Wegner and produced by cabinetmaker Johannes Hansen in Denmark in 1949. The chair is constructed from solid oak with a handwoven cane seat and backrest, highlighting the high level of craftsmanship associated with Danish cabinetmaking during the mid-20th century.

The chair features a sculptural, functionalist form with a folding mechanism that allows the piece to be collapsed flat, a practical and elegant solution typical of Wegner’s early explorations of functional furniture. The oak frame is shaped with a soft curvature and precise joinery, forming an X-shaped structure that is both stable and visually balanced. The light golden-brown tone of the oak contrasts with the subtle natural variation in the woven cane, creating a warm and tactile aesthetic. The chair incorporates cut-out handles at the ends of the arm supports, contributing to its portability and minimalist profile.

Hans J. Wegner (1914–2007) was one of the most influential figures in Danish Modernism and a central proponent of the organic functionalist movement. Wegner trained as a cabinetmaker before becoming a furniture designer, and his background in fine woodworking is evident in the construction quality and detailing of this chair. The JH-512 model was presented at the 1949 Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition at Designmuseum Danmark, a prestigious venue that helped establish Wegner’s reputation internationally.

Produced by Johannes Hansen, one of Denmark’s most respected furniture workshops, the chair exemplifies the close collaboration between designer and craftsman that was typical of the guild exhibition tradition. Hansen was known for producing high-quality furniture for some of Denmark’s leading designers, including Kaare Klint and Ole Wanscher.

This piece belongs to the Danish Modern and Scandinavian mid-century tradition, combining practical innovation with material honesty and refined aesthetics. The condition of the chair is very good with signs of gentle wear and patina consistent with age and use. The woven cane is intact and well-preserved, and the wood shows only minor surface marks.

Dimensions: 61 cm width, 74 cm depth, 76.5 cm height, with a seat height of 39 cm (24 x 29.1 x 30.1 in, seat height 15.4 in).