Ib Kofod-Larsen sofa

This sofa, model U56 also known as the Elizabeth, was designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen and produced by Christensen & Larsen in Denmark in 1956. The structure is crafted in solid rosewood, displaying the species’ signature expressive grain pattern with deep brown and reddish tonal variations. The frame is composed of slender, sculptural elements, including sharply tapered legs and organically shaped armrests that transition into the supporting structure of the back. These forms demonstrate Kofod-Larsen’s distinctive approach to shaping hardwood, combining precision with a soft, sculptural character.

The seat shell and cushion are upholstered in original black leather, which has developed a pronounced patina over time. The leather shows a naturally worn surface with areas of burnishing and soft tonal variation. Minor dry cracking is visible, primarily on the curved surfaces, consistent with age and use. This patina reflects long-term interaction with the material and contributes to the authenticity of the piece. The upholstery remains structurally intact while displaying the tactile evidence of its mid-century origin.

Ib Kofod-Larsen was one of Denmark’s most internationally oriented modernist designers, known for his refined material understanding and his ability to balance sculptural expressiveness with functional clarity. The U56 sofa is among his most celebrated seating designs and shares the same fundamental construction principles as the better-known Elizabeth chair, designed in the same period. Christensen & Larsen, the producing workshop, was known for its exacting craftsmanship, particularly in complex hardwood joinery, enabling these fluid and slender forms to maintain strength and longevity.

The style belongs to the high period of mid-century Scandinavian modernism, characterized by organic form language, ergonomic shaping, and a restrained structural elegance. The open frame and gently reclining back emphasize lightness, in contrast to the richly grained rosewood and the dark, aged leather surfaces. The proportions and construction reflect Kofod-Larsen’s ongoing exploration of sculptural seating forms during the 1950s.

The sofa remains in good vintage condition with visible signs of usage and an attractive patina in both wood and leather. The surface variations and wear are consistent with its age and material composition, while the rosewood frame retains its clarity of form and stability.

The dimensions are 144 × 74 × 71 cm, with a seat height of 35 cm. In inches, this corresponds to approximately 56.7 × 29.1 × 28 inches, with a seat height of about 13.8 inches.