Illum Wikkelsø attrib. easy chairs

This rare pair of easy chairs is attributed to Illum Wikkelsø and originates from Denmark, dating to the 1960s. The frames are constructed from solid rosewood, a material prized for its rich, variegated grain and warm reddish-brown hue. The wood is finished with a soft satin sheen that highlights the natural pattern of the rosewood while maintaining a tactile, organic quality. The seating and backrest are upholstered in the original cognac-colored leather, which remains smooth and shows gentle patination consistent with age and use, adding character without compromising the integrity of the material.

The design is characterized by a low-slung, sculptural profile where the seat and backrest form a continuous, ergonomic curve. This molded shape provides comfortable support while emphasizing a fluid and elegant silhouette. The rear legs extend upwards to meet a rounded horizontal back rail that cradles the rear of the shell, creating a visually balanced and structurally solid frame. The craftsmanship is evident in the substantial joinery and the careful attention to proportion, resulting in a chair that combines durability with refined aesthetics.

Illum Wikkelsø is recognized as a significant figure within Danish modern design, noted for his sophisticated interpretation of organic forms and his focus on comfort and fine craftsmanship. His work is closely tied to the mid-century golden age of Danish furniture, with many pieces produced by leading Danish manufacturers. Although these chairs are attributed rather than definitively signed, they display stylistic and structural characteristics consistent with Wikkelsø’s known output, especially in the use of sculpted rosewood frames paired with ergonomic leather seating.

The chairs are preserved in very good vintage condition, exhibiting minor wear on the leather surfaces and light signs of use on the rosewood frames, all appropriate for their age. The dimensions of each chair are 65 cm in width, 75 cm in depth, and 71 cm in height, with a seat height of 37 cm, equivalent to approximately 25.6 inches wide, 29.5 inches deep, 28 inches high, and 14.6 inches seat height. The piece reflects a harmonious balance of form, function, and materiality typical of Danish modernism.