Jacob Kjær chairs

This rare pair of side chairs was designed and produced by Jacob Kjær in Denmark during the 1930s. The chairs are executed in mahogany and upholstered with Niger leather, secured with brass nails. The warm brown leather shows a rich patina, with visible wear and markings that attest to their age and use, adding depth and character to the surface. The frames are crafted in solid mahogany with clean lines and a slightly curved backrest, giving the chairs both structure and elegance.

Jacob Kjær was a central figure in Danish furniture design, known for his refined craftsmanship and his ability to combine traditional cabinetmaking with functional modernist principles. He was trained as a cabinetmaker and later established himself as a leading designer and producer, creating furniture that bridged the aesthetics of Danish neoclassicism and early functionalism. His works are noted for their high-quality materials and precision in detail, often using exotic leathers such as Niger to emphasize both durability and luxury.

The construction of these chairs reflects Kjær’s dedication to proportion and detail. The front legs are straight and stable, while the rear legs are slightly curved, creating a subtle dynamism in the silhouette. The brass nail trim along the edges of the seat and backrest adds definition and highlights the junction between the wood and leather. This detailing not only reinforces the upholstery but also introduces a decorative rhythm consistent with Scandinavian interpretations of classical furniture traditions.

These chairs stand within the context of Scandinavian design history as examples of the transitional period between early 20th-century craftsmanship and the mid-century modern movement that followed. While rooted in traditional cabinetmaking, their restrained forms anticipate the clarity and functionality that became defining features of mid-century Scandinavian design.

The pair remains in good vintage condition with evident signs of use and wear to the leather. The patina of the leather and surface marks contribute to their authenticity and historic value.

Dimensions: width 50 cm (19.7 in), depth 55 cm (21.7 in), height 85 cm (33.5 in), seat height: 46 cm (18.1 in)