Jan Kalous stool

This rare mid-century stool was designed by Jan Kalous and produced by ÚĽUV (Ústredie ľudovej umeleckej výroby) in Czechoslovakia during the 1950s. It features a solid beech wood frame supporting a handwoven rattan seat. The stool’s seat is biomorphic and asymmetrical, gently curving to accommodate the body, blending visual softness with ergonomic comfort. The rattan weaving radiates outward from a central wooden insert and is tightly crafted, showcasing skilled artisanal workmanship.

The structure stands on four conical, splayed legs made of beech wood, which display warm honey tones and visible grain with surface markings consistent with age. The construction is straightforward yet refined, with exposed dowel joints visible on the underside of the central wooden plate. The piece bears the ÚĽUV workshop logo—a stylized bird above the handwritten “úľuv” mark—authenticating its origin and craftsmanship.

Jan Kalous was associated with ÚĽUV, a state-supported organization that partnered with designers and artisans to reinterpret traditional folk crafts through modernist design principles. This stool exemplifies that synthesis, combining vernacular materials and techniques with the formal clarity of mid-century aesthetics. Kalous’ work is recognized for its sensitivity to materials and its organic, structured approach.

The stool is in good vintage condition, with patina and minor wear appropriate for its age and use. There is some surface wear to the wood and subtle irregularities in the rattan, reflecting the natural characteristics of handcrafted materials.

The dimensions measure 50.5 centimeters in width, 34.5 centimeters in depth, and 39.5 centimeters in height (approximately 19.9 by 13.6 by 15.6 inches).