Jens Risom armchairs

This rare set of six armchairs, model Playboy / C140, was designed by Jens Risom in 1960 and produced by Risom Design in Denmark. Each chair exemplifies Risom’s capacity to balance sculptural elegance with functional rigor, resulting in a design that is both refined and enduring.

The frames are constructed in solid rosewood, selected for its deep tonal richness and complex grain patterns. The rosewood has been finely finished, allowing the natural luster of the wood to emerge while preserving its structural integrity. The legs are subtly tapered, and the arms are slender and slightly curved, integrated smoothly into the frame to enhance both comfort and aesthetic continuity.

The backrests are made from handwoven cane, providing a light, breathable surface that contrasts visually and texturally with the rosewood. This material interplay introduces a sense of openness while maintaining the structural clarity of the design. The seats have been newly reupholstered in black leather, a material that complements the dark wood while offering durability and a modern touch. The leather presents a smooth surface with a soft sheen, contributing to both the comfort and visual refinement of the chairs.

The overall proportions are meticulously balanced, with generous seating space and carefully calibrated angles that support the user ergonomically. The armrests, set at a height of 67 cm (26.4 inches), are designed to provide comfortable support while maintaining a visual lightness. Subtle traces of wear, consistent with the age of the chairs, contribute to their authenticity and underline their historical value.

Jens Risom (1916–2016) was a Danish-American designer known for his foundational role in introducing Scandinavian design principles to the American market. After studying at the Copenhagen School of Industrial Arts and Design, Risom emigrated to the United States, where he became one of the first designers to bring Danish modernism into postwar American interiors. His work is distinguished by clarity of form, high-quality materials, and a human-centered approach to design. The Playboy / C140 model, often associated with mid-century sophistication, reflects these attributes in its material richness and clean, modern lines.

The chairs each measure 57 cm in width, 54 cm in depth, 81.5 cm in height, with a seat height of 44 cm and an armrest height of 67 cm. These dimensions correspond approximately to 22.4 inches wide, 21.3 inches deep, 32.1 inches high, with a seat height of 17.3 inches and armrest height of 26.4 inches.