Jørgen Høj dining chairs

This rare set of eight dining chairs was designed by Jørgen Høj and produced by cabinetmaker Thorald Madsens Snedkeri in Denmark in 1951. The chairs combine a teak frame with woven cane seats and backs, exemplifying the refined craftsmanship and material sensibility that characterize Danish furniture of the early postwar period. Each chair features a gently tapered frame, with rounded legs and stretcher bars providing both strength and visual balance. The natural cane weaving follows the contours of the seat and backrest, achieving both flexibility and comfort. The set includes loose seat cushions upholstered in brown leather, offering an optional layer of softness while maintaining the chairs’ original aesthetic integrity.

The design reflects the organic clarity and craftsmanship typical of Jørgen Høj’s work. Høj, active in the 1940s and 1950s, belonged to the generation of Danish designers who emphasized honest use of materials and balanced proportions. His designs often integrated traditional joinery and artisanal weaving techniques, giving his furniture both tactile warmth and structural precision. Thorald Madsens Snedkeri, known for its collaborations with leading Danish designers of the era, executed Høj’s designs with meticulous attention to detail and consistency of finish.

The chairs come from the collection of Danish architect Svend Bøgh-Andersen (1916–1984) and his wife Hanne (1920–2015), who designed and built their home “Doktorn 5” in Laholm, Sweden, in 1956. Bøgh-Andersen, originally trained as a bricklayer before studying architecture, worked for Kay Fisker’s office in Copenhagen before relocating to Sweden after World War II. As city architect in Laholm from 1950 to 1974, he left a lasting mark on the town’s architectural identity through projects such as the restaurant Gröna Hästen and various residential buildings. The Bøgh-Andersens’ villa, which became a meeting point for artists and architects from both Denmark and Sweden, was later recognized as a cultural monument in 2011.

The chairs are in good vintage condition with a well-preserved patina consistent with age and use. The cane weaving shows minor repairs and light wear, while the leather cushions exhibit natural surface creasing typical of aged hide. The teak frames retain their warm reddish-brown tone, showing only slight signs of use while maintaining excellent structural integrity.

Dimensions: height 79 cm (31.1 in), width 50 cm (19.7 in), depth 54 cm (21.3 in), seat height 44 cm (17.3 in), and 49.5 cm (19.5 in) with cushion.