Josef Frank dining chairs

Set of ten dining chairs, model 1165, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden in 1947. The chairs are constructed from solid painted wood and feature backs of finely bent rattan and cane, revealing a combination of craftsmanship and lightness typical of Frank’s design philosophy. The frames are painted in white, forming a visual contrast with the natural tones of the rattan that softens the linear geometry of the structure.

The seat upholstery presents a vibrant floral fabric in shades of green, yellow, orange, and brown, a characteristic motif within Josef Frank’s textile designs for Svenskt Tenn. The organic and rhythmic floral patterns evoke his vision of harmony between function, comfort, and the natural world.

Josef Frank, an Austrian-born architect and designer, settled in Sweden in the 1930s and became one of the defining figures of Scandinavian modernism. His collaboration with Svenskt Tenn, founded by Estrid Ericson, resulted in some of the most enduring furniture and textile designs of the 20th century. Model 1165 exemplifies Frank’s fusion of European elegance and Swedish craftsmanship, combining refined proportions with expressive materials.

The set remains in good vintage condition with signs of usage and a soft, even patina that reflects its age. The rattan elements are intact with minor wear, and the painted surfaces show slight abrasions consistent with careful use.

Dimensions: width 46.5 cm (18.3 inches), depth 51 cm (20.1 inches), height 85 cm (33.5 inches), seat height 44 cm (17.3 inches).