Josef Frank stool

This very rare stool was designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden during the 1930s. Crafted in oak, the piece embodies the organic design language that Frank often applied to his work, favoring natural materials and sculptural forms that stood in contrast to the strict functionalism of the era. The stool’s free-form seat and rounded legs highlight both the natural grain of the oak and the emphasis on handcraft typical of Svenskt Tenn’s production.

The stool rests on three legs, each shaped with subtle curvature and soft contours, which enhance its sculptural presence. The seat has an irregular, almost biomorphic outline, emphasizing Frank’s interest in organic shapes inspired by nature. The oak displays a rich brown tone with visible grain patterns that add depth and texture to the surface.

Condition is good vintage with signs of age and use, including a well-preserved patina that enriches the wood’s natural qualities. Such wear is consistent with a piece of this age and adds character, reflecting its long history of use.

As part of Frank’s broader body of work, this stool represents his departure from strict rationalist design and his belief in creating interiors that feel warm, personal, and connected to nature. Produced by Svenskt Tenn, the company that played a central role in introducing Frank’s designs to Sweden and later to an international audience, the piece is an important example of Scandinavian design history from the pre-mid-century period.

Dimensions: width 39 cm (15.4 in), depth 38 cm (15.0 in), height 40 cm (15.7 in)