Kaare Klint armchairs

This rare set of armchairs, model no. 3758A—famously known as The Red Chair—was designed by Kaare Klint and produced by the esteemed cabinetmaker Rud. Rasmussen in Denmark. These chairs stand among the most iconic works in Danish design history, representing a pivotal moment in the development of modern Scandinavian furniture through Klint’s rigorous commitment to craftsmanship, proportion, and functional clarity.

Constructed from Cuban mahogany, the frames exhibit a rich, reddish-brown coloration with a fine, close grain that reveals the inherent beauty of this now-scarce wood. The finish has developed a deep patina over time, enhancing the visual depth and historical presence of the pieces. The mahogany’s warmth contrasts elegantly with the original natural tan leather upholstery, which has aged gracefully, showing a soft sheen and surface markings that speak to the authenticity and continued use of the chairs.

The form of The Red Chair is marked by a rectilinear geometry that is softened by subtle curvature. The armrests are gently rounded for ergonomic support, and the backrest is slightly reclined to ensure comfort without compromising the upright dignity of the silhouette. The legs are slightly tapered and connected by traditional cross-stretchers, which not only add structural stability but also express Klint’s deep respect for classical cabinetmaking principles.

Each chair measures 62 cm in width, 56 cm in depth, 89 cm in height, and 44 cm in seat height (approximately 24.4 × 22 × 35 × 17.3 inches), offering generous but well-contained proportions suitable for both formal settings and domestic interiors. The construction is precise, and all joints and materials remain in excellent structural condition, a testament to Rud. Rasmussen’s workshop standards.

While the leather displays age-appropriate wear—including surface creasing and minor patina—these marks only reinforce the authenticity and enduring appeal of the pieces. The upholstery remains structurally sound and intact, with the seat and back cushioning continuing to provide support and comfort.

Kaare Klint (1888–1954) is widely recognized as the father of modern Danish furniture design. As a professor at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and a key figure in the foundation of what would become the Danish modern movement, Klint championed a design philosophy based on function, ergonomics, and historical precedent. His methodical approach to proportion and material has had a lasting impact on generations of designers, including his students Børge Mogensen and Hans J. Wegner.

Produced by Rud. Rasmussen, a cabinetmaking workshop founded in 1869 and long associated with the Danish design elite, The Red Chair exemplifies the synthesis of master-level joinery and academic design rigor. The workshop was known for its collaborative relationship with Klint, producing some of the most important furniture of the Danish Golden Age of design.

This set of armchairs is not merely functional seating, but an embodiment of Danish design at its most thoughtful and exacting. It represents a crucial link between traditional woodworking and the birth of Danish modernism, making it a highly desirable acquisition for collectors, historians, and connoisseurs of 20th-century design.