Kai Kristiansen stool

This stool was designed by Kai Kristiansen and produced by Aksel Kjersgaard in Odder, Denmark. It exemplifies the clarity and restraint characteristic of Kristiansen’s mid-century work, where proportion, material integrity, and refined joinery define both the aesthetic and functional qualities. The stool was made during the height of Scandinavian Modern design, when Danish furniture production prioritized artisanal precision and timeless construction techniques.

The frame is executed in rosewood, a material admired for its deep, variegated grain and rich reddish-brown color with darker linear patterns. The surface finish brings out the natural luster of the wood while maintaining a matte, tactile quality. The seat has been newly reupholstered in black leather, introducing a sleek contrast to the warmth of the rosewood. The upholstery is executed with clean edges and a slightly rounded seat profile that provides comfort while preserving the geometric clarity of the overall form.

The stool’s structural design is marked by subtle curvature at the inner corners of the frame, a recurring feature in Kristiansen’s furniture that adds visual softness to an otherwise linear form. This detail demonstrates his sensitivity to both craftsmanship and ergonomics, aligning with the Danish design ethos of functional beauty. The piece bears the original branded marks beneath the frame, including “Aksel Kjersgaard, Odder, Made in Denmark” and the Danish Furnituremakers Control stamp, ensuring authenticity and quality verification. It is numbered 382, referring to the model designation within the Kjersgaard catalogue.

Measuring 60 cm in width, 36 cm in depth, and 35 cm in height (23.6 x 14.2 x 13.8 inches), this example remains in excellent vintage condition with only minor signs of use. The combination of rosewood and black leather lends the piece a restrained sophistication, characteristic of Kristiansen’s design language and the Danish Modern movement’s pursuit of simplicity through craftsmanship and material excellence.