Karl Yngve Håkansson rocking chair

This is a rare rocking chair designed by Swedish architect and furniture designer Karl Yngve Håkansson and produced by Väsby Möbel & Inredningsfabrik in 1946. The design is a distinct example of Scandinavian modernism’s organic and human-centered approach to comfort and form, with a sculptural presence that unites material honesty and expressive structure.

The chair features a bentwood frame in solid birch or beech, stained in a warm, honey-brown tone. The form is defined by continuous looping runners that extend fluidly into the arms, creating a rhythmic, symmetrical silhouette that enhances both the visual and functional balance of the rocker. The seat and back are constructed from interwoven jute webbing in its original untreated state, presenting a natural, lightly worn patina with a faded coloration that documents the chair’s age and authenticity.

The ergonomic shaping of the frame and the flexibility of the webbed seat provide a relaxed yet upright seating posture. The chair’s proportions are generous, with a high backrest and deep seat curve, and the entire construction rests lightly on the floor thanks to the sweeping geometry of the runners.

Karl Yngve Håkansson (1911–1993) was active in Sweden during the mid-20th century and is known for his furniture designs that emphasized structural clarity and minimalist expression. This particular rocking chair gained wider recognition after being included in the permanent design collection of The Museum of Modern Art in New York (MoMA inventory number SC306.1998), a testament to its innovation and significance in the history of modern seating.

The chair remains in good vintage condition, with signs of wear and patina on both the wooden surfaces and textile webbing consistent with its period. Structurally it remains sound, preserving both the visual elegance and functional integrity intended by the designer.

Dimensions are 59 cm wide, 90 cm deep, 85 cm high, with a seat height of 44 cm. These convert to approximately 23.2 inches in width, 35.4 inches in depth, 33.5 inches in height, and a seat height of 17.3 inches.