Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist easy chair

This rare easy chair, model Stora Kraal, was designed by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist in 1952 and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet (NK) in Sweden. The chair is constructed with a black-lacquered iron base that supports a woven rattan shell, enhanced with natural leather detailing and straps. The design demonstrates a refined balance between robust structural elements and light, organic materials, resulting in an elegant yet durable piece.

The chair features a tall, gently curved backrest that flows seamlessly into the wide and low seat, creating an enveloping form. The rattan is handwoven in continuous, fluid patterns, giving the surface both texture and resilience. A natural leather reinforcement is applied across the front seat edge, stitched with visible white thread, both strengthening and visually grounding the woven seat. Leather straps fix the rattan to the iron frame, an example of the precise detailing and craftsmanship of Swedish modern design of the early 1950s.

Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist, known for her refined and sculptural furniture, designed pieces that bridged modernist clarity with soft organic expression. During her career at NK, she created several iconic designs characterized by comfort, elegance, and timeless appeal. The Stora Kraal exemplifies her approach, combining Scandinavian natural materials with a restrained modernist frame. NK, one of Sweden’s leading producers and retailers of high-quality furniture, played an important role in promoting progressive Scandinavian design during the mid-20th century.

The chair remains in excellent vintage condition, with minor signs of wear consistent with age and use. The rattan shows a well-preserved natural patina, and the leather has developed marks and tonal variation that testify to its authenticity and long-term use. The iron frame retains its structural integrity with only small traces of surface wear.

This design is representative of Scandinavian mid-century aesthetics, uniting natural materials with functional modernist construction. Its sculptural silhouette, lightness, and textural variation make it a significant piece in the history of Swedish furniture design.

Dimensions: width 71 cm (27.9 inches), depth 80 cm (31.5 inches), height 98 cm (38.6 inches), seat height 39 cm (15.3 inches).