Kurt Østervig hunting easy chairs
This rare pair of hunting easy chairs was designed by Kurt Østervig and produced by KP Møbler in Denmark during the 1950s. The chairs are constructed from solid oak paired with vegetable-tanned saddle leather, embodying a robust and tactile combination of natural materials aligned with the rustic modernist spirit of mid-century Scandinavian design.
The oak frames display square-section geometry and visible joinery, with a warm honey-toned patina and prominent grain patterns. The generous armrests are gently curved, offering ergonomic comfort and visual balance within the otherwise rectilinear structure. Both the back and seat consist of thick leather slings, tensioned and suspended through precisely cut slots in the wood. The leather is secured with stitched edges and leather-wrapped fastenings, showing a mottled, patinated surface marked by wear and tone variation that enhances the authenticity and character of the chairs.
Kurt Østervig (1912–1986), trained initially as a shipbuilder before becoming a cabinetmaker and designer, was known for blending traditional craftsmanship with bold proportions and a utilitarian aesthetic. KP Møbler, active during the mid-20th century, partnered with notable designers and was recognized for producing structurally expressive, high-quality wooden furniture.
These chairs are exemplary of the Danish “hunting chair” typology that emerged postwar, emphasizing informal seating using durable natural materials. Their design reflects core Scandinavian modern values: honesty of materials, exposed construction, and ergonomic form.
Each chair measures 78.5 cm wide, 73 cm deep, and 75 cm high, with a seat height of 32 cm, approximately 30.9 x 28.7 x 29.5 inches, and a seat height of 12.6 inches. The pair remains in good vintage condition, featuring stable frames and original leather with an attractive patina and age-related wear.
Literature
Grete Jalk “Dansk Møbelkunst gennem 40 aar”, bind. 4, p. 130-131.
Dimensions (cm) | W: 78.5 / D: 73 / H: 75 / Seat H: 32 |
Producer | KP Møbler |
Color | Tan |
Decade | 1950s |
Country | Denmark |
Style | Danish modern, Scandinavian Modern |
Material | Leather, Oak |
Designed in | 1950s |
Item Number | 134283 |
Kurt Østervig