Otto Kolb easy chair

This wide easy chair was designed by Otto Kolb in 1961 and produced by Walter Knoll in Germany. It stands as a rare and expressive example of avant-garde mid-century European seating design, characterized by a bold architectural silhouette and sculptural presence.

The chair’s form is defined by dramatically splayed armrests and a sharply tapering high backrest, creating an angular profile that balances sculptural form with ergonomic function. Its minimalist base is constructed from black lacquered steel, featuring diagonally angled legs connected by cross-supports that provide stability while maintaining visual lightness.

Original upholstery covers the chair, composed of a horizontally striped woven textile in muted olive-brown and earth tones, paired with a dense woolen seat cushion in solid brown fabric. This combination of textures and subdued colors reflects the naturalistic palette typical of German modernism during the period. The upholstery shows gentle wear consistent with careful use, retaining its original character and structural integrity.

Otto Kolb, born in Switzerland and later active in the United States, was known for an interdisciplinary design approach that spanned industrial, architectural, and furniture design. His work merges rational modernism with organic influences, often incorporating new materials and technological innovations. Walter Knoll, with roots in Bauhaus traditions, produced this chair, reinforcing its pedigree within German modernist craftsmanship and design innovation. The company’s collaboration with designers like Kolb highlights its reputation for technically advanced and aesthetically progressive furniture in the post-war era.

The chair embodies mid-century modern ideals through its radical geometry, focus on comfort, and bold formal experimentation. Its generous yet sharply tailored proportions make it an impactful statement piece suitable for both private and public interiors.

The dimensions measure 130.5 cm in width, 85 cm in depth, and 102 cm in height, with a seat height of 38 cm. Converted to imperial units, this corresponds to approximately 51.4 inches wide, 33.5 inches deep, 40.2 inches high, and a seat height of 15 inches.