Poul Hundevad stool

This rare folding stool, model Guldhøj or PH 43, was designed by Danish cabinetmaker Poul Hundevad and produced in his workshop in Vamdrup, Denmark during the 1950s. The stool exemplifies mid-century Scandinavian design through its minimalist form, expert craftsmanship, and direct historical reference.

Constructed from solid teak, the frame exhibits a warm reddish-brown patina and retains its original saddle leather seat in a deep natural tan. The leather is hand-stitched and slotted directly over the rounded wooden frame, creating a visually integrated and functional seating surface.

The frame consists of two intersecting X-shaped supports that fold for portability, inspired by a Bronze Age folding stool found in a burial mound near Vamdrup dated to approximately 1300 BCE. This archaeological artifact is the oldest preserved piece of furniture known in Scandinavia. Hundevad’s design is a precise modern reinterpretation of this ancient object. A label affixed beneath the seat provides a multilingual explanation of the piece’s lineage and identifies it as a reproduction of the original Guldhøj stool.

The stool’s form is elegantly sculptural, featuring slender, turned elements that are smoothly rounded and polished. The cross braces are reinforced with dowelled joints, and the gently curved legs and stretchers convey both refinement and structural strength. The leather seat shows natural aging, including creases, color variation, and surface wear consistent with use, yet remains intact and structurally sound.

Poul Hundevad (1917–2011) was a master cabinetmaker known for his refined and functional designs grounded in Danish woodworking traditions. His work often combined clean lines with thoughtful engineering, emphasizing usability and elegance. The Guldhøj stool stands out in his oeuvre as a rare example of direct historical inspiration merged with the principles of 20th-century Danish modernism.

The stool measures 48 cm in width, 40 cm in depth, and 34.5 cm in height (approximately 18.9 x 15.7 x 13.6 inches). It is in very good condition, with the teak frame showing a uniform, well-maintained surface. The leather seat bears signs of natural wear appropriate to its age but retains both structural integrity and original character. This piece represents a significant link between ancient Scandinavian craftsmanship and modern Danish design heritage.