Svend Aage Madsen dining chairs

This is a rare and highly refined set of six “cowhorn” dining chairs designed by Danish architect and furniture designer Svend Aage Madsen, produced by cabinetmaker K. Knudsen during the 1950s in Denmark.

The chairs are crafted in solid teak, with an emphasis on sculptural form and masterful joinery that typifies the Danish modern idiom. The name “cowhorn” refers to the distinctive shape of the curved backrest, which extends into projecting horn-like armrests. These are meticulously carved from a single piece of wood and demonstrate a high level of craftsmanship. The curvature of the backrest offers ergonomic support, while its sinuous organic form contrasts with the otherwise clean and structural frame. The legs are slightly tapered and joined with minimal visual interruption, accentuating the flow and continuity of the design. The seats have been newly reupholstered in a fine wool fabric in a neutral light grey tone. This upholstery provides a soft contrast to the warm reddish-brown hue of the oiled teak wood, which shows consistent grain and natural variation. The restoration retains the original proportions and visual language of the chairs while enhancing their functional comfort.

Svend Aage Madsen (1917–2000) was a prolific Danish designer known for his elegant, understated furniture with subtle architectural qualities. Though less commercially prominent than some of his contemporaries, his work reflects the meticulous standards of Danish cabinetmaking and an enduring sensitivity to form and material. The chairs were produced by K. Knudsen, a Danish workshop known for its close collaborations with mid-century designers and for producing furniture with a focus on craftsmanship rather than mass production.

Each chair measures 54 cm in width, 47 cm in depth, and 73 cm in height, with a seat height of 43 cm (21.26 x 18.50 x 28.74 inches, SH 16.93 inches). The set is in very good vintage condition, with minor signs of age on the wooden frames and newly restored seat padding and upholstery.