Viggo Boesen easy chairs

This rare pair of model 3440 easy chairs, designed by Viggo Boesen and produced by R. Wengler in Denmark in 1936, embodies the pioneering spirit of the Scandinavian “Funkis” movement. Crafted from steam-bent rattan, each frame flows in a continuous, sculptural line that unites the armrests, backrest, and base into a single organic form. The rattan has developed a warm, golden-brown patina over eight decades, its surface marked by gentle variations in tone and texture that underscore the handcrafted nature of the pieces.

The chairs’ silhouettes are defined by broad, rounded armrests that lead seamlessly into a winged backrest composed of evenly spaced vertical cane ribs. These ribs, both decorative and structural, lend the chairs a rhythmic pattern and a sense of lightness, while the low, wide seats invite relaxed repose. The structural base is formed from looped and interwoven canes, creating a sturdy yet visually open foundation that complements the chairs’ airy profile.

One chair retains its original cushion, upholstered in a muted green floral fabric whose soft hues harmonize with the rattan’s natural tones. The other operates without padding, highlighting the frame’s graceful curves and the weaving’s intricate craftsmanship. Both chairs remain in very good vintage condition, exhibiting only minor wear to the cane weaving and occasional surface marks consistent with careful use and the passage of time.

Viggo Boesen (1909–1990) was among the first Danish designers to explore rattan as a primary material, melding tropical traditions with Nordic sensibilities. His model 3440 chairs represent a departure from rigid functionalism, favoring instead soft lines and organic forms that anticipate later developments in Scandinavian furniture design. R. Wengler, the foremost producer of rattan furniture in Denmark since the mid-19th century, collaborated with leading designers to elevate rattan from craft to high design, and these chairs stand as a testament to that legacy.

Each chair measures 74 cm in width, 82 cm in depth, and 74 cm in height, with a seat height of 30 cm (approximately 29.1 by 32.3 by 29.1 inches, seat height 11.8 inches). Their elegant proportions and masterful weaving make this pair a rare and historically significant example of early Danish modernist furniture.