Teak Fire office chair, designed by Kai Kristiansen for Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Denmark, 1960

Description

Teak Fire office chair, designed by Kai Kristiansen for Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Denmark, 1960

Original Fire model office chair designed by Kai Kristiansen for the Danish manufacturer Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik in the 1960s. Made of teak, the frame delights with its depth of colour and distinctive natural grain pattern. The seat and backrest are upholstered in black vinyl, lending the chair an elegant and timeless character. The combination of warm teak and cool black creates a harmonious composition that works well with a variety of interior styles. The chair stands out with its distinctive, lightweight silhouette and refined details that testify to the high level of craftsmanship typical of Danish modernism. The contoured backrest, graceful, slightly curved arms and relatively narrow width make it comfortable while also being space-saving. Thanks to its form, the Fire chair is not only a practical piece of furniture, but also a striking decorative element that accentuates the character of a space.

Kai Kristiansen is a Danish designer who is still regarded as one of the most talented Scandinavian designers of the 20th century. He graduated from the prestigious Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen under the tutelage of designer Kaare Klint. At the age of 26, Kristiansen opened his own studio, which he shared with his peer Illum Wikkelsø in the 1970s. His designs were produced by renowned Danish manufacturers such as Feldballes Møbelfabrik, Fornem Møbelkunst, Fritz Hansen and Magnus Olesen. Kristiansen readily combined teak and rosewood, as seen in his chairs, desks, sideboards and wall units. In the 1950s, he designed his most famous works, chair no. 42 for Schou Andersen and chair model 31. They were well received by critics and continue to be highly sought after as some of the most enduring examples of 20th-century Danish design. In the 1950s and 1960s, he designed for FM, and his most successful project was the modular shelving system FM Reolsystem from 1957. Available in a variety of configurations and sizes, it achieved great success not only in Scandinavia, but throughout Europe and the United States.

Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik is a renowned Danish furniture manufacturer known for its high-quality craftsmanship and collaboration with leading mid-century modern designers. The company was founded in 1919 and continues to uphold the traditions of Danish design to this day, combining classic values with a modern approach to form and function. Schou Andersen is an example of a brand that chose quality, durability and timeless design over mass production. Kai Kristiansen created the iconic Model 31 and Model 42 chair designs for the company. Today, their furniture is sought after on the collectors’ market and regarded as an icon of Danish modernism.

The chair is in very good vintage condition. It has minor age-related signs of wear. The upholstery has been renewed. Visible traces of repairs can be seen on the lower edge of the backrest (not visible during use). The seat height is 43 cm.

The colours of products shown in photographs may differ slightly from the actual colours. This is due to individual monitor settings and the type of lighting—the photographs were taken in artificial light, which may affect the perception of shades. We nevertheless strive to ensure that the photographs reflect the actual appearance of the product as accurately as possible. The listing may include photographs of the item shown in an interior. These are for illustrative purposes only.