Teak Model 31 executive chair, designed by Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Denmark, 1957

Description

Teak Model 31 executive chair, designed by Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Denmark, 1957

An icon of Danish Mid-Century Modern design. This original Model 31 executive chair was designed by Kai Kristiansen for the Danish manufacturer Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik in 1957. It is one of the most recognisable pieces of Scandinavian modernism from the 1950s. It is a perfect example of the harmony between form, function and craftsmanship — an object that not only delights with its aesthetics but also tells the story of Danish design. Visually light yet exceptionally sturdy, this timeless chair is one of the key designs of the golden age of design. Made of teak, it features a beautifully shaped frame with a characteristic angled backrest and dynamically curved armrests that flow seamlessly into the rear legs. This elegant structural detail not only makes the chair exceptionally comfortable but also gives it a sense of lightness and architectural finesse. The seat and backrest are upholstered in high-quality black vinyl. The black upholstery contrasts with the warm, natural grain of the wood, emphasising its modernist character. The slender, tapered legs end in a subtle curve. The entire construction is ergonomic, refined and exceptionally comfortable. The chair perfectly combines aesthetics with functionality, a hallmark of Kristiansen’s designs. It is a piece of furniture that maintains a balance between sculptural form and practical function from every angle.

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 Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, where he studied under designer Kaare Klint. At the age of 26, Kristiansen opened his own studio, which he shared with his contemporary 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 often combined teak and rosewood, as seen in his chairs, desks, sideboards and wall units. In the 1950s, he designed his best-known works: the No. 42 chair for Schou Andersen and the Model 31 chair. They were well received by critics and continue to be highly sought-after as some of the most enduring Danish designs of the 20th century. In the 1950s and 1960s, he designed for FM, and his most successful project was the FM Reolsystem modular shelving system from 1957. Available in various 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 designers of the mid-century modern era. 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 chairs for the company. Today, its furniture is sought after on the collectors’ market and regarded as an icon of Danish modernism.

The chair is in good vintage condition. It has minor age-related marks and abrasions to the wood. The upholstery has been renewed. The seat height is 43 cm.