Hans Wegner "Ge-236" Three Seat Sofa
About the Item
- Creator:GETAMA (Manufacturer),Hans J. Wegner (Designer)
- Design:
- Dimensions:Height: 28.75 in (73 cm)Width: 81.5 in (207 cm)Depth: 31.89 in (81 cm)Seat Height: 22.05 in (56 cm)
- Style:Scandinavian Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1954
- Condition:Reupholstered.
- Seller Location:Shibuya City, JP
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU9752239441362
Papa Bear Chair
The wingback Papa Bear chair, also known as the Teddy Bear chair, has two outstretched arms with wood detailing once described by a critic as “great bear paws embracing you from behind” — hence the name. The piece was designed by Hans Wegner (1914–2007), a pioneer of Danish modernism who crafted nearly 500 chairs over the course of his long career. Not many of them, however, have the anthropomorphic qualities that this one does.
Wegner was raised in the south of Denmark, where he served as an apprentice to a cabinetmaker as a child. Inspired to study architecture and design, he enrolled at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, then opened his own studio in 1943, working closely with peers like Arne Jacobsen, Erik Møller and more. Wegner was a leading figure of the Scandinavian modern movement, which championed quality craftsmanship, elegant design and efficient functionality.
The Papa Bear chair was Wegner’s first project with manufacturer A.P. Stolen, which enjoyed numerous collaborations with the designer over time. Originally produced with a solid beechwood frame, Wegner’s chair, with its high backrest, lengthy back legs and comfortable cotton-upholstered cushioning, was designed in 1951 and had its first manufacturing run from 1953 to 1969. Its current production is managed by Danish joinery workshop PP Møbler, and the Papa Bear chair and ottoman are now available in a variety of wood and textile finishes.
Hans J. Wegner
Best known for his chairs and other seating pieces — though a master of many furniture types like sofas and tables — Hans Wegner was a prolific designer whose elegant, often ebullient, forms and devotion to the finest methods in joinery made "Danish Modern" a popular byword for stylish, well-made furniture in the mid-20th century.
Wegner considered himself a carpenter first and a furniture designer second. Like his peers Arne Jacobsen and Finn Juhl, Wegner believed that striking aesthetics in furniture were based on a foundation of practicality: a chair must be comfortable and sturdy before it is chic.
In keeping with that tenet, several of Hans Wegner’s best chair designs have their roots in traditional seating forms. The Peacock chair (designed in 1947) is a throne-like adaptation of the Windsor chair; pieces from the China chair series (begun in 1944) as well as the 1949 Wishbone chair, with its distinctive Y-shaped back splat, are derived from 17th-century Ming seating pieces, as is the upholstered Ox chair (1960). Wegner’s comfy Papa Bear chair (1951) is an almost surreally re-scaled English wingback chair.
Wegner’s most representative piece, the Round chair (1949), gained a footnote in political history when it was used on the TV stage of the first Kennedy-Nixon debate of 1960. That chair, along with Wegner’s more bravura designs — for example, the 1963 Shell chair, with its curved surfboard-shaped seat — bring a quietly sculptural presence to a room.
Wegner was a designer who revered his primary material — wood — and it shows. His wood gathers patina and character with age; every Hans Wegner piece testifies to the life it has led.
Find vintage Hans Wegner lounge chairs, armchairs, daybeds and other furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Shibuya City, Japan
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- Hans J Wegner "2 seater sofa"By Hans J. WegnerLocated in Shibuya City, JPThis sofa, designed by Wegner, has a simple design yet exudes his pursuit of beauty in form. The compact size and the light impression of the high legs create a design that does not ...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
MaterialsFabric, Teak
- Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen "CH28 / Sawbuck"By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. WegnerLocated in Shibuya City, JPThe CH28 (Sawbuck/Easy Chair) is a functional and sculptural design created by Hans J. Wegner in 1952. This exemplary piece embodies Wegner's vision of beauty and function, realized ...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
MaterialsLeather, Wood, Walnut
- 1950s Chinese Chair by Hans Wegner for Fritz HansenBy Hans J. Wegner, Fritz HansenLocated in Shibuya City, JPThe China Chair is the only pure wooden chair in Fritz Hansen's collection. It was inspired by the design of the "Quan Yi" chair from 18th century China and has been in production si...Category
Antique 1640s Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
MaterialsLeather, Mahogany, Teak
- Arne Jacobsen "Swan chair" model3320By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz HansenLocated in Shibuya City, JPThe Swan Chair is a lounge chair designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1958 for the lobby and lounge areas of the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen. The chair's form, which consists only of curve...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
MaterialsSteel
- Borge Mogensen "Spanish chair" model2226By Fredericia, Børge MogensenLocated in Shibuya City, JPMogens Koch, also known as "the friend of the common people," aimed to create high-quality furniture that could be purchased at an affordable price for ordinary households by making ...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
MaterialsLeather, Oak
- Peter Hvidt, Orla Molgaard Nielsen "3 seater sofa" Soborg MoblerBy Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Soborg Mobler, Peter HvidtLocated in Shibuya City, JPThis is a 3-seater sofa designed by Danish designers Peter Hvidtand Orla Molgaard Nielsen, featuring a beautiful curved armrest. The overall design is clean and the seat is spacious ...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
MaterialsWood, Fabric
- GE-259 Adjustible Daybed / Sofa by Hans Wegner for GetamaBy GETAMA, Hans J. WegnerLocated in London, ONIntroducing the Teak GE-259 Adjustable Daybed/Sofa by Hans Wegner for GETAMA, a stunning Mid-Century Modern piece of furniture that combines style and versatility. Crafted from th...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Furniture
MaterialsUpholstery, Teak
- Dining Table 'AT-304’ by Hans WegnerBy Hans J. WegnerLocated in Berlin, BEDining table produced by Andreas Tuck with a rectangular teak top that can be extended to the sides and curved, crossed beech wood legs with brass joints.Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
MaterialsBrass
- Hans J. Wegner Ox Chair Patinated Lounge Chair in Black Aniline LeatherBy Erik JørgensenLocated in Herlev, 84Hans J. Wegner Ox Chair in black anilin leather from around the year 2000, which appears in a patinated condition with superficial scratches and marks, primarily on the seat and armr...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
MaterialsSteel
- 1970s Danish Teak AP29 “Papa Bear” Ottoman Stool by Hans Wegner for AP StolenLocated in Victoria, BCWe are excited to offer a highly sought after stool for the iconic Papa Bear Chair designed by Hans Wegner in the 1950's. This authentic example features teak handles, teak legs, and...Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Furniture
MaterialsTeak
- A William mahogany bench seatLocated in Lymington, HampshireA William mahogany bench seat, of long rectangular form, the long seat with an S scroll arm at either end, carved with feathery acanthus leaves on t...Category
Antique 19th Century English Furniture
MaterialsLeather, Mahogany
- Antique Shanxi Province Elm SeatLocated in Chicago, ILAntique Shanxi Province Elm Seat Antique Shanxi Province Elm Seat with Original Color and Patina Circa 1950 H 24" W 17.5" D 8.5"Category
Vintage 1950s Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
MaterialsWood, Elm
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
Iconic Furniture Makes This 1958 Midwestern Home a True Mid-Century Gem
Designer Susan Yeley turned to 1stDibs to outfit an Indiana home with standout pieces that complement its modernist style.
Iconic Furniture Gives These 1stDibs 50 Rooms Timeless Appeal
A well-made armchair, table or pendant lamp can afford both comfort and convenience. An exceptional one can transform a space. See how the honorees on this year’s 1stDibs 50 list of top interior designers used standout pieces to create the kind of rooms you never want to leave.