Mid Century Danish Modern IB Kofod Larsen Selig Penguin Chair
About the Item
- Creator:Selig (Manufacturer),Ib Kofod-Larsen (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 29 in (73.66 cm)Width: 21.5 in (54.61 cm)Depth: 24 in (60.96 cm)Seat Height: 16.5 in (41.91 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1953
- Condition:Reupholstered, refinished, repainted. Minor surface scratches.
- Seller Location:Wilmington, DE
- Reference Number:
Ib Kofod-Larsen
Furniture maker and architect Ib Kofod-Larsen was one of the greatest design minds to emerge from mid-century Denmark, and his impact was felt across the world, especially in the United States. Kofod-Larsen, who is known for his exemplary seating, tables and storage solutions, understood that the attention to detail, quality materials and functional design ethos of the Scandinavian modernism style he followed would become part of a major international movement.
Due to his foresight and innovation, Kofod-Larsen was one of the best-selling Danish designers in the U.S. in the 1950s, when mid-century modernism was at its most popular.
Originally trained as a cabinetmaker, Kofod-Larsen later studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and was most interested in designing practical yet graceful furniture, although he also dabbled in things like wallpaper and textiles. He favored natural grains and woods like teak and rosewood combined with leather, steel and fabric upholsteries to create inviting pieces. Working with manufacturers such as Faarup Møbelfabrik, Christensen & Larsen and Bovenkamp, he brought his sculptural aesthetic to the world.
Some of his seating designs have earned legendary status: The U-56 chair (1956) was renamed the Elizabeth because England’s Queen Elizabeth II is said to have picked up a pair during a 1958 trip to Denmark. With OPE Möbler, he created the Seal chair (1956) with a wooden frame shaped around leather upholstery. The sculptural Penguin chair (1953), produced by Selig and named for its curved back, became Denmark’s most frequently exported piece of furniture to the U.S. at the time. Its bentwood shell echoes the work of Kofod-Larsen’s modernist contemporaries Eero Saarinen and Charles and Ray Eames, while its options as a dining, lounging and rocking chair offer versatility for the home.
As mid-century modern furniture experiences a fresh wave of popularity in the U.S. — although, one could argue that it never really went away — Kofod-Larsen’s timeless pieces are among the most coveted vintage finds. Several of his designs continue to be produced, such as the Penguin chair, which has been manufactured by Brdr. Petersen since 2012.
Find vintage Ib Kofod-Larsen furniture today on 1stDibs.
Selig
As an importer and producer, the Selig furniture company helped popularize timeless and elegant postwar designs in the United States.
Selig created Danish-inspired chairs, sofas and other furnishings for the home that were cutting-edge, contemporary and airy. The brand was also among the first to introduce Scandinavian and European modern styles to Americans in the 1950s and 60s. The company imported and manufactured furniture known for its extraordinary design and style using high-quality, enduring and seductive materials.
Selig was founded in 1931 by Mandell Selig and Samuel Wexler. The pair started the business during the challenging economic times of the Great Depression prior to World War II. By the 1960s, under the leadership of Wexler's son, Robert, Selig peaked with manufacturing factories in five American cities.
Selig’s importing business had a meaningful impact on Italian furniture manufacturers. Wexler, the junior, had a hand in advancing and growing the manufacturing sector of the country’s Udine region. Due to this contribution, the Italian government saw fit to knight Robert Wexler with the title of “Cavaliere.”
After nearly four decades of influencing seating and lounging preferences in the United States with sophisticated mid-century modern and Scandinavian modern furniture — including its own chrome rocking chairs and leather club chairs — Selig sold to Simmons, the mattress company, in 1970, thus dissolving. Much of what they produced and imported is still available despite no longer being manufactured, and many collectors seek original Selig furniture.
On 1stDibs, find an array of vintage Selig furniture that includes lounge chairs, armchairs, tables and more.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Wilmington, DE
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
- Pair of Midcentury Danish Modern IB Kofod Larsen Selig Penguin ChairsBy Selig, Ib Kofod-LarsenLocated in Wilmington, DEWhat a find. Offered is a set of 2 original 'Penguin' chairs designed by IB Kofod Larsen for Selig. These chairs were designed in 1953 and had a limited production through the 1960s....Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
MaterialsMetal
- Mid-Century Modern Danish IB Kofod Larsen for Selig Penguin Accent ChairBy Selig, Ib Kofod-LarsenLocated in Wilmington, DEWhat a find. Offered is an original 'Penguin' chair designed by IB Kofod Larsen for Selig. This chair was designed in 1953 and had a limited production through the 1960s. This chair ...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
MaterialsMetal
- Vintage Mid-Century Modern IB Kofod Larsen for Selig Penguin Accent ChairBy Selig, Ib Kofod-LarsenLocated in Wilmington, DEWhat a find. Offered is an original 'Penguin' chair designed by IB Kofod Larsen for Selig. This piece was designed in 1953 and had a limited production through the 1960s. This chair ...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
MaterialsMetal
- Mid Century Danish Modern Selig Swivel Rocker Lounge Chair and OttomanBy SeligLocated in Wilmington, DEMid Century Danish Modern Eames era Selig Lounge Chair and Ottoman Offered is a Mid Century Modern Lounge Chair and Ottoman. "Cool" mi...Category
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsLeather
- Mid-Century Modern Selig Pencil-Leg Lounge ChairBy SeligLocated in Wilmington, DEMid-Century Modern Selig pencil leg lounge chair Offered is a Mid-Century Modern lounge chair attributed to Selig. This piece is unrestored needs new cushi...Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsFabric, Walnut
- Pair of Midcentury Danish Modern Selig Swivel Club ChairsBy SeligLocated in Wilmington, DEWhat a find. Offered is a pair of mid-century modern swivel chairs by Selig. They are in decent condition, but need to be reupholstered, showing age wear (minor tears, stains, age we...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery
- Pair of Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig "Penguin" Chairs, 1960sBy Ib Kofod-Larsen, SeligLocated in Bainbridge, NYPair of Danish Modern Kofod-Larsen for Selig Black Leather Penguin Chairs. Featuring a sturdy black wrought Iron framework with capped feet, slightly ...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
MaterialsWrought Iron
- Vintage Mid-Century Modern Ib Kofod Larsen Penguin ChairBy Ib Kofod-LarsenLocated in Chino Hills, CAJust in, an iconic Ib Kofod-Larsen Penguin chair. Backing received a glossy finish with a supple green seat cushion. Wrought iron in original condition with light patina throughout t...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsBeech
- Mid-Century Kofod Larsen Penguin Chairs - a PairBy Ib Kofod-Larsen, SeligLocated in Raleigh, NCMid-century pair of ‘Penguin’ accent chairs. Designed by Ib Kofod Larsen for Selig, Denmark. These iconic chairs were designed in the 1950s with a limited production in the 1960s. Th...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsMetal
- Pair Kofod Larsen Selig Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs New UpholsteryBy Ib Kofod-Larsen, SeligLocated in Rockaway, NJPair Kofod Larsen Selig Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs NEW Basket Weave Upholstery MINT!Category
20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Teak
- Set of 2 Restored 'Penguin' Chairs by Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig, Denmark, c. 1960sBy Ib Kofod-LarsenLocated in Deland, FLIntroducing a rare set of authentic 'Penguin' chairs designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig. First produced by Selig in 1953 these now iconic Danish Modern chairs are the epitome of ...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsMetal
- Danish Mid Century Modern Sculpted Rocking Chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig -ABy Ib Kofod-LarsenLocated in Charlotte, NCA Mid Century Danish Modern sculpted rocking chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig. Walnut frame, rounded slats back, cloth seat support straps, ne...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Walnut