Mid-Century Modern Vintage Penguin Chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen, Denmark
View Similar Items
Mid-Century Modern Vintage Penguin Chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen, Denmark
About the Item
- Creator:Ib Kofod-Larsen (Designer),Selig (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 32 in (81.28 cm)Width: 21.75 in (55.25 cm)Depth: 23 in (58.42 cm)Seat Height: 18.5 in (46.99 cm)
- Style:Scandinavian Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1953
- Condition:Reupholstered. Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Port Jervis, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU958611268081
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.
- Restored Mid Century Danish Modern Lounge Chair & Ottoman by Ib Kofod LarsenBy Ib Kofod-LarsenLocated in Port Jervis, NYTotally restored Mid century lounge chair with adjustable ottoman foot rest attributed to Ib Kofod-Larsen. All new fabric with new foam on both pieces. Vintage retro looking fabric i...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsSteel
- Pair of Mid Century Danish Modern Lounge Chairs style of Ib Kofod LarsenBy Ib Kofod-LarsenLocated in Port Jervis, NYFantastic pair of Mid Century Modern lounge chairs in a fab fabric reminiscing the fifties. Beautiful color in a tweed fabric. Sculptural arms with great lines on these chairs Some ...Category
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Walnut
- Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Dining Desk Chair by Erik BuchBy Erik BuchLocated in Port Jervis, NYFabulous teak armchair for the dining room or as a desk chair. Original upholstery was stripped off of the back & seat. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear.Category
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsTeak, Plywood
- Mid Century Modern Set 4 Dining Chairs by John Stuart & Jack Lenor LarsenBy John Stuart Inc.Located in Port Jervis, NYFabulous set of 4 walnut dining chairs with Jack Lenor Larsen fabric. Fabric is worn at the front edge on 3. Otherwise good vintage condi...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Walnut
- Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Lounge Chair C1958By Viko BaumritterLocated in Port Jervis, NYSimple and elegant Danish teak lounge chair with updated cushions. Checkered pattern in a greenish gray in very good condition. Curved with wide slatted back. In excellent vintage co...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Teak
- Set of Six Mid-Century Modern Danish Dining Chairs no. 9 by Helge SibastBy Helge SibastLocated in Port Jervis, NYFabulous set of six dining chairs by Helge Sibast with curved, molded backrests and a A - Frame style base for design of the chair. Faux leather Skai is the material on the seats. In...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsFaux Leather, Teak
- 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 Ib Kofod-Larsen, SeligLocated 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
- Penguin Chair by Ib Kofod LarsenBy Ib Kofod-LarsenLocated in Brooklyn, NYClassic Penguin chair designed by Ib Kofod Larsen and produced by Selig. Gorgeous molded birch upper shell provides contoured support with original upholstered seat atop black iron f...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsIron
- Mid Century Danish Modern IB Kofod Larsen Selig Penguin ChairBy Ib Kofod-Larsen, SeligLocated 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. It has been...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsMetal
- Mid Century Danish Modern Spindle Back Lounge Chair by IB Kofod Larsen in WalnutBy Ib Kofod-Larsen, SeligLocated in Philadelphia, PARestored classic hoop chair designed by IB Kofod Larsen and produced by Selig in the 1960's. It features solid walnut construction with newly made seat cushions. Manufacture label. R...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Walnut
- Ib Kofod-Larsen Easy Chair Produced by Selig... Classic Danish Modern, DENMARKBy Selig, Ib Kofod-LarsenLocated in Buffalo, NYIb Kofod-Larsen Easy Chair Produced by Selig... Classic Danish Modern, Stamped MADE IN DENMARK.,, Nice original condition, very minor splits to caning (see photo), also absent of or...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsCane, Teak