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Midcentury Teak Paper Knife Armchair by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen

About the Item

Set of two Midcentury Teak "Paper Knife" Armchairs designed by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen. These iconic pieces are a testament to the sleek, organic design that typifies mid-century modern Danish furniture. The chairs are constructed from teak wood, known for its durability and rich, warm tones. The wood has a lovely patina that suggests age and careful use, with the grain providing subtle decorative detail intrinsic to the material. The name "Paper Knife" derives from the thin, sharply angled profile of the armrests, reminiscent of the edge of a knife blade, a feature that showcases Kristiansen's innovative approach to traditional materials. The armrests curve gently upwards, providing an elegant and comfortable resting place for the arms. The seat and backrest are upholstered in a vibrant mustard yellow fabric that offers a striking contrast to the teak frame. This choice of color adds a cheerful and modern pop to the classic design. The cushions appear to be tufted, which not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also the comfort of the chair. The craftsmanship is evident in the clean lines, the precise joinery, and the balance between form and function. The chairs stand on tapered legs, a hallmark of mid-century design, which gives the pieces a sense of lightness and grace. These armchairs are not just furniture; they are pieces of art that reflect the timeless elegance of mid-century modern design, blending seamlessly into contemporary interiors.

Creator:
Magnus Olesen (Maker),Kai Kristiansen (Designer)
Design:
Paper Knife ChairPaper Knife Series
Dimensions:
Height: 27.96 in (71 cm)Width: 24.81 in (63 cm)Depth: 29.93 in (76 cm)Seat Height: 13.78 in (35 cm)
Sold As:
Set of 2
Style:
Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Fabric,Teak
Place of Origin:
Denmark
Period:
1960-1969
Date of Manufacture:
1960
Condition:
Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Lisboa, PT
Reference Number:
Seller: 07729/231stDibs: LU4727234358782
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Shop All Kai Kristiansen

Kai Kristiansen

With a passion for math and engineering, Kai Kristiansen has created high-quality wood furniture for decades. Beginning in the 1950s, his chairs, modular shelving and other furnishings were made in the style that would become internationally renowned as Danish modern and boasted clean lines, perfected functionality and exacting craftsmanship.

Born in Denmark, Kristiansen trained in cabinetmaking before studying with Kaare Klint, often cited as the “father of modern Danish design,” at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen. At just 26 years old, Kristiansen opened his own studio.

Kristiansen had his mid-century breakthrough in 1956 with the Chair #42, which he made with Schou Andersen. Unlike most other chairs at the time, Chair #42’s armrests, with their wealth of radical angles, were connected to the back rather than the front legs. This unconventional flourish makes the backrest appear as though it is floating in midair above the seat. Kristiansen’s next innovation was a modular wall system in 1957 — three years ahead of Dieter Rams’s more famous 606 Universal Shelving System. Called the Reolsystem Wall Unit, produced by SB Feldballes Møbelfabrik, it’s also known as the FM Wall Unit as FM/Fornem Møbelkunst began producing it in the 1960s. Kristiansen would go on to work with other leading Danish furniture manufacturers such as Magnus Olesen, Fritz Hansen and Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik, designing everything from chairs and desks to sideboards and cabinets, frequently in rosewood and teak. (The latter was a sought-after wood by Scandinavian modern designers.)

While many of Kristiansen’s timeless designs remain in production, such as his Paper Knife sofa, which was reintroduced by Miyazaki Chair Factory in 2008, and his 1950s Entré collection, which was relaunched with Great Dane Furniture in 2016, others are prized as vintage mid-century pieces. Today, Kristiansen is still at work on new furniture with an expert eye to thoughtfully functional designs that are made to last.

Find a collection of vintage Kai Kristiansen furniture on 1stDibs.