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Teak Paper Knife Armchair, Model 121 by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen

About the Item

The pair of teak 'Paperknife' armchairs, Model 121, designed by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, is a testament to the finesse of Danish mid-century modern furniture design. Crafted from rich teak wood, these chairs feature a warm, honey-colored finish that accentuates the natural beauty of the grain. One of the most distinctive elements of the design is the 'paperknife' detail – the delicate, knife-edge armrests that taper down elegantly, resembling the sharp edge of a knife. This feature not only demonstrates Kristiansen's attention to detail and craftsmanship but also provides a sleek, refined profile to the chairs. The backrests are equally striking, with horizontal slats framed by the gentle curves of the chair's structure, offering both aesthetic appeal and support. The overall silhouette of the chairs is characterized by clean lines and curves, embodying the minimalist aesthetic that is so characteristic of Scandinavian design. The chairs stand on four slender, tapered legs, a hallmark of mid-century furniture, which give the design an airy feel and create a sense of space. The open frame contributes to the chairs' lightweight appearance, while the construction promises sturdiness and comfort. As functional as they are stylish, these chairs were designed not just to be admired but to be used daily. This iconic pair of armchairs by Kai Kristiansen offers a timeless elegance and would make a statement in any modern home.

Creator:
Kai Kristiansen (Designer),Magnus Olesen (Maker)
Design:
Paper Knife ChairPaper Knife Series
Dimensions:
Height: 28.75 in (73 cm)Width: 25.2 in (64 cm)Depth: 29.14 in (74 cm)Seat Height: 15.36 in (39 cm)
Sold As:
Set of 2
Style:
Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Fabric,Teak
Place of Origin:
Denmark
Period:
1950-1959
Date of Manufacture:
1955
Condition:
Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Lisboa, PT
Reference Number:
Seller: 07733/231stDibs: LU4727235097452
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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.