Early Jens Risom slipper chair for Knoll
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Early Jens Risom slipper chair for Knoll
About the Item
- Creator:Jens Risom (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 31 in (78.74 cm)Width: 23 in (58.42 cm)Depth: 30 in (76.2 cm)Seat Height: 17 in (43.18 cm)
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950's
- Condition:Good vintage condition. Very usable as is but could stand some restoration.
- Seller Location:Dallas, TX
- Reference Number:1stDibs: U1206028798365
Jens Risom
The Danish-born Jens Risom brought the Scandinavian modern design sensibility to a wide audience in the United States. As the first designer for Knoll Inc., Risom introduced American buyers to the region’s enduring design values of simplicity, grace and craftsmanship.
Risom trained in furniture making at the Copenhagen School of Industrial Arts and Design under Ole Wanscher, alongside classmates Hans Wegner and Børge Mogensen. In 1939, a year after graduating from business school, Risom decided to move to the U.S.
While working for an interior designer in New York in 1941, he met Hans Knoll, and the businessman and the designer hit it off. They brought out their first line the next year, despite wartime materials restrictions. The signature piece — now a design icon — was a lounge chair with a striking, undulant birch frame and a seat made of webbed sub-military grade parachute straps. Risom was drafted into the army, and served as a translator under General George Patton. When he returned from the war, Risom clashed over furniture design ideals with his business partner’s new bride, Florence Knoll, the pioneering mid-century modernist who was schooled in the Bauhaus method, which favored furniture with strict, geometric metal frames. Risom then started his own company, Jens Risom Design.
In the course of his long career, Risom developed a stylistic vocabulary that was a reflection of the life of the man himself: his furniture has Danish warmth coupled with an American air of crisp efficiency. Vintage Risom chairs are almost instantly recognizable — the arms and seat backs are set at a distinctive angle that seems to invite people to sit back and relax, yet they know they can hop up in an instant, ready to go.
As you will see on these pages, Jens Risom is one of the great men of American modern design who made furniture that is unique and timeless.
Find a collection of vintage Jens Risom furniture on 1stDibs that includes lounge chairs, desks, coffee tables and more.
- Pair of Bouclé Slipper Chairs Designed by Jens Risom for H.G. Knoll AssociatesBy Knoll, Jens RisomLocated in Brooklyn, NYJens Risom for H.G. Knoll Associates armless slipper chairs composed of upholstered seats supported by walnut bases (first appearing in the 1942 Knoll catalog). There is a slight d...Category
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Slipper Chairs
MaterialsBouclé, Walnut
- One Vintage Jens Risom for Knoll Lounge ChairsBy Knoll, Jens RisomLocated in Pasadena, TXOne mid-century modern armless lounge chair designed by Jens Risom for Knoll originally in 1946. This early design has a hard maple frame with new linen upholstery.Category
Vintage 1950s Lounge Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Maple
$1,760 Sale Price20% Off - Pair of Jens Risom Style Slipper ChairsBy Jens RisomLocated in Brooklyn, NYTwo vintage-modern walnut slipper chairs with upholstered seat and back, designed in the manner of Jens Risom. This stylish and comfortable set of chairs with tapered legs and thick ...Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Slipper Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut
$2,030 Sale Price / set27% Off - Pair of Jens Risom Scoop Chairs for Hans KnollBy Jens RisomLocated in San Francisco, CAPair of Jens Risom scoop chairs for Hans Knoll A pair of very early Knoll post war design scoop chairs by Jens Risom. Each has been completely restored in a luxurious Sandra Jordan ...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Slipper Chairs
MaterialsAlpaca
$8,900 / set - Early Jens Risom Lounge Chair for Knoll AssociatesBy Jens Risom, KnollLocated in Littleton, COA handsomely understated early lounge chair with subtly contrasting curves designed by Jens Risom for Knoll Associates in two-toned black and light beige upholstery within a black la...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Wood
- Pair of Jens Risom Slipper Chairs, 1950'sBy Jens RisomLocated in Round Rock, TXOffered is a wonderful pair of slipper chairs designed by Jens Risom. Featuring sleek, solid walnut frames that appear to cradle the newly upholstered seats. We would call the fabr...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Slipper Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut
On Hold$8,900 / set