Dutch furniture company UMS Pastoe was established in 1913 by German-Jewish entrepreneur Frits Loeb and became rapidly successful largely owing to its reputation for well-made tables and chairs. Today, however, the brand is best known by collectors for the modular sideboards, storage cabinets and other spare, streamlined case pieces that it produced during the postwar years.
Influential mid-century modernist designer Cees Braakman had been creating furniture since his teenage years when he was promoted to head of design at Pastoe in 1948. The Utrecht-born designer took over for his father, Dirk Braakman, who had by then been managing the company for more than 20 years and had designed a variety of furnishings for the manufacturer by himself. A year before he assumed his new role at Pastoe, Cees visited the United States where he became enamored with the designs of Charles and Ray Eames and the other creative minds associated with legendary American furniture manufacturer Herman Miller.
While many Dutch designers who are now celebrated by vintage furniture collectors — names like Gerrit Rietveld and Friso Kramer are in this list — found inspiration in Piet Mondrian and the country’s De Stijl art movement, they also looked to Scandinavian modernists such as Alvar Aalto and Americans such as the Eameses. Cees Braakman was no different.
Braakman’s 1940s-era tour to the States included a visit to the Herman Miller factory in Zeeland, Michigan. At the time, architect-designer-journalist George Nelson was director of design at the firm and had enlisted a range of designers to collaborate with Herman Miller and create what are now icons of mid-century modernism. Braakman took notice of industrial manufacturing techniques at HM and in particular, the company’s innovations in furniture design owing to experimentation with molded plywood and fiberglass-reinforced plastic.
The Dutch designer introduced the first line of modern furniture at UMS Pastoe thereafter — a table, a chair, a bed and more created in molded plywood and featuring oak veneers, specifically tailored for smaller living spaces. Braakman was convinced that Pastoe should move on from the restrictions that a collection or set of furniture presented to consumers. Furniture for a bedroom, for example, should be practical and built as individual pieces that could be adapted as more space became available. New production methods and creative marketing came into focus under Braakman’s leadership, and his own lines of oak and birch furniture — which were created around cupboards that could be reconfigured as needed, or armchairs that could be combined to form a sofa — earned acclaim and were commercially very successful.
UMS Pastoe was recognized for its innovative furniture at the Milan Triennial in 1957 and Le Signe d’Or in Belgium, and Cees Braakman’s work can today be found at the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam. Over the years, designers such as Jan van Grunsven, Radboud Van Beekum and Rob Eckhardt collaborated with UMS Pastoe.
Find vintage UMS Pastoe furniture on 1stDibs.
$1,691Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 4 Sa 07 Chairs by Cees Braakman for Pastoe, 1960
By Pastoe, Cees Braakman
Located in Herentals, BE
The minimalist chairs designed by Cees Braakman in 1960 belong to his Japanese Series. They are made of very dark green lacquered afro-teak and over time they have been fitted with ...
Fabric, Wood
Cees Braakman for Pastoe Set of Six SM08 Dining Chairs in Black Leather.
By Pastoe, Cees Braakman
Located in Antwerp, BE
Beautiful vintage set of six SM08 dining chairs in black leather designed by Cees Braakman for Pastoe, 1950's. In original good condition with some signs of use. This is a rare editi...
Metal
Set of 4 Pastoe FM33 Chairs in Mini Striped Velvet
By Pastoe, Cees Braakman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 4 newly upholstered 'FM33' dining chairs by Cees Braakman for Pastoe. Carved Wenge wood armrests with colorful striped velvet fabric upholstery on tubular chrome frames. These...
Chrome
Shiro Kuramata, 'R401' Armchair PAIR AVAILBLE for Pastoe, 1985, rare upholstered
By Shiro Kuramata, Pastoe
Located in London, GB
Shiro Kuramata, Japan (Designer) ‘R401’ chair, rare upholstered version Designed 1985, produced by Pastoe, the Netherlands Black rubberised steel frame, black upholstered seats. F...
Metal
$3,715 / item
"Apple Honey" chair by Shiro Kuramata for Pastoe
By Pastoe, Shiro Kuramata
Located in Paris, FR
Grey lacquered steel frame, chromed tubular metal armrests, seat upholstered in black faux leather, underside of the seat covered with beige fabric. Model designed in 1985. Kuramata...
Metal
SM05 Wire Chair by Cees Braakman for Pastoe
By Cees Braakman, Pastoe
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Designed by Cees Braakman for Pastoe, the SM05 Wire Chair is an elegant example of Dutch modernist furniture design. Featuring a sculptural steel wire shell supported by a slender sl...
Metal
Afro Teak Nesto Chairs , Model SH41 by Pastoe , 1960s
By Pastoe, Nesto, Yngve Ekström
Located in Delft, NL
Afro Teak Nesto Chairs , Model SH41 by Pastoe , 1960s Afro teak chairs designed for Nesto in Sweden by Ingve Ekstrom, 1966 Produced in the Netherlands by Pastoe...
Teak
Original Pastoe Dutch Minimalist SM01 Chair by Cees Braakman, 1954
By Pastoe, Cees Braakman
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
This rare and hard to find Dutch Minimalist design chair was designed by Cees Braakman in the 1950s and has model name SM01. The chair has a metal frame and the seat and backrest are...
Metal
Set of 4 x SM05 dining chairs by Cees Braakman & A. Dekker for Pastoe, 1950s
By Cees Braakman, Pastoe, Adriaan Dekker
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Chairs Wire - Pastoe - Vintage A magnificent set of two unique and original vintage wire chairs: two black and two white - Designed by Cees Braakman for ums Pastoe - Period: 1950s - ...
Metal
Dutch Minimalist Pastoe SM01 Chair by Cees Braakman, 1954
By Pastoe, Cees Braakman
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Dutch Minimalist Pastoe SM01 Chair by Cees Braakman, 1954 Industrial - Minimalist - 1950s Measures : 41x41cm H:80cm SH:47cm Materials : Faux Leather - Metal This minimalist Dutch de...
Metal
$3,285 / set
Chairs by Yngve Ekstrom for Pastoe
By Pastoe
Located in MADRID, ES
6 teak chairs designed by Yngve Ekstrom for Pastoe. Holland, 1960s. Length: 42cm Width: 42cm Height: 85cm Seat height: 43cm Yngve Ekström (1913-1988) was a Swedish designer and cab...
Wood, Teak
Pair of 1950s Pastoe wire chairs by Cees Braakman and Adriaan Dekker
By Pastoe, Cees Braakman, Adriaan Dekker
Located in Baambrugge, NL
A pair of rare, 1950s, metal wire chairs designed by Cees Braakman and Adriaan Dekker for UMS Pastoe in the color white with black base. Early editio...
Metal
Original Pastoe Dutch Minimalist SM01 Chair by Cees Braakman, 1954
By Pastoe, Cees Braakman
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
This rare and hard to find Dutch Minimalist design chair was designed by Cees Braakman in the 1950s and has model name SM01. The chair has a metal frame and the seat and backrest are...
Metal
$2,554 / set
H 26.78 in W 26.78 in D 24.02 in
Cubic FM60 Chairs & Table by Radboud van Beekum for Pastoe
By Radboud Van Beekum, Pastoe
Located in Izegem, VWV
Characteristic set of two FM62 Cubic chairs designed by Radboud van Beekum for Pastoe the Netherlands in the 1980s. The Chairs come with a dark grey lacquered square metal frame...
Metal
$14,500 / set
H 28 in W 19.75 in D 18.5 in
Set of Four Post-Modern "Apple Honey" Dining Chairs by Shiro Kuramata for Pastoe
By Pastoe, Shiro Kuramata
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice and hard to find set of four post-modern "Apple Honey" dining chairs by Shiro Kuramata for USM Pastoe of Holland, circa 1980s. The chairs are in very good vintage conditi...
Steel, Metal
"Sing Sing Sing" Chair by Shiro Kuramata for XO, France 1985
By Shiro Kuramata
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Beautiful Sing Sing Sing chair, designed by Shiro Kuramata and manufactured by XO, 1985. The chair is crafted from tubular steel and expanded steel ...
Metal
Shiro Kuramata Wire Mesh Arm Chair
By Shiro Kuramata
Located in Queens, NY
Japanese Post-War Design (1960s) steel wire mesh "Sing Sing" arm chair with roll form back & front to seat supported on a chrome tubular frame. (Shiro Kuramata).
Metal, Steel
$8,127 / set
H 27.96 in W 30.32 in D 31.5 in
Cees Braakman FM07 Armchairs, Japan Series for Pastoe, Netherlands, 1958
By Cees Braakman, Pastoe, Tibor Reich
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare pair of armchairs was designed by Cees Braakman and produced by Pastoe in The Netherlands, circa 1958. This striking model was numbered FM07 and is part of the iconic Japanese series designed by Braakman. The design is marked by the straight lines of the black frame and the more geometric shapes of the upholstered seat, backrest and armrests. A modern and minimalist design that is visually attractive from all angles, while at the same time very comfortable to sit in. The chairs have been completely restored and are in excellent condition. The pair has been reupholstered in a beautiful ecru 'Iris' fabric by Tibor Reich...
Steel
$3,200
H 25.75 in W 24.5 in D 35.5 in
2020s Shiro Kuramata for Cappellini Sofa with Arms Lounge Chair in Green Leather
By Shiro Kuramata
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Sofa with Arms Lounge Chair, originally designed by Shiro Kuramata for Cappellini in 1982. This particular example was produced in Italy in the 2020s. The design features a...
Metal
Cees Braakman Birch Loveseat for Pastoe with New Canvas Cushion
By Alvar Aalto, Pastoe, Cees Braakman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Cees Braakman for UMS Pastoe in the 1950s, the Model FB06 loveseat features a bent birch frame with sweeping curved arms and splayed legs. The open frame construction is ...
Birch, Canvas
1960s Japanese "Sing Sing" Steel Mesh Armchair by Shiro Kuramata
By Shiro Kuramata
Located in Queens, NY
Designed by Shiro Kuramata, 1960s Japanese steel wire mesh "Sing Sing" armchair with roll form back and front to seat supported on a chrome tubular frame.
Steel
Shiro Kuramata "Sing Sing Sing" Chair for XO France 1985
By Shiro Kuramata, XO Design
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Designed by the visionary Japanese designer Shiro Kuramata (1934–1991), this iconic “Sing Sing Sing” chair (1985) embodies a seamless dialogue between traditional Japanese sensibilit...
Metal
$5,520Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 33.86 in W 20.08 in D 25.99 in
Shiro Kuramata Sing Sing Sing Chair for XO, France 1985, six available
By Shiro Kuramata
Located in London, GB
Six available in total. Shiro Kuramata (1931-1991) created a fluid exchange between Japanese design philosophy and methodology and European postmodern design. Kuramata’s training was initially centred around traditional woodworking however, when he enrolled at the Kuwasawa Design School was taught by Isamu Kenmochi, who helped him reimagine ancient Japanese traditions using modern materials. The philosophy Kuramata. His designs are made from materials that have reflective, transparent, translucent, opaque and tactile qualities to them, each form a response each material. The sing sing sing chair...
Metal
Uchida Shigeru 'ISU' armchair for Pastoe - Netherlands, 1995
By Pastoe
Located in London, GB
Solid and self-assured, the ISU armchair by Japanese 20th-century designer Shigeru Uchida (1943-2016) is a masterpiece in industrial refinement. A major figure in post-war Japan, Uch...
Mohair
Sold
H 31.5 in W 18 in D 22 in
Set of 6 Saarinen Style Dining or Cocktail Chairs with Pedestal Bases by Pastoe
By Eero Saarinen, Pastoe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 6 Saarinen style dining chairs by Pastoe. Chairs have acrylic frames with newer yellow upholstered cushions and white enameled pedestal base. Previous repairs to the shells. I...
Upholstery, Acrylic
Rare Pastoe 'Flamingo' Chair, 1958
By Adriaan Dekker, Cees Braakman, Pastoe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare 1958 'Flamingo' chair, designed by Cees Braakman & Adriaan Dekker and manufactured by Tomado for Pastoe. A very rare collaboration that resulted in a one of a kind, truly gorgeo...
Metal
Sold
H 31.11 in W 19.3 in D 20.87 in
Set of 4 SM08 dining chairs by Cees Braakman for Pastoe, Netherlands 1960s
By Cees Braakman, Pastoe
Located in The Hague, NL
Set of 4 SM08 chairs designed in the 1950's by Cees Braakman for UMS Pastoe in the Netherlands. Nickel-plated metal frame and teak bentwood veneer backrest. The original alcantara up...
Metal
Rare FM17 Japanese Series Arm Pastoe Chairs by Cees Braakman
By Pastoe, Cees Braakman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Cees Braakman for Pastoe, this rare set of chairs dates back to the 1950s. These handsome sleek metal framed arm chairs have visibly worn dove grey enamel and thin teak armrests with faux leather white seating...
Metal, Enamel
Sold
H 30.5 in W 21.75 in D 23.25 in
Pair of Rare Fm17 Japanese Series Chair by Cees Braakman for Pastoe
By Cees Braakman, Pastoe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Cees Braakman for Pastoe, this rare set of chairs dates back to the 1950s. It features a sturdy metal light grey frame with thin teak armrests and faux leather white seating...
Metal
Sold
H 30 in W 17.75 in D 21 in
Set of 4 Cees Braakman Chairs for Pastoe with Chrome Frames in Sunshine Yellow
By Cees Braakman, Pastoe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 4 Cees Braakman chairs for Pastoe with newly upholstered sunshine yellow seats and chrome frames. Frames are in original condition with some minor scratches and wear, consiste...
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Set of 6 Chairs by Cees Braakman
By Cees Braakman, Pastoe
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern set of 6 chairs by Cees Braakman. New cord seat.
Teak
'Grandessa' Spindle Back Armchair by Lena Larsson for Nesto/Pastoe
By Lena Larsson, Pastoe, Nesto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lena Larsson was chief designer from 1947 to 1956 for NK-bo” (NK living) where she ran courses on interior design. NK’s significance lay in it being the first Swedish “atmosphere sto...
Wood
Sold
H 26.38 in W 27.37 in D 24.41 in
Set of Two Cube Chairs by Radboud van Beekum for Pastoe, the Netherlands 1980s
By Pastoe, Radboud Van Beekum
Located in Hellouw, NL
Vintage set of two geometrical chairs by Radboud van Beekum for Pastoe from the 1980s. These cube chairs were created as an evolution of Rietveld's red and blue chair, inspired by hi...
Metal, Steel
Pastoe Chairs Japan Serie Cees Braakman, 1959, Holland
By Cees Braakman, Pastoe
Located in Den Haag, NL
Two Pastoe dining chairs Model SA070 for the Japan serie 1959 Design Cees Braakman for Pastoe Holland. Solid Afro teak and brand new professional upholstery with De Ploeg fabric. Yel...
Teak
Set of Two Pastoe Irene Chairs by Dirk Braakman, 1940's
By Pastoe, Cees Braakman
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Beautiful rare Pastoe chairs designed by Dirk Braakman, the father of Cees Braakman in the 1940s. The chairs are made of solid oak and bent plywood. In our view the original old 'Sta...
Birch, Plywood
Sold
H 29 in W 27 in L 29 in
Danish Modern Rocking Chair by M. Nissen - Solid Teak Rocker - After Finn Juhl
By Pastoe, M. Nissen I.S – Horsens 1, Arne Vodder, Finn Juhl
Located in Decatur, GA
Midcentury Danish modern rocking chair by M. Nissen, Denmark circa 1960s. Sculptural carved teak "ribbon" armrests add a splendid design detail. Gorgeous silouhette from any angle. S...
Upholstery, Teak