While the first name that comes to mind when thinking of bentwood furniture might be Thonet (maker of the iconic Thonet No. 14 chair or “bistro chair”), Michael Thonet and his subsequent studio, the Gebrüder Thonet (Thonet Brothers), had a strong competitor in 19th-century Vienna: Jacob & Josef Kohn (also referred to as J. & J. Kohn). Mundus-Kohn was the name given to a short-lived company owing to an early 20th-century merger between J. & J. Kohn and Mundus, a Viennese firm that Rudolf Weill & Co.'s Leopold Pilzer founded in 1907.
Founded in 1849 by a father and son with the motto “Be one step ahead,” Jacob & Josef Kohn created modern furniture for indoors and out from Austrian beech. At the turn of the 20th century, after establishing itself with mastery of everything from chairs to coatracks and even doll furniture, J. & J. Kohn began working closely with the Wiener Werkstätte, the artisan cooperative cofounded by Austrian architect and designer Josef Hoffmann (Gustav Klimt and Koloman Moser were also members). Through this partnership, J. & J. Kohn produced an array of furniture in bentwood, cane and upholstery, which it sold through showrooms across Europe and North America. Its designs throughout the first decade of the 20th century reflect the Art Nouveau movement that was quickly gaining traction across Europe.
Price wars and mergers ensued during the First World War. Changes in the organizational structure of Thonet included a merger with Viennese company Mundus in the early 20th century, which followed Mundus’s becoming a majority stakeholder in J. & J. Kohn — these mergers yielded the formation of Mundus-Kohn and later, in 1922–23, Thonet-Mundus.
The new conglomerate went on to produce examples of its bentwood furniture in keeping with the modern style of the Vienna Secession. While Thonet rebuilt, rebranded and expanded in the United States and elsewhere after World War II, J. & J. Kohn never produced furniture under that name again.
Find antique Mundus-Kohn furniture on 1stDibs.
Set of Four Vienna Secessionist Bentwood Cafe Bistro Dining Chairs by J J Kohn
By J & J Kohn & Mundus, Thonet
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional set of bentwood Vienna Secessionist cafe, bistro, dining chairs, made by JJ Kohn Mundus, in the style of Thonet. The chairs are in very good, clean, original, ready to us...
Beech
20th Century, Josef Hoffmann Pair of Chairs mod. No. 729/2F
By Josef Hoffmann, J & J Kohn & Mundus
Located in Turin, Turin
Josef Hoffmann (1870-1956) was an influential Austrian architect and designer, known for his leadership in the Viennese Art Nouveau movement and for being one of the founders of the ...
Fabric, Wood
20th Century, Josef Hoffmann Wooden and Velvet Sofa
By Josef Hoffmann, J & J Kohn & Mundus
Located in Turin, Turin
Josef Hoffmann (1870-1956) was an influential Austrian architect and designer, known for his leadership in the Viennese Art Nouveau movement and for being one of the founders of the ...
Fabric, Wood
Set of Four Classic Pre-Thonet Bentwood Cafe Chairs by Mundus and J. & J. Kohn
By J & J Kohn & Mundus, Thonet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 1900's, classic Thonet style bentwood cafe chairs by Mundus and J. & J. Kohn. Mundus was a furniture manufacturing company that operated in various locations across the Aus...
Bentwood
Vienna Secessionist Bentwood Chair by Kohn Mundus
By Thonet, J & J Kohn & Mundus
Located in New York, NY
Classic steam bent Vienna Secessionist side chair made in Czechoslovia, by J.J. Kohn & Mundus, circa 1900/1920's. The chair is in very good, clean, ready to use condition, showing o...
Cane, Bentwood
Original Otto Prutscher&Kohn Jacob/Josef Jugendstil Wiener Werkstätte
By Otto Prutscher, Woka Lamps, J & J Kohn & Mundus
Located in Vienna, AT
Originally made by Thonet with the Nr: 567 - for the Café Heinrichshof - oposite the Vienna States Opera House, destroid 1945. Published first in 1908 in a "Sesselalbum" by Thonet (J...
Beech, Bentwood
Rare Dining Table with Cane Top by Mundus, Yugoslavia 1960s
By J & J Kohn & Mundus
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you can find a beautiful and very rare Mundus dining table, done in solid wood, with rattan top and glass cover. This beautiful, vintage dining table will make a perf...
Cane, Beech
Art Nouveau Rocking Chair in bentwood and cane by Mundus, Yugoslavia 1930s
By J & J Kohn & Mundus
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find the iconic Art Nouveau Rocking chair in beech bentwood and cane, manufactured by Mundus. This iconic piece of classic design was pioneered by the Austri...
Cane, Bentwood
Set of 6 Chairs in bentwood by Josef Hoffmann for Mundus Vienna Austria, 1900s
By J & J Kohn & Mundus, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Beirut, LB
Rare Josef Hoffmann set of Chairs for Mundus Vienna Austria 1907-1914 Beautiful antique chair by Josef Hoffman for Mundus Vienna Austria. The chairs are in exceptionally good quality...
Cane, Bentwood
$700 / item
Rare Kohn Dining or Side Chair No. 20
By J & J Kohn & Mundus
Located in Vienna, AT
Beautiful bentwood construction with perforated plywood seat from the 1900. Excellent restored. Two pieces available.
Bentwood, Plywood, Beech
Art Nouveau Armchair in Bentwood and Cane by Mundus, Yugoslavia 1930s
By J & J Kohn & Mundus
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a gorgeous Art Nouveau armchair in bentwood and cane. Originally designed by Michael Thonet around 1900, it is often referred to as the "Le Corbusier ch...
Cane, Bentwood
20th Century Austrian Set Of 10 Thonet Bentwood Chairs by Mundus & J. Kohn
By J & J Kohn & Mundus
Located in High Point, NC
This 20th Century Austrian Set of 10 Thonet Bentwood Chairs by Mundus & J. Kohn is a fine representation of classic café-style seating with timeless appeal. Crafted from bentwood, ea...
Bentwood
Art Nouveau Sculptural Stool in bentwood and cane by Mundus, 1920s
By J & J Kohn & Mundus
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a gorgeous antique Art Nouveau stool by Mundus. The stool features exceptionally sculptural form done in bentwood - 6 bentwood rings put together to cre...
Cane, Bentwood
J &J Kohn Bentwood Salon Suite by Gustav Siegel early 1900's
By J & J Kohn & Mundus, Gustav Siegel
Located in Buffalo, NY
A rare and historically significant Art Nouveau settee, Model No. 715, with matching pair of arm-chairs.designed by Gustav Siegel in 1899 and produced by the renowned Viennese furnit...
Fabric, Beech, Bentwood
Vintage Bar Stools done in Beech Benrwood by Mundus, Yugoslavia 1970s
By J & J Kohn & Mundus
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find vintage bar stools done in Beech Bentwood, manufactured by Mundus. Chairs are painted in dark brown, nearly black colour. Made in Yugoslavia in 1970s. ...
Beech, Bentwood
Secession chair no.412 by Otto Wagner for J&J Kohn
By J & J Kohn & Mundus, Otto Wagner
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Secession chair no.412 by Otto Wagner for J&J Kohn. Professionally stained and repolished with french polish and new fabric.
Brass
Rare Vintage Dining Table with Cane Top by Mundus, Made in Yugoslavia in 1960s
By J & J Kohn & Mundus
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you can find a beautiful and very rare Mundus dining table, done in solid wood, with rattan top and glass cover. This beautiful, vintage dining table will make a perf...
Cane, Beech
Antique Side or Cocktail Table with fan accent manufactured by J.J. Kohn
By J & J Kohn & Mundus
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a spectacular Vienna Secession enter or side table with fan shaped accent done in walnut, manufactured by J.J. Kohn. Table has been recently refurbished...
Beech, Walnut
Set of Four Bentwood Dining Chairs Attributed to Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Vienna, AT
Bentwood chairs as Thonet No 20. New canning on all chairs. Four pieces available Delivery time 3-4 weeks.
Cane, Beech, Bentwood
Josef Hoffmann Chair for Wittman Wiener Werkstatte Art Deco
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Atlanta, GA
Josef Hoffmann chair for Wittman Wiener Werkstatte. This chair was created circa 1990s after a 1920s design.
Upholstery, Wood, Bentwood
Antique Josef Hoffmann Prague 811 Bentwood Cane Armchair FMG Poland
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
Located in San Carlos, CA
A beautifully preserved antique bentwood armchair designed by Josef Hoffmann, the seminal Viennese architect and co-founder of the Wiener Werkstätte. This is the iconic Model 811, kn...
Cane, Bentwood
$6,000 / set
H 30.5 in W 20.5 in D 19 in
Set of 6 Birch Bentwood Stacking Chairs by Thonet, Made in Germany
By Thonet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This set of six stackable chairs, made of birch bentwood, will make a unique and comfortable set of dining chairs. German engineering meets design. Rare to have such a large set in...
Plastic, Birch, Bentwood
$165
H 34 in W 17 in D 16 in
Vienna Secesionist Bentwood Cafe Bistro Dining Chair by Fischel after Thonet
By Thonet, Fischel
Located in New York, NY
Classic Vienna Secessionist bentwood cafe, bistro, dining chair, circa 1900/1930's, marked Fischel Checoslov. This example is in good, original, clean and ready to use condition, sh...
Beech
Six Austrian Bentwood Chairs Signed J.J.Kohn/Thonet
Located in Water Mill, NY
Set of six Austrian Art Nouveau chairs signed J.J. Kohn.
Wood
1930s Vintage Thonet Cafe Chair Bentwood Stamped Austria
By Thonet
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a Vintage Thonet Project Cafe Dining Chair Stamped AUSTRIA. Construction: Bentwood Plywood Dimensions: 33.5 tall x 18 w x 20.25 d Seat 17.5 Original fair vintage condition unrestored. Plywood seat replaced the original cane...
Bentwood, Plywood
$5,673
H 29.14 in W 46.86 in D 19.69 in
Fledermaus Seating Group by Josef Hoffmann Ex. by Wittmann Wien
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Fledermaus seating group by Josef Hoffmann ex. by Wittmann Wien circa 1950. Original vintage condition with signs of use. Sofa: wxdxh 119x50x74 seat height 44cm Armchair: wxdxh 56x50...
Beech
$5,900
H 30.31 in W 32.28 in D 30.71 in
20th Century Art Nouveau Black Armchair, School Of Josef Hoffmann, AT ca. 1910
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Absolute stunning black early 20th century armchair from the famous "Vienna secession" period around 1910 in Austria. This rare, architectural Art Nouveau armchair - attributed to th...
Brass
$2,450 / set
H 44 in W 17 in D 20.5 in
Set of Four Thonet Model 17 Dining Chairs, Bentwood & Cane, 1904
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, Thonet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of Four model 17 'Cardinal' bentwood dining chairs by Gebrüder Thonet showcase the revolutionary steam-bent construction that made the Austrian company legendary. Manufactured in...
Cane, Bentwood
Stunning 20th Century Beech Wood Sofa with Dual Designs
Located in London, GB
This stunning sofa features a blue velvet textile that is soft to the touch and adds a touch of luxury to any room. One side of the sofa features a playful design of lion and swan, w...
Beech
$1,548Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 32.68 in W 19.69 in D 17.72 in
Josef Hoffmann Armchair – Model No. A 811/F for Thonet
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
Located in Budapest, HU
Josef Hoffmann Armchair – Model No. A 811/F for Thonet (1900s) This exquisite armchair, Model No. A 811/F, designed by the renowned architect and designer Josef Hoffmann for Thonet ...
Reed, Beech
Pair of side table by Josef Hoffmann for Jacob and Josef Kohn
By J & J Kohn & Mundus, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Elegant pair of Art Deco side tables attributed to Josef Hoffman forJaco and Josef Kohn a Viennese manufacturer active in the first half of the 20th century. These refined pieces em...
Wood
Four nesting tables Josef Hoffmann J. & J. Kohn ca. 1910
By Josef Hoffmann, J & J Kohn & Mundus
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
Remaining stock from the original adhesive label under the smallest table Bib.: Das Interieur, IX, 1908, p. 28 / Il mobile moderno, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna, Jacob & Josef Kohn, Giov...
Beech
J&J Kohn Bentwood and Rattan Chair, circa 1940
By J & J Kohn & Mundus
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
J&J Kohn Bentwood and Rattan Chair, circa 1940 Manufactured in Luxembourg, circa 1940 Materials: Bentwood and rattan. In original condition, with wear consistent with age and use...
Bentwood
Fledermaus coffee table by Josef Hoffmann for J&J Kohn
By J & J Kohn & Mundus, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Fledermaus coffee table by Josef Hoffmann for J&J Kohn. Professionally stained and repolished.
Glass, Beech
1910s Art Nouveau Beechwood Side Table by J & J Kohn, Austria
By J & J Kohn & Mundus
Located in Praha, CZ
- Carefully refurbished - sturdy and stable
Beech
Sold
H 31.11 in W 20.48 in D 20.87 in
Black Dining Armchairs designed by Josef Hoffmann for Mundus, Yugoslavia 1960s
By Josef Hoffmann, J & J Kohn & Mundus
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find rare vintage dining chairs designed by Josef Hoffmann for Mundus - Model Prague. Chairs are done in black painted beech bentwood with cane seats and bac...
Cane, Beech
Sold
H 30.71 in W 47.25 in D 22.84 in
Restored Art Deco Sofa, by Josef Hoffmann, J&J Kohn, Beech, Austria, 1910s
By Josef Hoffmann, J & J Kohn & Mundus
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Art Deco sofa Completely restored, new upholstery included. Designed by Josef Maria Hoffman, renowed Austrian architect and industrial engineer. Stable construction in perfect cond...
Fabric, Wood, Upholstery, Beech, Lacquer
1920's Bentwood and Cane Bench
By J & J Kohn & Mundus
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful bentwood bench by J. & J. Kohn from Austria, 1920's. Lovely bentwood legs and frame with original cane seat. Beautiful curved details on arms. Original finish shows great a...
Cane, Bentwood
1920's Bentwood and Cane Chair
By J & J Kohn & Mundus
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful bentwood chair by J. & J. Kohn from Austria, 1920's. Lovely bentwood legs and slatted wood back with original cane seat. Original finish shows great age and patina. Sold in...
Cane, Bentwood
Secession dining room chairs Thonet no.19 and Kohn no.36
By J & J Kohn & Mundus, Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Secession dining chairs Thonet no.19 and Kohn no.36 professionally stained and repolished.
Beech, Bentwood
Fledermaus office chair no.728 by Josef Hoffmann for J&J Kohn
By Josef Hoffmann, J & J Kohn & Mundus
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Secession office chair no.728 by Josef Hoffmann for Cabaret Fledermaus executed by J&J Kohn. Professionally stained and repolished with new fabric.
Fabric, Beech
Sold
H 31 in W 22 in D 21 in
Josef Hoffman Pair of Secessionist Bentwood Barrel Back Arm Chairs for J&J Kohn
By Josef Hoffmann, J & J Kohn & Mundus
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These lounge chairs from the early 1900s have an unusual bentwood design that makes them extremely rare. They have been reupholstered in a beautiful emerald green velvet and also the...
Upholstery, Wood