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).
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.
On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique J. & J. Kohn furniture including bentwood wingback chairs designed by Josef Hoffmann and other seating, side tables, beech nesting tables and more.
Original Josef Hoffmann & J. & J. Kohn Bench Vienna Secession, 1901
By Woka Lamps, Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
A very rare and early bench, obviously the role model for the famous Barrel chair #720 which was presented four years later, in 1905.
Bentwood, Plywood
Josef Hoffmann 795 Barrel Ensemble , by J. & J. Kohn
By Woka Lamps, Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
A rare Variation of Hoffmanns ‘720 Half-Barrel Settee Lit.: Die Wiener Werkstätte 1903-1932, Gabriele Fahr Becker, Taschen Verlag S. 106 Material: Bentwood and Plywood.
Beech
Vienna Secessionist Bentwood Cane Loveseat Settee Bench by JJ Kohn 1880/1920's
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Thonet
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional bentwood settee, loveseat, bench, by J J Kohn. This charming bench is in excellent, original, clean and ready to use condition, free of damage or repairs. Executed in Au...
Cane, Beech
Vienna Secession J. & J. Kohn Bench No. 67
By Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Vienna, AT
Extremely rare, beech bentwood frame with an embossed plywood seat and backrest. First time mentioned in the J. & J. Kohn catalog 1902 with the catalog no. 67. Still in original cond...
Beech, Bentwood, Plywood
$2,842Sale Price|20% Off
J. & J. Kohn Bentwood and Rattan Bench, with Label, Austria, Circa 1900
By Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Beirut, LB
An elegant bentwood bench/sofa by the celebrated Austrian manufacturer J. & J. Kohn, dating to the turn of the 20th century. This exceptional piece exemplifies the artistry and innov...
Cane, Bentwood
$3,741Sale Price|20% Off
Vienna Secession Bench or Settee by Jacob and Josef Kohn, 1900s
By Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Vienna Secession bench or settee. Design by Jacob and Josef Kohn. Striking Austrian design from the 1900s. Original lacquered beech and bentwood curved frame....
Fabric, Beech, Bentwood
Original Josef Hoffmann Jugendstil Bench/Settee, Early 20th Century restored
By Otto Prutscher, Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Attributed to either Josef Hoffmann or Otto Prutscher as both of the designers did similar objects in bentwood at this time, and both were using balls or olives for joining the legs ...
Fabric, Beech, Bentwood
20th Century Art Nouveau "Fledermaus" Bentwood Seating Set by Kohn, AT ca. 1907
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Lovely early 20th century Art Nouveau bentwood seating set designed by the world renowed Austrian architect and founder of the "Wiener Werkstaette" - Josef Hoffmann for Jacob & Josef...
Fabric, Bentwood
J & J Kohn Bench 1900 Vienna Secession Art Nouveau Bentwood Antique Thonet Style
By Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous and extremely rare three-seater antique Art Nouveau Vienna Secession bentwood J & J Kohn bench in wonderful condition. Made by iconic Austrian father and son bentwood furn...
Bentwood
$1,980
H 18.51 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Stool Model 616 / S, designed by Otto Wagner for Jacob & Josef Kohn
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Otto Wagner
Located in Vienna, AT
Beech bentwood or plywood designed about 1905 by Otto Wagner for Kohn. Original condition newer restored.
Beech, Plywood
Adolf Loos (1870-1933) Secessionist Bench, Thonet No.6150
By Adolf Loos
Located in London, GB
A rare Viennese Secessionist bench by Austrian and Czechoslovak architect and influential European theorist Adolf Loos (1870-1933). Produced by Thonet, Austria, circa 1915. Stain...
Wood
Arts and Crafts Upholstered Bentwood Bench or Trunk
By Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Southampton, NJ
An Arts and Crafts period bench of steam bent oak construction with exposed framework, turned ball feet and curved brass accented support stretchers. Custom upholstered in William ...
Brass
$3,800
H 30.31 in W 48.43 in D 21.26 in
20th Century Art Nouveau Bench - Bentwood, newly upholstered, Austria circa 1910
By Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Absolute beautiful, early 20th century Art Nouveau bentwood bench attributed to the renowned company of Jacob & Josef Kohn in Vienna/Austria. An incredible timeless design impressing...
Fabric, Bentwood
Circa 1900 English Oak Carved Bench
Located in High Point, NC
Circa 1900 oak bench from England. The top is nicely grained and has a beveled edge. The top follows down to a hand carved decorated apron, and supported on hand turned legs, joi...
Oak
$4,050Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 30.32 in W 24.41 in D 25.6 in
Vintage 1910s Josef Hoffmann Easy Lounge Chairs, Style of Gatsby
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
Two Elegant Josef Hoffmann Chairs made by Manufactor Jacob & Josef Kohn. Early 20th-Century Armchairs in Great Gatsby Style. Crafted around 1910 Jugendstil , these armchairs r...
Fabric, Beech
$3,658
H 30.32 in W 47.64 in D 21.66 in
Model No. 715/C Bench By Gustav Siegel for J&J Kohn Vienna 1901
Located in Budapest, HU
Designed by Gustav Siegel in Vienna in 1899 and executed by Jacob & Josef Kohn around 1901, this elegant two-seat bench is part of the same celebrated series as the iconic armchair 7...
Beech
English Edwardian Oak Bench, Circa 1900
Located in High Point, NC
Circa 1900 English period Edwardian oak bench. The top has been newly upholstered in linen, and is supported on an oak frame with carved decoration around the apron, following down ...
Linen, Oak
$3,500
H 29 in W 22 in D 21 in
Rare & Early 1900's Pair of Josef Hoffmann Fledermaus Armchairs by J & J Kohn
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Oakland, CA
Pair of early 20th Century Josef Hoffman Fledermaus armchairs, constructed by Josef and Jacob Kohn of Austria. Newly upholstered in Josef Hoffmann designed linen fabric. The finish a...
Fabric, Beech, Lacquer
$4,025 / set
H 31.89 in W 15.75 in D 17.72 in
Pair of Salon Chair No.423 by Josef Hoffmann for J&J Kohn
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Pair of Cabaret Fledermaus chairs no.423 by Josef Hoffmann for J&J Kohn after professional renovation with new fabric.
Fabric, Beech
Armchair by Josef Hoffmann for Jacob and Josef Kohn, Vienna
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Vienna, AT
Kohn catalog no 423 on the 1st picture chair which is already sold. The chair is still in original condition (pic.2,3) so you have the possibility to choose the color of the wood and fabric or leather. The price incl. shellack polish and traditionally upholstery with "Backhausen" fabric or leather. Delivery time about 4-6 weeks Lit. Giovanni Renzi, Il mobile moderno, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna, Jacob & Josef Kohn, Milano 2008, S. 226; Julio Vives Chillida, Jacob & Josef Kohn, Catalogo (estratto) dei mobili in legno curvato, ca. 1912, o. O. 2008, S. 2, Nr. 423 F u. C.; Ausst. Kat. Josef Hoffmann und sein Kreis, Galerie Alt Wien...
Beech, Bentwood
English Barley Twist Bench with Upholstered Seat, circa 1900
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English barley twist bench from circa 1900, built on a dark oak frame with the deep, tight spirals typical of late Victorian and early Edwardian joinery. The legs and stretchers a...
Upholstery, Oak
Vienna Secession J. & J. Kohn Bench Settee by Otto Wagner
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Otto Wagner
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare, beech bentwood frame with an upholstered seat and backrest. First time mentioned in the J. & J. Kohn catalog 1906 with the catalog no. 412. Designed by Otto Wagner for J. & J....
Beech, Bentwood, Upholstery
Vienna Secession J. & J. Kohn 1880/90 Bench No. 11
By Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Within the field of curved wood sofas, Kohn's model No. 11 is a very balanced piece in terms of aesthetics and comfort. Although catalog number 11 cor...
Bentwood
Sold
H 31.5 in W 46.46 in D 22.45 in
Seating Ensemble Otto Wagner Jugendstil Beech Wood J. & J. Kohn, circa 1902
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Otto Wagner
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
Seating set designed by Otto Wagner manufactured by J. & J. Kohn consisting of 2 fauteils a bench and a table model 412 stained beech wood ca. 1902 upholstery designed by Koloman Moser "Ver Sacrum...
Brass
Sold
H 43.31 in W 47.25 in D 22.84 in
Vienna Secession J. & J. Kohn Bench Settee No. 415 by Gustav Siegel
By Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Vienna, AT
Extremely rare, beech bentwood frame with an upholstered seat and backrest. First time mentioned in the J. & J. Kohn catalog 1906 with the catalog no. 415. Designed by Gustav Siege...
Beech, Bentwood, Plywood
Sold
H 29.14 in W 47.25 in D 22.05 in
Original Josef Hoffmann Fledermaus #728 Ensemble 1905 Jugendstil Secession Style
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
An extraordinary modern design from 1905, the time when Josef Hoffmann was on the zenith of his creativity, consisting of, two armchairs and a settee, beech bentwood, brown-stained, ...
Bentwood
Sold
H 46.9 in W 29.1 in D 18.5 in
Art Nouveau Bentwood Bench by Josef Hoffmann for J&J Kohn, Austria, circa 1905
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Remarkable bentwood bench designed the famous Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann for the renown company of Jacob & Josef Kohn Vienna. Josef Hoffmann was also the founding member of th...
Leather, Bentwood
Sold
H 28.4 in W 49.2 in D 23 in
Bentwood Bench by J&J Kohn and Design Gustav Siegel, Austria, circa 1905
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Otto Wagner
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Remarkable bentwood bench made by the renown company of Jacob & Josef Kohn in Vienna or Austria, circa 1905. The timeless shaped curves comes from the pen of famous Austrian designer...
Bentwood, Fabric
Austrian Secessionist Settee/ Loveseat by Koloman Moser for J & J Kohn
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Koloman Moser
Located in New York City, NY
A fine Austrian Secessionist bentwood bench/ canape in light walnut stained beechwood with upholstered seat and back. Designed by Koloman Moser, (March 30, 1868 – October 18, 191...
Beech
Vienna Secessionist Bentwood Bench by J J Kohn
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Thonet
Located in New York, NY
Attractive bentwood bench from the Vienna Secessionist Movement by J J Kohn. This example is selling in good condition, but shows signs of wear and use. Specifically, the seat is cur...
Upholstery, Cane, Beech
Sold
H 40.95 in W 45.87 in D 23.82 in
Stamped circa 1890 J&J Jacob & Josef Kohn Bentwood Berger Bench Part Large Suite
By Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to this lovely and extremely rare original Jacob & Josef bentwood bergère rattan bench Jacob & Josef Kohn, also known as J. & J. Kohn, was an Austrian furniture m...
Beech
Rare Vienna Secession Jacob & Josef Kohn Bentwood Bench No. 67
By Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Birmingham, AL
A rare Vienna Secession J. & J. Kohn bentwood bench, circa late 1800s-1902 designed and manufactured by the famed father and son duo, Jacob and Josef Kohn of Vienna, Austria. Having ...
Beech
Joseph Kohn, 1900s Black Bentwood and Caned Settee
By Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Chicago, IL
A stunning black bentwood and caned settee by Joseph Kohn. Tapered legs, a curved form and an original brass plaque that bears the Kohn name. it reads “Jac...
Bentwood, Cane