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 Jugendstil Bench/Settee, Early 20th Century restored
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn, Otto Prutscher
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
Unavailable|$3,592
H 50.4 in W 64.97 in D 29.14 in
Early 20th Century Spanish Polychromed Hand Carved Oak Settee or Park Bench
Located in Miami, FL
Early 20th century Spanish bench made from oak. The back is exquisitely hand carved with two differents motifs, surrounded by decorative ca...
Oak
$57,000 / set
H 29 in W 54 in D 28 in
Josef Hoffmann 'Buenos Aires' Suite by J&J Kohn, Austria, Early 20th Century
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Austin, TX
A wonderful Vienna Secessionist parlor suite by Josef Hoffman, manufactured before 1920 by J & J Kohn, Vienna, Austria. The suite comprised of a settee and pair of armchairs or club ...
Leather, Beech
$3,686Sale Price|20% Off
H 38.98 in W 46.46 in D 20.08 in
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
$3,600
H 31.11 in W 51.19 in D 19.69 in
Jugendstil Settee designed in style of Josef Hoffmann, done in beech bentwood
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a beautiful Jugendstil Settee done in beech bentwood. It is designed in style of Josef Hoffmann, featuring sleek lines typical for his work. The settee ...
Fabric, Beech
$3,495
H 42 in W 73 in D 28 in
Early 20th-C. French Louis XV Style Painted Canapé Settee Or Sofa In Velvet
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an early French carved and painted fruitwood canapé in vintage velvet. The frame has peg construction. There is wear throughout the piece that does not detract from its beaut...
Velvet, Fruitwood
French Early 20th Century Confidant Garden Bench
Located in Round Top, TX
An exceptional early 20th century Confidant - Tete A Tete - Garden Bench from the Provence region of France. Beautifully constructed from iron and zinc with a wonderful form. Fabulou...
Iron, Zinc
19th Century French Empire Style Canapé
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
An elegant carved wood upholstered canapé.
Upholstery, Wood
$18,500
H 47.5 in W 78.25 in D 39 in
French 19th-20th Century Louis XVI Style Giltwood Carved Settee, François Linke
By François Linke
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine french 19th-20th century Louis XVI style giltwood carved settee by François Linke (d. 1946). The finely carved frame, upholstered in a recent cream fabric, topped with an...
Fabric, Giltwood
19th Century Venetian Silver Gilt Grotto Seahorse Bench
Located in Houston, TX
19th century Venetian Silver Gilt Grotto Seahorse Bench. Chic and unusual Venetian Baroque silver gilt Grotto bench, settee, canapé or banquette with se...
Fabric, Wood
$7,700
H 30.32 in W 49.61 in D 26.78 in
Jugendstil Settee by Josef Hoffmann in 1902, manufactured by Wittmann in 1980s
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a “Cabinett” settee, designed by Josef Hoffmann for the apartment of Dr. Johannes Salzer in Vienna, c. 1902. The settee was later on reintroduced to the...
Silk, Walnut
$3,600
H 31.11 in W 51.19 in D 19.69 in
Jugendstil Settee designed in style of Josef Hoffmann, done in beech bentwood
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a beautiful Jugendstil Settee done in beech bentwood. It is designed in style of Josef Hoffmann, featuring sleek lines typical for his work. The settee ...
Fabric, Beech
Early 20th century French country newly upholstered bench
Located in Allentown, PA
This is an early 20th century newly upholstered French country bench. This bench has been newly upholstered in a plush white Chenille that complements the dark walnut frame. The dark...
Chenille, Walnut