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Kay Bojesen

Danish, 1886-1958

Silversmith and designer Kay Bojesen became world-famous for creating wooden toys that had a soul and an impish sense of humor. With more than 2000 pieces to his name, he was one of Denmark's most prolific artisans in the 20th century. He is best known for his playful and cheerful monkeys, royal lifeguards and other wooden toys, but his repertoire of products also includes jewelry, cutlery, teapots and silver goblets. Kay Bojesen graduated as a silversmith in 1910 after completing his apprenticeship with silversmith Georg Jensen. As one of the first Danish artisans to do so, he embraced functionalism. He was among the pioneers who organized Den Permanente association – a cooperative of artists that included a shop and exhibition space, which over the decades came to represent the best in Danish and Scandinavian design. The year 1919 became the start of a New Era for Kay Bojesen. His son Otto was born and this life event sparked Kay Bojesen's imagination. In the 1930s, he started to indulge his interest in wood. He created a range of wooden toys that all lived up to his ideal that design should be round, soft and have a good feel to it. His idea was not to create lifelike copies of real animals or to be too sophisticated or focus too much on detail, but instead to create imaginative toys in designs based on a child's world where “lines need to smile”. With this basic philosophy in mind, Kay Bojesen created his beloved wooden toys that appeal to the child within us all. Kay Bojesen retained his childish curiosity till the end and left an important design heritage behind.

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Creator: Kay Bojesen
Kay Bojesen Danish Modern Teak Dachshund, 1950s
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A playful danish modern design. Early production piece. Solid teak wood. Head moves around, legs side to side and the tail up or down. Stamped "Kay Bojesen Copyright Denmark". ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Kay Bojesen

Materials

Teak

Kay Bojesen, Toy or Decorative Sculpture, Teak, Denmark, 1950s
By Kay Bojesen
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A teak toy or animal sculpture designed by Kay Bojesen, Denmark, 1950s. Dimensions variable, measured as illustrated in first image.
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kay Bojesen

Materials

Teak

Early Mid Century Modern Table Crumber
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
An early Mid-Century Modern period silent butler or table crumber by Kay Bojesen (Denmark, 1886-1958). Teak. Danish copyright. Marked fully on tray base. Measures: 7 5/8" x 5 1/2"...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Kay Bojesen

Materials

Teak

Original Kay Bojesen Monkey Monkey Size Small
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Oostrum-Venray, NL
Original Kay Bojesen Monkey Monkey size small Kay Bojesens Monkey was born in Denmark in 1951 and is made of teak. This monkey is size sm...
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kay Bojesen

Materials

Teak

Kay Bojesen Early Handmade Wooden Oak Elephant Children's Toy, 1950s, Denmark
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Odense, DK
Rare Kay Bojesen wooden toy elephant from the early 1950s in patinated oak with an amazing grain. The Elephant was created in 1953 by Kay Bojesen and from the start handmade in his s...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kay Bojesen

Materials

Oak

Vintage Kings Guardsman Wood Toy by Kay Bojesen, 1970s
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Wooden kings guardsman in lacquered beech. It was designed by Kay Bojesen in 1942. It features movable head, arms and legs and it still has it original riffle. This example was manuf...
Category

1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kay Bojesen

Materials

Beech

Kay Bojesen Grand Prix Sterling Silver Lunch fork
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kay Bojesen Grand Prix Sterling Silver Lunch fork 17 cm/6.69".  
Category

20th Century Kay Bojesen

Materials

Sterling Silver

Kay Bojesen, Early Horse Figurine in Beech, Denmark, 1950s
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Measurement and info: Type: Wooden horse toy/figure. Material: Beech. Color: Beech with natural patina and aging. Design/maker: Kay Bojesen. Origin: Denmark. Period...
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kay Bojesen

Materials

Beech

Kay Bojesen Pewter Napkinrings No 125
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kay Bojesen Pewter Napkinrings No 125 Measures 6 cm x 4.5 cm / 2.26 in x 1.77 in(Engraved Inge and Carl respectively).
Category

20th Century Kay Bojesen

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Danish 1950s Kay Bojesen Hippo Wooden Oak Desk Pencil Holder Figurine
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Mid-Century Modern Kay Bojesen designed the Hippopotamus in 1955 because he needed a device to store his pencil's. The hippo is made of oak and features an adjustable jaw allowing yo...
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kay Bojesen

Materials

Oak

Giant-Sized King's Guardsman by Kay Bojesen
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A very rare and monumental giant-sized model of the Royal Danish King's Guardsman hand crafted in wood having movable arms and legs and retaining i...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kay Bojesen

Materials

Wood

Bojesen Monkey Repair Kit
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Boyesen's Monkey Repair Kit (Height 20 cm). For old and recent editions. EU shipping €3.00
Category

2010s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Kay Bojesen

Materials

Teak

Collection of Seven Danish Vikings by Hans Bolling and Bojesen
By Kay Bojesen, Hans Bolling
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This offer is for a collection of seven Danish vikings by Hans Bolling and Bojesen. The Vikings are made out of mix woods and real fur. They are from...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kay Bojesen

Materials

Wood

Kay Bojesen Grand Prix Sterling Silver Fishknife
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kay Bojesen Grand Prix Sterling Silver Fishknife 19 cm/7.48".  
Category

20th Century Kay Bojesen

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage Danish Kay Bojesen 1950s Wooden Oak Hippo Figurine Desk Pencil Holder
By Kay Bojesen
Located in St. Louis, MO
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Kay Bojesen " The Hippopotamus" oak figurine. Kay designed in 1955 because he needed a device to store his pencils. This hippo desk accessory ...
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kay Bojesen

Materials

Oak

Vintage Kay Bojesen Articulating Wood Toy Elephant
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Chicago, IL
A early Vintage Kay Bojesen Articulating wood toy elephant. signed with early Denmark signature on foot. Appears to have a slender chipped area on...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Kay Bojesen

Materials

Wood

Finn Juhl for Kay Bojesen Teak Bowl
By Kay Bojesen, Finn Juhl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic Danish modern teak bowls designed by Finn Juhl for Kay Bojesen, Denmark. Turned from a single piece of teak wood into an organic modern shape. Polished and clean, with origin...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Kay Bojesen

Materials

Teak

Kay Bojesen Two-Piece Salad Bowl
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Providence, RI
Two piece teak salad bowl, produced by Kay Bojesen, circa 1955 Denmark. Fully signed "Kay Bojesen" "Denmark" and "TEAK". Measures: 9 1/4" tall x 10" wide. * Free shipping at full p...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Kay Bojesen

Materials

Teak

Articulated Mid-Century Danish Wooden Rabbit by Kay Bojesen
By Kay Bojesen
Located in San Antonio, TX
Original 1950's wooden oak rabbit designed by silversmith and designer Kay Bojesen. This adorable piece is in great overall condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Kay Bojesen

Materials

Oak

Sculptural Brass Corkscrew by Kay Bojesen for Einar Dragsted, 1920s
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
This vintage corkscrew in brass and steel was designed by Kay Bojesen in the early 1920s and manufactured by E. Dragsted in Copenhagen. The top of...
Category

1920s Danish Art Deco Vintage Kay Bojesen

Materials

Brass

Kay Bojesen Jointed Monkey Toy Danish Modern Teak
By Kay Bojesen
Located in San Diego, CA
Kay Bojesen articulating and jointed teak monkey. Bought from the original owner who had it in the early 1960s. Nice color and patina the cords are loosely sold AS/IS.
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Kay Bojesen

Materials

Teak

Huge Wooden Toy Soldier by Kay Bojesen
By Kay Bojesen
Located in San Diego, CA
Huge Royal Guardsman Standard-Bearer designed by Kay Bojesen. Includes the original Danish flag. Incredibly rare at this scale, Denmark, 1950s.
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kay Bojesen

Materials

Wood

Vintage Painted Beech Zebra Figurine by Kay Bojesen, Denmark, 1950s
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Wooden toy zebra figurine. Material: Beech. Color: White and black. Design: Kay Bojesen. Origin: Denmark. Period: Manufactured in the 1950s (Designe...
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kay Bojesen

Materials

Beech

Kay Bojesen 1950s Oak Elephant
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Early elephant designed by Kay Bojesen in 1953. Its made from solid oak and features articulated limbs, legs, trunk and a removable head. This is an early example made between 1955-5...
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kay Bojesen

Materials

Oak

Original Vintage Danish Midcentury Kay Bojesen Wooden Rocking Horse, 1960s
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Stow on the Wold, GB
Original vintage Kay Bojesen rocking horse. Made from solid beech with a lacquered finish. Stamped to underside Kay Bojesen, Denmark. Ori...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Kay Bojesen

Materials

Beech

Scandinavian Vintage Rocking Horse in wood by Kay Bojesen, Denmark, 1950s
By Kay Bojesen, Kay Bojesen
Located in Vorst, BE
Scandinavian children's rocking horse designed by Kay Bojesen in 1936. The design is appealing not only to children. Made from massive wood beech. The lines and joinery testify of great craftsmanship. Vintage edition...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kay Bojesen

Materials

Beech

Kay Bojesen Vintage Puffin
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Krefeld, DE
Vintage and early puffin designed by Kay Bojesen. It is marked with the old sticker: Kay Bojesen copyright Denmark.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Kay Bojesen

Materials

Wood

Kay Bojesen Beech Toy Wagon 'a Family Trip', 1950s, Denmark
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
This Wagon designed by Kay Bojesen in the 1950s features four characters in a wagon: mother, father and their two sons. This items has been loved and played with for many years and t...
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kay Bojesen

Materials

Beech

Midcentury Serving Tray in Solid Teak by Kay Bojesen, 1950s
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Lejre, DK
Serving tray in solid teak, designed by and made by Kay Bojesen. Great original condition.
Category

1950s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kay Bojesen

Materials

Teak

Kay Bojesen Kitchenware "Plat de Menage" in Bangkok Teakwood, Denmark, 1960s
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Odense, DK
Very rare complete set of "Plat de menage" tableware made at Kay Bojesens workshop in Copenhagen, Denmark in the 1960s. All items are designed by Kay Bojesen and were handmade form t...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kay Bojesen

Materials

Teak

Original Danish Kay Bojesen Toy Wagon "Family Trip", Colorful Beech Wood, 1950s
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Aarhus C, DK
Kay Bojesen´s "Family Trip" is one of his most loved wooden toy designs. This set is original vintage. It consists of wagon and 4 family members: mother, father and two children. ...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kay Bojesen

Materials

Wood, Beech, Paint

Articulated Toy Elephant by Kay Bojesen
By Kay Bojesen
Located in San Diego, CA
Articulated toy elephant by Kay Bojesen, circa 1990s. #1469 Kay Bojesen's elephant, born in 1953, is a world-famous Classic for children and adu...
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Kay Bojesen

Materials

Oak

Kay Bojesen Grand Prix Sterling Silver Dessertspoon
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kay Bojesen Grand Prix Sterling Silver Dessertspoon 17 cm/6.69".  
Category

20th Century Kay Bojesen

Materials

Sterling Silver

Pair of Articulated Toys / Rabbit & Bear in Pale Oak by Kay Bojesen
By Kay Bojesen
Located in San Diego, CA
Great pair of articulated toys; both a rabbit and a bear by Kay Bojesen, circa 1990s. #2036 Kay Bojesen's toys are world-famous Classic for chil...
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Kay Bojesen

Materials

Oak

Kay Bojesen Painted Wooden Puzzle, 1950s
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Bought from the collection of Danish Design Museum in Randers Denmark (now closed) this large puzzle designed by Kay Bojesen reigns among his rarest designs. This example is probably...
Category

1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kay Bojesen

Materials

Beech

Kay Bojesen Original Painted Beech Zebra Figure with Patina, 1950s Danish Modern
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Type: Wooden toy zebra, Figurine. Material: Beech. Color: White and black. Design: Kay Bojesen. Origin: Denmark. Period: Manufactured in the 1950s (Designed in 1935). Measurements: ...
Category

1930s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kay Bojesen

Materials

Beech

1960s Scandinavian Modern Farmhouse Toys by Kay Bojesen
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A brightly colored and whimsical miniature farm set by the Danish master of whimsey Kay Bojesen. The fifteen individual wooden pieces consist of a farmhouse of laminated beech with removable gray roof, two beds a bench, two tables, barn of laminated beech with red removable gate, the wooden figures of mom, dad, and youngster, livestock being wooden cows...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kay Bojesen

Materials

Beech

Kay Bojesen 3 Piece Teak Condiment Set
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Kay Bojesen 3 piece teak condiment set. Known for his articulated Jointed Monkey, Bojesen alson produced some outstanding Danish designs for dining as well! Turned from teak this set...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kay Bojesen

Materials

Glass, Teak

Kay Bojeson Laurids Lonborg Hand Painted Stout Guardsman Figure
By Kay Bojesen, Laurids Lonborg
Located in Ferndale, MI
Kay Bojeson guardsman figure. Hand painted white red with black feet. Sold by Laurids Lonborg Denmark retains original label. Completely original condition with little to no wear.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Kay Bojesen

Materials

Teak

Vintage Dump Truck by Kay Bojesen, Denmark, 1950s
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Large dump truck with two men and a cargo consisting of seven blocks of lacquered beech. Designed and manufactured by Kay Bojesen in Denmark in the 1950s...
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kay Bojesen

Materials

Beech

Kay Bojesen and Jorgen Bloch Lion in Natural Rope, Denmark 1960s
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A rare example of the Danish toy-design-master Kay Bojesen work. This lion in braided natural rope was designed I collaboration between Jorgen Bloch and Kay Bojesen in latter part of...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kay Bojesen

Materials

Rope

1950s Oak Wood Teddy Bear Designed by Kay Bojesen
By Kay Bojesen
Located in San Antonio, TX
Mid-century wooden articulated teddy bear made of oak designed by Kay Bojesen and in great condition.
Category

20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Kay Bojesen

Materials

Oak

1950s Kay Bojesen Danish Teak Dust Bin Crumb Sweeper Set
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Kay Bojesen. Sweeper kit consisting of a sweeping tray and a brush of wood. Wonderful early impressed marks; k.b. eneret, translating kb exclusive, and Kay Bojesen paper label.   
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kay Bojesen

Materials

Teak

Vintage Wooden Toy Locomotive by Kay Bojesen, Denmark, 1960s
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Vintage train or locomotive set made from partially lacquered and painted beechwood. This item surely has been loved and played with for decades and it show in the most charming way....
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kay Bojesen

Materials

Beech

Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Bowl, 1950s
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Asaa, DK
Beautiful organically shaped solid teak bowl made by Kay Bojesen in mint condition.
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kay Bojesen

Materials

Teak

Kay Bojesen Sterling Silver Set of 12 Whiskey Cups
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kay Bojesen sterling silver set of 12 Whiskey cups Measures 6.8 cm / 2 43/64 in. Weighs 93 g / 3.30 oz each.
Category

20th Century Kay Bojesen

Materials

Sterling Silver

Kay Bojesen 830 S Silver Box with Figurine
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kay Bojesen 830 S silver cigar box / Humidor with figurine Measures H 20 cm x 17.5 cm x 17.5 cm Weight 1179 gr / 41.60 oz.
Category

20th Century Kay Bojesen

Materials

Silver

Cork Screw, Wood and Metal, Kay Bojesen, Denmark
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Vienna, AT
A cork screw by Kay Bojesen.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Kay Bojesen

Materials

Metal

Kay Bojesen Silver Bowl with Mounted Stones
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kay Bojesen Silver bowl with Stone mounted. Measures 18cm x 18cm (7.09 inch x 7.09 inch). Weighs 612 grams / 21.59 oz.
Category

20th Century Kay Bojesen

Materials

Silver

Vintage Kay Bojesen Beech Nutcracker and Bowl
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A rare Hand-finished beech nutcracker designed and made by Kay Bojesen during the early to mid 1930s. Great original patina and humorous/cartoon'ish details like neck rolls, circular glasses and a bend nose. Everything synonymous with the attributes of the Primeminister Thorvald Stauning who's face the nutcracker...
Category

1930s Danish Modern Vintage Kay Bojesen

Materials

Beech, Oak

Vintage Lion in Natural Rope by Kay Bojesen & Jorgen Bloch, Denmark, 1960s
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A rare example of the Danish toy-design-master Kay Bojesen work. This lion in braided natural rope was designed I collaboration between Jorgen Bloch and Kay Bojesen in latter part of...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kay Bojesen

Materials

Rope

Kay Bojesen Sterling Silver Grand Prix Salad Set
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kay Bojesen sterling silver grand prix salad set measures: 23.5 cm (9 1/4 in) Item no.: 436265 Stock: 1.
Category

1950s Danish Modern Vintage Kay Bojesen

Materials

Sterling Silver

Kay Bojesen Saltdish/Silverdish/Caviardish
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kay Bojesen Saltdish/Silverdish/Caviardish Ornamental rim Measures 2.36 inches/6 cm and 0.86 inches/2.2 cm high.
Category

20th Century Kay Bojesen

Materials

Silver

Giant-Sized King's Guardsman by Kay Bojesen
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Weesp, NL
A very rare and monumental giant-sized model of the Royal Danish King's Guardsman hand crafted in wood having retaining its vivid original paint. ...
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kay Bojesen

Materials

Wood

Kay Bojesen Sterling Silver Grand Prix Sandwich Server
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kay Bojesen sterling silver Grand Prix sandwich server Measures: L 20.8/8.18".
Category

20th Century Kay Bojesen

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage Danish Nutcracker and Bowl by Kay Bojesen
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A rare hand-finished beech nutcracker designed and made by Kay Bojesen during the early to mid 1930s. Great original patina that really highlights the rather cartoon'ish details like neck rolls, circular glasses and a bend nose. Everything synonymous with the attributes of the Danish Primeminister Thorvald Stauning (1924-26 & 1929-42) who's face the nutcracker...
Category

1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kay Bojesen

Materials

Beech, Teak

Vintage Kay Bojesen Bamboo Roast Serving Set, USC, 1950s
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A Japanese inspired roast set in stainless steel and bamboo. Designed by Kay Bojesen and manufactured by USC in Denmark during the late 1960s. This set comes in its original box from...
Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kay Bojesen

Materials

Bamboo

Kay Bojesen Silver Server, Ornamental
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kay Bojesen silver server, ornamental. Measures 19 cm (7½ in) Item no.: 436269.
Category

1930s Danish Modern Vintage Kay Bojesen

Materials

Sterling Silver

Kay Bojesen furniture for sale on 1stDibs

Kay Bojesen furniture is available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive objects are often made of wood and designed with extraordinary care. There are many options in our Kay Bojesen collection of furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 54 vintage editions of these items in stock, while there is also a modern edition to choose from. Many of Kay Bojesen's original furniture was created in the mid-century modern style in Europe during the 20th century. If you are looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Per Lütken, Svend Hammershøi and Knud Kyhn. Kay Bojesen furniture prices can vary depending on size, time period and other attributes. The price for these items starts at $10 and tops out at $25,000, while pieces like these can sell for $694 on average..
Questions About Kay Bojesen
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Kay Bojesen wooden toys and figures are made in Denmark, and have been since 1930. The founding designer Kay Bojesen was born in Copenhagen in 1886, and the company Kay Bojesen was sold in 1990 to the design house Rosendahl, which is also based in Denmark. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic Kay Bojesen figurines.

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