Pedro Friedeberg Seating
Mexican, b. 1936
The sculptor and painter Pedro Friedeberg works in a richly detailed, Surrealist and eccentric artistic style that blends influences from neoclassical art, M.C. Escher and native Mesoamerican symbolism. He is best known for his Hand chair — a functional sculpture that is an icon of design-as-art.
Friedeberg was born in Florence to German parents and moved with his mother to Mexico at the outset of World War II. As a university student in Mexico City in the 1950s, he initially studied architecture, but his designs for fantastical buildings ran afoul of his rationalist, Bauhaus-oriented teachers.
By chance, Friedeberg’s drawings came to the attention of Mathias Goeritz, the German-born Dadaist painter and sculptor. He encouraged Friedeberg and made him a protégé. Friedeberg credits his mentor for instilling in him a fanatical attention to detail in his work. Friedeberg produced his first Hand chair in 1961, and has since created numerous iterations. He has also made several variants using other human limbs in different functional forms such as tables and clocks.
While Friedeberg’s sculptures have a gentle character that is sometimes described as spiritual, his paintings and prints are something entirely different. He employs deep perspective to create hypnotic, painstakingly rendered canvases that suggest rooms and cityscapes.
Whatever the medium, Friedeberg’s work is arresting and instantly recognizable. The Hand chair, though familiar, remains a captivating piece — both furniture and artwork — that stands apart in any interior. Examples are often priced between $20,000 and $30,000, depending on formal variations (such as a foot-shaped pedestal), material and condition. Smaller functional items such as tabletop clocks bring about $9,000. His paintings and drawings require space; they are meant to be contemplated. Prices on original examples start at about $30,000; prints generally sell in the region of $900.
As you will see on 1stDibs, the art and design of Pedro Friedeberg is singular and memorable.
to
5
1
5
2
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
7
3
1
5
2
3
2
2
1
1
7
4
2
2
2
7
6
1
7
7
7
82
1,444
1,226
1,108
1,084
Creator: Pedro Friedeberg
Pedro Friedeberg Iconic Wood Hand Chair, 1960s
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Uccle, BE
This beautiful golden brown Pedro Friedeberg hand chair was commissioned in the 1960s and is crafted of solid Honduran Mahogany. In 1961 when Pedro was working with artist Mathias Go...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Pedro Friedeberg Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Signed Pedro Friedeberg Butterfly Chair an Exceptional Example
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Kansas City, MO
Authentic, signed hand-painted and gold leafed Pedro Friedeberg butterfly chair in excellent condition.
Category
Early 2000s Mexican Post-Modern Pedro Friedeberg Seating
Materials
Gold Leaf
Surrealism Sculptural Hand Table Pedro Friedeberg
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning hand and foot table design and made by Mexican Surrealism artist Pedro Friedeberg in his iconic hand and leg motifs. Made of laminated an...
Category
1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pedro Friedeberg Seating
Materials
Mahogany
One of a Kind Pedro Friedeberg Hands and Ties Chair Gold Leaf
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Kansas City, MO
This is an extremely rare opportunity. One off chair by artist and designer Pedro Friedeberg. This stunning chair is upholstered in Mr. Friedeberg's own personal neck ties. 17 hand-c...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Pedro Friedeberg Seating
Materials
Gold Leaf
Pedro Friedeberg Mano Mariposa Chair
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An early example of an iconic butterfly form.Beautifully hand painted and signed by the artist.
A copy of the original receipt and correspondence.
Category
1970s Mexican Vintage Pedro Friedeberg Seating
Materials
Wood
Pedro Friedeberg “Hand Chair”
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Hampstead, QC
Pedro Friedeberg (Mexican, b. January 11, 1936) is an Italian-born Mexican artist and designer known for his surrealist work. His best known piece is the “Hand Chair”, a sculptural...
Category
1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pedro Friedeberg Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Pedro Friedeberg, Hand Foot Stool, MEX
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in New York, NY
Pedro Friedeberg is a Mexican artist and designer known for his surrealist work filled with lines colors and ancient and religious symbols. His best known piece is the “Hand-Chair” a sculpture/chair designed for people to sit on the palm, using the fingers as back and arm rests. Friedeberg began studying as an architect but did not complete his studies as he began to draw designs against the conventional forms of the 1950s. His work caught the attention of artist Mathias Goeritz, who encouraged him to continue as an artist. Friedeberg became part of a group of surrealist artists in Mexico which included Leonora Carrington and Alice Rahon...
Category
1990s American Pedro Friedeberg Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Price Upon Request
Related Items
Sculptural Scandinavian Modern Chair in Wood Denmark - 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Sculptural Scandinavian Modern Chair in Wood, Denmark - 1960s.
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pedro Friedeberg Seating
Materials
Wood
Tessa Bench, Antique Copper by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition, Hand Repousse
By Robert Kuo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tessa bench
Antiqued copper
Hand repousse
Limited edition
Each piece is individually crafted and is unique
Repousse´ is the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief o...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Pedro Friedeberg Seating
Materials
Copper
$8,100
H 16.25 in W 48 in D 14 in
Carved Hand Chair in the Style of Pedro Friedeberg, circa 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An amazing Mid-Century Modern finely detailed studio carved hand chair, circa 1970s, in the Style of Pedro Friedeberg, that brings both a meditative element and a unique functional sculpture into your home with the artisan crafted wood Carved Hand Accent Piece. Promising to be a conversation piece, this accent provides a calm resting spot for mindful accessories, plants, and books as the shape is a representation of the hand of Buddha...
Category
1970s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pedro Friedeberg Seating
Materials
Wood
$979 Sale Price
44% Off
H 25 in W 18 in D 16 in
Lawrence Peabody Long Walnut Bench / Coffee Table For Richardson-Nemschoff
By Lawrence Peabody
Located in Chicago, IL
Lawrence Peabody Long Walnut Bench / Coffee Table For Richardson-Nemschoff. This bench should be purchased with the intent to completely refinish and possibly lacquer a color. Looks ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Pedro Friedeberg Seating
Materials
Wood
$1,250
H 15 in W 60 in D 19 in
Colo Lounge Chair by Pedro Ávila
Located in São Paulo, BR
The pi collection results from several sculptural essays with spherical volumes as their starting point, exploring possible variations from this initial form. These exercises were in...
Category
2010s Brazilian Pedro Friedeberg Seating
Materials
Fiberglass, Paint
1970s Vintage Mid Century Modern Hand Lounge Chair, in Dark Brown-- One Piece
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Madison, WI
Excellent Prop piece, or a Living Room, studio or office POP!
This listing is for the Dark Brown chair. We also have a White chair, sold separately, pictured here.
The RMIC hand chair made its first appearance around the year 1970. The spectacular chair is made of plastic and shaped like a giant hand with its palm turned upward, while the fingers serve as a backrest.
Originally, the hand chair was designed in 1962 by Pedro Friedeberg, a then 24 years old surrealist artist. Friedeberg artistic sensibilities were decisively directed against everything conventional, and he was inspired by the Dadaistic practice of producing anti-art for art's sake.
Dimensions
27ʺW × 21ʺD × 34ʺH
Seat Interior Width: 21"
Seat Interior Depth: 21"
Seat Height: 18"
Arm Height: 20"
Shipping:
We ship insured and to your door, using blanket...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pedro Friedeberg Seating
Materials
Plastic
$1,580 Sale Price
20% Off
H 34 in W 27 in D 21 in
Panton Chair
By Verner Panton
Located in Highland, IN
The Panton chair is an important icon of modern design and has a fascinating history as Verner Panton experimented with a variety of materials to best realize the design. The most co...
Category
Late 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Pedro Friedeberg Seating
Materials
Paint, Foam
Mid Century Slat Bench Coffee Table Made in Yugoslavia C 1950s
By George Nelson
Located in New York, NY
Iconic slat bench coffee table, bench made in Yugoslavia, after George Nelson, circa 1950/1960's. Constructed of solid wood, in very good, original, clean and ready to use condition,...
Category
Mid-20th Century Macedonian Mid-Century Modern Pedro Friedeberg Seating
Materials
Wood
Mario Botta La Quinta chair for Alias, Switzerland 1985, One Chair
By Mario Botta, Alias
Located in Basel, BS
Fast Shipping, insured in 8-15 days.
Mint condition original 1980s La Quinta chair by Mario Botta Chairs for Alias. One chair is left.
During the 198...
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Pedro Friedeberg Seating
Materials
Metal, Sheet Metal
$1,027 Sale Price
20% Off
H 37.4 in W 17.71 in D 21.65 in
Butterfly Dining Chair, Pink Boucle, Europe
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Dining chair called "Butterfly" with dark wenge stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and back in beautiful boucle italian fabric (color number 03). This chair can be customi...
Category
2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Pedro Friedeberg Seating
Materials
Fabric, Beech
Exceptional 18th Century Swedish Rococo Chair
Located in Allerum, SE
Exceptional 18th century Swedish Rococo chair with embossed carvings, original surface and great shape. ca 1770 Sweden.
Category
18th Century Swedish Rococo Antique Pedro Friedeberg Seating
Materials
Wood
Easy Chair
Located in Studio City, CA
Midcentury Danish Modern Leather Sling Lounge Chair in Teak attributed to Odd Knutson.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Pedro Friedeberg Seating
Materials
Leather
Previously Available Items
Pedro Friedeberg 1970's Gold Leaf and Mahogany Hand - Chair
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Mexico City, MX
An iconic 1970's carved mahogany wood with gold leaf Hand - Chair by Italian - born Mexican artist Pedro Friedeberg. The piece is a rare finding suitable for collectors of Mexican ar...
Category
1970s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pedro Friedeberg Seating
Materials
Gold Leaf
1960s Pedro Friedeberg Hand Chair
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Pedro Friedeberg Hand Chair Mexico City
Hand carved mahogany wood
Signed
34.5 h x 17.5 w x 20 d x Seat 17 h
Preowned unrestored original vinta...
Category
1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pedro Friedeberg Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Pedro Friedeberg, Silver-Gilt Hand Chair, Mexico, 1960’s Signed
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pedro Friedeberg Silver-Gilt Hand Chair. Circa 1960s Mexico, This chair is an early example of the iconic “hand” chair designed and made by Pedro Friedeberg. The chair is hand-carved...
Category
1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pedro Friedeberg Seating
Materials
Silver Leaf
Pedro Friedeberg Hand Chair in Solid Honduran Mahogany 1960s Signed
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Dallas, TX
This beautiful golden brown Pedro Friedeberg hand chair was commissioned in the 1960s and is crafted of solid Honduran Mahogany.
In 1961 when Pedro was working with artist Mathias G...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Pedro Friedeberg Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Pair Hand Chairs by Pedro Friedeberg, Solid Walnut, 1960's, Signed
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pair of original Pedro Friedeberg solid walnut hand chairs. Original condition with age appropriate signs of wear. Beautiful patina. Refinishing these would be a crime. Signed.
Category
1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pedro Friedeberg Seating
Materials
Walnut
Pedro Friedeberg Butterfly Chair
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Signed and dated 1967
An early example incorporating hand painting and poetry.
Category
1960s Mexican Vintage Pedro Friedeberg Seating
Materials
Wood
Pedro Friedeberg Hand Chairs
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Pair of Pedro Friedeberg hand chairs, circa early 1960s. These all original hand-sculpted examples are each signed and were purchased from the or...
Category
1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pedro Friedeberg Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Hand Chair by Pedro Friedeberg
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Iconic light walnut hand chair from Mexican designer Pedro Friedeberg. Signed and in very good original condition.
Category
Mexican Mid-Century Modern Pedro Friedeberg Seating
Pedro Friedeberg Silver Leaf Hand Chair
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Dallas, TX
The best example of a Pedro Friedeberg hand chair that we have seen. The original silver leaf has a wonderful patina with the red lacquered base coat showing through. Signed to under...
Category
1960s Vintage Pedro Friedeberg Seating
Materials
Silver Leaf
Pedro Friedeberg Mahogany Wood Hand Chair Surrealist Mid-century Modern
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Chula Vista, CA
We are pleased to offer for your consideration, a hand chair by Pedro Friedeberg in mahogany wood.
Signed on the bottom with black ink. Welcome to the art world of surrealism. Livin...
Category
1980s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pedro Friedeberg Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Hand and Foot Coffee Tables or Stools by Pedro Friedeberg
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Pawtucket, RI
A rare pair of hand and foot tables or stools designed and made by Mexican Surrealist artist Pedro Friedeberg in his iconic hand and leg motifs. Made of laminated and blocked mahogan...
Category
1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pedro Friedeberg Seating
Materials
Walnut
Carved Hardwood Hand Chair after Pedro Friedeburg
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fascinating sculptural hand chair constructed from handcrafted hardwood with an organic natural finish. Made after the iconic chair by Pedro Friedeburg (Mexican b. 1936). Features de...
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Pedro Friedeberg Seating
Materials
Wood
Pedro Friedeberg seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Pedro Friedeberg seating are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Pedro Friedeberg seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original seating by Pedro Friedeberg were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider seating by Mario Lopez Torres, Clara Porset, and Arturo Pani. Prices for Pedro Friedeberg seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $16,000 and can go as high as $50,244, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $28,250.
Creators Similar to Pedro Friedeberg
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Pedro Friedeberg Furniture
Pedro Friedeberg Decorative Objects
Pedro Friedeberg Wall Decorations
Pedro Friedeberg Tables
Pedro Friedeberg Sculptures
Pedro Friedeberg Clocks
Pedro Friedeberg Paintings
Pedro Friedeberg Contemporary Art
Pedro Friedeberg Drawings
Pedro Friedeberg Tables
Pedro Friedeberg Prints
Pedro Friedeberg Decorative Art
Pedro Friedeberg Bowls and Baskets