Designer Trent Jansen is at the forefront of design anthropology, a furniture and interior design movement in which designers and anthropologists work closely to produce products informed by the symbolism and visual principles of other cultures.
Each piece he designs has a rough, primal energy derived from a variety of techniques, whether incorporating scales into the surface of a side table or suggesting a spider’s shape through the form of a bench. Jansen holds immense respect for heritage, reverently and conscientiously embedding cultural identity and history in his pieces.
Jansen grew up in the small town of Kiama on the southeast Australian coast. He began his studies at the Industrial Design School of the University of Alberta in Canada and then transferred to the College of Fine Arts at the University of New South Wales, where he received his bachelor’s degree in design. He later earned a PhD from the University of Wollongong.
He then worked under Dutch designer Marcel Wanders in Amsterdam. In 2004, Jansen returned to Australia and opened his design studio in Sydney. Eventually, he relocated to Thirroul on the southern coast of Australia’s New South Wales.
Jansen has exhibited his work in solo and group shows worldwide, including at the National Gallery of Victoria, Australia, and venues in Singapore, Beijing and Milan. His awards include the 2008 Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Award, the Australia Council for the Arts “Project Funding” Award in 2019 and 2017 and a 2021 Design Files + Laminex Design Award.
Today, Jansen continues to design new pieces and create outstanding works of furniture out of his studio in Thirroul.
On 1stDibs, find an intriguing array of Trent Jansen seating, tables, storage pieces and more.
Pregnant chair by Trent Jansen and Marcel Wanders for Moooi, 2008
By Trent Jansen, MARCEL WANDERS, Moooi
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This is a very special, fun and playful chair. The so called 'Pregnant Chair' was designed by Trent Jansen in cooperation with Marcel Wanders for Moooi....
Wood
$43,035
Kutitji Chair / Shield
By Trent Jansen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Trent Jansen is a designer based in Thirroul, Australia, and Lecturer at the University of New South Wales Art & Design, Sydney Australia. Jansen gained his PhD from the University o...
Cherry, Maple, Walnut
Kutitji Chair / Shield Chair by Trent Jansen at Studio ALM
By Trent Jansen
Located in Paddington, NSW
The Kutitji Chair by Australian designer Trent Jansen is a deeply expressive collectible piece shaped by his signature method of Design Anthropology—an approach that blends research,...
Walnut
$1,800
H 38 in W 24.25 in D 20.25 in
Antique Italian Savonarola Dante Chair Carved Oak Renaissance Lion Shield
Located in Tyler, TX
Antique Italian Renaissance Revival Oak "Savonarola" or "Dante" Chair~~early 20th Century These chairs, often called scissor or "X" chairs, are typically supported by two crossed or curved supports at the sides or back and front~~these chairs were given the name Savonarola in the 19th century after Girolamo Savonarola, an Italian priest in Florence from 1494-1498~~the design comes from an ancient Roman "X" shaped chair that was popular in medieval Italy...
Oak
Chair D
By Chuch Estudio
Located in Mérida, MX
The handwoven technique of the 'Petatillo' in Yucatan has been practiced for more than 50 years. Usually, it is woven with natural cane. This is one hundred percent artisan work, whi...
Nylon, Wood
Chair D
By Chuch Estudio
Located in Mérida, MX
The handwoven technique of the 'Petatillo' in Yucatan has been practiced for more than 50 years. Usually, it is woven with natural cane. This is one hundred percent artisan work, whi...
Nylon, Wood
Sheraton Shield Back Embroidered Accent Chair, 1940s
By Grand Ledge Chair Company 1
Located in Raymondville, TX
A George III style decorative mahogany armchair by Grand Ledge Chair Co. circa 1945. Sheraton design featuring a carved shield back, tapered fluted f...
Brass
$792Sale Price|20% Off
H 37 in W 20 in D 21 in
Finely Paint Decorated Adams Style Shield Back Armchair
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exquisite Adams Style Shield Back Armchair captures the elegance and refinement of 18th-century neoclassical design, inspired by the celebrated English architect and designer Ro...
Walnut
$3,106 / item
H 31.5 in W 22.05 in D 15.75 in
Moooi Monster Diamond Chair with Arms in Black Upholstery
By MARCEL WANDERS, Moooi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A soft, puffy and stylish chair as symbol of the eternal battle between opposite forces that take place in life and can be easily recognized inside ourselves, if we have the courage ...
Upholstery
Pair of Carved Mahogany Hepplewhite Shield Back Armchairs Circa 1900
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A graceful pair of hand carved mahogany Hepplewhite shield back armchairs. The backs with pierced shields with swags and gilt accents in the Prince of Whales...
Mahogany
Ginevra Chair by Studio Balutto
By Horm
Located in Milan, IT
Sinuous and gentle lines depict the silhouette of this exquisite chair, exuding comfort and elegance. Resting on a solid walnut wood structure with slanted legs and wavy armrests, it...
Wood, Textile
$3,106 / item
H 31.5 in W 22.05 in D 15.75 in
Moooi Monster Diamond Chair with Arms in Black with Embroidery Upholstery
By Moooi, MARCEL WANDERS
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A soft, puffy and stylish chair as symbol of the eternal battle between opposite forces that take place in life and can be easily recognized inside ourselves, if we have the courage ...
Upholstery
$2,300 / set
H 37 in W 23 in D 19 in
Federal Style Shield Back Chairs with Faux Tortoise Leather Seats, pair
Located in Wichita, KS
A refined pair of Federal style shield back armchairs featuring elegant proportions and classic neoclassical detailing. Each chair is crafted in richly toned wood with delicately car...
Leather, Wood
$7,600Sale Price / set|40% Off
H 37.5 in W 23.5 in D 23 in
Pair of Upholstered Hepplewhite Shield-Back Armchairs w Provenance, circa 1870s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite pair of circa 1870s Hepplewhite style 'Shield-Back' armchairs are exquisite. We believe the wood to be crafted from solid Mahogany with intricate detailed carved details. The upholstered back and arms provide additional comfort from the traditional open back style of standard Hepplewhite chairs. Acquired from English Antiques specialist Dillingham & Company in 1998, a copy of the receipt is attached in the photo gallery. These 19th Century antique shield back arm chairs would work great in a Mid-Century Modern, Scandanavian Modern or Danish Modern home or penthouse apartment but could also look fantastic in a Contemporary or Post-Modern room. Also consider mixing it up in a Traditional, Transitional, Classical or Art Deco room with a splash of juxtaposition. Would also be an apt choice in a commercial project such as a hotel lobby lounge or members club, creative design studio or high-rise executive office. Consider using as side chairs, dining, cafe or breakfast table chairs...
Fabric, Wood
$1,621 / item
H 29.93 in W 19.3 in D 20.48 in
Moooi Nut Dining Chair in Cinnamon Stained Oak & Oray Ronan, Mineral Upholstery
By MARCEL WANDERS, Moooi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sitting in the warm embrace of the Nut dining chair by will make you feel protected and as precious as the most beautiful pearl in the sea. The exquisite flavour of its design and th...
Oak