In creating his seminal work, the Colonial chair, in 1949, Danish designer Ole Wanscher (1903–85) found the ideal balance between minimalism and traditionalism through a simple silhouette, slim wooden framework and plush leather cushions. While Wanscher may not be a household name today in the way that his Danish contemporaries Arne Jacobsen, Finn Juhl and Hans Wegner are, he played a prominent role in mid-century Scandinavian design and is greatly respected by furniture historians.
Raised by an art historian father, Wanscher developed an appreciation for the arts at an early age, eventually going on to study architecture and furniture design under modernist master Kaare Klint at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. After graduating, he worked for Klint’s practice before starting his own firm. Then, after Klint’s death in 1954, Wanscher took over Klint’s academic role until his own retirement from the academy in 1973. His professional accolades include the Copenhagen Carpenters’ Guild Annual Award and the gold medal at the 1960 Milan Triennale.
An avid historian himself, Wanscher also traveled the world to study designs from different cultures and was particularly interested in furniture from Egypt, Greece and China, as well as from the Shaker movement and the Vienna Secession. He’d later publish the results of his global studies in The Art of Furniture: 5,000 Years of Furniture and Interiors. This approach, rooted in history, which was largely inspired by Klint’s own philosophy, set Wanscher apart from the segment of Scandinavian modernists who eschewed the past for the present and the future.
For the Colonial chair, Wanscher drew inspiration from 18th-century English furniture, namely ladder-backed chairs by Thomas Chippendale. He crafted the slim frame of roundwood timber, using curved armrests and legs — a Wanscher signature element — and thoughtfully placed mortise-and-tenon joints to create stability. And although the finished product radiates a sense of careful craftsmanship, Wanscher designed the Colonial chair to be easily manufactured: Its wood frame, woven cane seat and leather cushions can each be produced separately and joined at a later stage.
The Colonial chair was originally manufactured by P. Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, for whom Wanscher also designed the Colonial sofa and the Colonial coffee table to complete the Colonial collection. Today the chair is manufactured by Carl Hansen & Søn and sold alongside a footrest. It remains a crowd-pleaser with its timeless, elegant yet simple form.
Model "Colonial" / OW149 Armchair, Ole Wanscher, Carl Hansen & Søn, 2000s
By Ole Wanscher, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model "Colonial" / OW149 armchair, design Ole Wanscher, manufactured by Carl Hansen & Søn, 2000s. Soaped oak frame, leather upholstery. Rattan details. Marked. Good vintage condition...
Leather, Oak
Ole Wanscher Tall Cabinet for A.J. Iversen, Denmark
By Ole Wanscher
Located in San Francisco, CA
Ole Wanscher design tall cabinet for A.J. Iversen, Denmark. High quality construction and material executed in a refined Scandinavian aesthetic. mahogany case with brass drawer pulls...
Brass
Vintage Danish Design Colonial Lounge Chair and Ottoman, by Ole Wanscher, 1950s
By Poul Jeppesen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Renens, CH
Vintage Danish design Colonial lounge chair and ottoman, by Ole Wanscher, 1950s Designed by Ole Wanscher, one of the leading figures of the 20th century Scandinavian design movement. The colonial chair is considered by many to be Ole Wanscher’s masterpiece, influenced by the 18th century colonial period furniture. Compared to other colonial style chairs...
Leather, Hardwood
Set of Model "Colonial" Armchair and Footstool, Ole Wanscher, Carl Hansen & Son
By Ole Wanscher, Albert August Carl Nicolassen
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Set of model "Colonial"/ OW149 armchair and OW149F footstool, design Ole Wanscher, manufactured by Carl Hansen & Son, 2000s. Soaped oak frame, leather upholstery. Rattan details. Mar...
Leather, Oak
Ole Wanscher Colonial Chair in Rosewood
By Ole Wanscher
Located in San Francisco, CA
Ole Wanscher design "Colonial" chair for Paul Jeppsen, Denmark. Made with a solid rosewood frame and cane seat with chocolate brown leather cushions, labeled.
Rosewood
Ole Wanscher Ow-149 "Colonial" Chair in Oak With Leather Cushions
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Ole Wanscher
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The OW149 Colonial Chair was designed by Ole Wanscher in 1959. Wanscher wished to create furniture that paid tribute to classic traditional trends but also stood the test of time. He...
Leather, Oak
Ole Wanscher Rosewood Colonial Lounge Chair, 1949
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesen
Located in London, England
Ole Wanscher - Model PJ-149 Colonial Chair, 1949 Ole Wanscher's iconic career high-point: the Colonial Chair was designed in 1949 and produced by master cabinetmaker Poul Jeppesen in Denmark throughout the 1950s. It references colonial-era furniture from the UK and France as well 18th century American shaker furniture...
Leather, Rattan, Rosewood
Ole Wanscher Model 149 Colonial Chair
By Ole Wanscher
Located in New York, NY
Ole Wanscher's iconic career high-point: the Colonial Chair was designed in 1949 and produced by master cabinetmaker Poul Jeppesen in Denmark throughout the 1950s. It references colo...
Wood
Scandinavian Modern "Colonial" Lounge Chairs by Ole Wanscher, Denmark, 1940s
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of elegant “Colonial Chairs”, model PJ 149, by Ole Wanscher. Rosewood frames with expertly sculpted, slender wooden armrests. Rattan webbing seats, reupholstered with leather cu...
Wood, Leather
Ole Wanscher Colonial Chair in Cherry by P. Jeppesen Execellent Condition
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in Knebel, DK
Ole Wanscher Colonial Chair in cherry by P. Jeppesen execellent condition The well crafted chair made in cherry wood - which is rarely seen - and it's original red leather cushions ...
Leather, Cherry
PJ 149 “Colonial” Armchair by Ole Wanscher, Denmark, 1949
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Utrecht, NL
The Colonial chair is one of Danish designer, Ole Wanscher’s key designs, drawing influence from British and French colonial furniture from t...
Leather, Wood
PJ 149 - 'Colonial Chair' armchair designed by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in Copenhagen, DK
PJ 149 - 'Colonial Chair' armchair in rosewood with cushions in patinated, black leather. Manufacturer's mark from P.J. Furniture. Designed by Ole Wanscher.
Leather, Rosewood
Ole Wanscher Colonial ottomans in black stained oak and Hallingdal
By Carl Hansen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher Colonial ottoman. Frame of black stained oak. Cushions of dark grey Hallingdal wool from kvadrat. Seat of cane. Made by Carl hansen.
Wool, Cane, Oak
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Colonial Armchair in Walnut by Ole Wanscher
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Ole Wanscher
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Colonial armchair OW 149 in walnut by Ole Wanscher. Oiled walnut frame. Removable seat in cane. Cushions available in fabric, Loke leather or Sif leat...
Walnut
Ole Wanscher armchair Model "Colonial" PJ 149 , Denmark, 1960
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Paris, IDF
Ole Wanscher, armchairs, "Colonial Chair PJ 149", Mahogany Poul Jeppesen, Denmark. Rare model in white lacquered Mahogany Good condition A pair is available, the price for 1 item.
Lacquer, Wood
Colonial Easy Chairs in Mahogany, Woven Cane and Fabric by Ole Wanscher, 1960's
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of Easy Chairs in Mahogany, Woven Cane and Original Fabric by Ole Wanscher, 1960's Additional Information: Material: Mahogany, woven cane and original fabric Style: Mid century...
Mahogany, Fabric, Cane
Easy Chair in Rosewood, Woven Cane and Original Leather by Ole Wanscher, 1960's
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Easy Chair in Rosewood, Woven Cane and Original Leather by Ole Wanscher, 1960's Additional Information: Material: Rosewood, woven cane and original leather Style: Mid century, Scand...
Rosewood, Leather, Cane
$4,783Sale Price / set|75% Off
H 31.11 in W 82.29 in D 31.5 in
Ole Wanscher Model Sofa and Armchair with Green Wool and Rosewood Frames
By Ole Wanscher
Located in London, GB
Living room setdesigned by Ole Wanscher and made by AJ Iversen in the 1960 comprised of sofa and armchair. Upholstered in a green wool and with rosewood frames. Measures: Sofa: H. ...
Hardwood
$1,639Sale Price|24% Off
H 38.19 in W 28.35 in D 27.56 in
Ole Wanscher Attributed to: Lounge Chair and Ottoman, 1940s, Denmark
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Balen, BE
An easy chair and ottoman attributed to Ole Wanscher, the frames are made from mahogany, the chair is later reupholstered with a high quality blueish fabric, the ottoman still has the original patinated leather. Both pieces are numbered and marked Børge Lerche, who was director of a furniture company called Tarm Stole og Møbelfabrik...
Leather, Textile, Mahogany
$5,612
H 28.75 in W 33.08 in D 17.33 in
Ole Wanscher Chest of Drawers in Rosewood for Cabinetmaker A. J. Iversen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ole Wanscher chest of drawers in rosewood with bass fittings. Made by master cabinetmaker A. J. Iversen. Chest has four drawers.
Brass
Ole Wanscher Set of Six Chairs for a. J. Iversen
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ole Wanscher set of six chairs in mahogany with seats of black leather. Executed by A. J. Iversen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Leather, Mahogany
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Tall Cabinet
By A.H. McIntosh Furniture
Located in Tulsa, OK
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Tall Cabinet Attributed to McIntosh. Above average vintage condition and structurally sound. Has some expected slight finish wear and scratching. Very...
Teak
$1,890 / item
H 33.47 in W 24.41 in D 29.53 in
Ole Wanscher Lounge Chairs, Model PJ112, Cognac Aniline Leather
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher lounge chairs new upholstered in vintage cognac aniline leather. Made of massive oiled mahogany. Model PJ 112, made by Poul Jeppesen.
Leather, Mahogany
$42,297 / set
H 33.47 in W 25.6 in D 26.78 in
Ole Wanscher Pair of Vintage Rosewood & Leather Colonial Chairs, 1950s
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesen
Located in London, England
Ole Wanscher - Model PJ-149 Colonial Chair, 1949 A fine pair of Ole Wanscher's most iconic design: The Colonial Chair. Produced by master cabinetmaker Poul Jeppesen in Denmark in th...
Linen, Rattan, Rosewood
$7,325
H 35.04 in W 25.6 in D 26.38 in
Ole Wanscher Armchair Model J 3063 by Cabinetmaker A. J. Iversen, Denmark, 1960s
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Odense, DK
Rare armchair or office chair model "J3063" designed by Ole Wanscher and made by cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen, Copenhagen in the 1960s. The chair is made from the most exclusive Brazili...
Leather, Rosewood
$1,890 / item
H 33.47 in W 24.41 in D 29.53 in
Ole Wanscher Lounge Chairs, Model PJ112, Black Aniline Leather
By Poul Jeppesen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher lounge chairs new upholstered in black aniline leather. Made of solid oiled mahogany. Model PJ 112, made by Poul Jeppesen.
Leather, Mahogany
$2,589
H 29.93 in W 33.86 in D 15.75 in
Danish 1960s Kai Kristiansen Cabinet For Feldballes Möbelfabrik
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
A particularly nice Model 43 cabinet designed by Kai Kristiansen for Feldballes Mobelfabrik, Denmark. Very beautiful rosewood grain patterns exhibited to the finely crafted tambour ...
Rosewood
On Hold|$10,042 / set
H 33.47 in W 22.84 in D 22.45 in
Pair of Colonial chairs Ole Wanscher, mahogany, cane and leather Denmark 60s
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
Pair of ‘Colonial’ armchairs, model PJ301 in mahogany, cane and original leather. Elegant pair easy chairs with a mahogany slim frame by the Danish designer Ole Wanscher. These chair...
Cane, Mahogany, Leather
$8,000
H 55.32 in W 47.25 in D 15.95 in
Ole Wanscher Rosewood High Cabinet with Brass Keys, P. Jeppesen, 1960s
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesen
Located in Lejre, DK
Elegant and rare high cabinet designed by Danish professor and architect Ole Wanscher and manufactured by P. Jeppesen in Denmark, 1960s. Crafted in beautifully grained Brazilian rose...
Rosewood
Sold
H 31.5 in W 26.78 in D 29.53 in
Easy chair by Ole Wanscher for Peter Jeppesen Møbelfarbik, Denmark 1960s
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in Ranst, VAN
Danish vintage easy chair designed by Professor Ole Wanscher for Peter Jeppesen Møbelfabrik, Denmark. The frame of the armchair is in solid teak and the cushions are in beige wool. V...
Wool, Teak
Sold
H 30.32 in W 22.45 in D 18.9 in
PJ 149 - Pair of 'Colonial' lounge chairs in mahogany by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher, P.J. Møbler
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Pair of PJ 149 'Colonial' chairs in mahogany with patinated natural leather. Designed by Ole Wanscher and made by P. Jeppesen (PJ Furniture).
Leather, Mahogany
Ole Wanscher Colonial Chair
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher lounge chair new upholstered with cognac vintage aniline leather. Made in mahogany. Model PJ 149 colonial chair, made by Poul Jeppesen.
Leather, Mahogany
Colonial Chair PJ 149 Ole Wanscher from 1949
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesen
Located in PARIS, FR
Excellent condition for this nice pair of Colonial chairs in mahogany and original black leather. Delicacy, elegance and quality of execution are what best describes the design of Ol...
Leather, Mahogany
Sold
H 33.47 in W 25.6 in D 22.84 in
Set Of 2 Colonial Armchairs With Stool Model PJ 149 By Ole Wanscher From 1960s
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in Lejre, DK
This set of two Colonial armchairs with ottoman, model PJ 149, designed by Ole Wanscher and manufactured by P. Jeppesen Møbelfabrik in the 1960s, is an excellent example of mid-20th ...
Leather, Oak
Pair of Ole Wanscher Colonial Armchair Model 149
By Ole Wanscher, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Oakland, CA
A pair of Ole Wanscher Colonial 149 armchairs in walnut, with cane seats and green fabric cushions. These are newer production pieces produced within the last 25 years or so. Sculpt...
Fabric, Walnut
Ole Wanscher Colonial Chair
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher lounge chair original upholstered with black aniline leather. Made in laquered mahogany. Model colonial chair, made by Poul Jeppesen.
Leather
Sold
H 33.27 in W 24.81 in D 23.63 in
Ole Wanscher, Pair of Colonial Chairs, model PJ149, 1st Edition 1949, Rosewood
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Ole Wanscher for Poul Jeppesens, Mobelfabrik, Denmark, model no. PJ149, Colonial chairs, designed 1949 This pair of chairs in Brazilian Rosewood with beautiful graining and patina t...
Leather, Rosewood
Ole Wanscher Colonial Chair
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher lounge chair original upholstered with red leather. Made in oak. Model PJ149 colonial chair, made by Poul jeppesen.
Leather, Oak
Vintage Colonial Chair PJ-149 by Ole Wanscher, design 1949
By Ole Wanscher
Located in PARIS, FR
Delicacy, elegance and quality of execution are what best describes the design of Ole Wanscher, considered one of the 10 biggest names in Danish design. It finds its inspiration in c...
Leather, Mahogany
Pair of Mahogany Colonial Chairs by Ole Wanscher
By Poul Jeppesen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Kastrup, DK
Ole Wanscher (Danish, 1903-1985). Pair of Colonial Chairs designed by Ole Wanscher. Crafted in solid mahogany with woven rattan cane seat a...
Fabric, Mahogany
Sold
H 33.47 in W 25.6 in D 26.78 in
Ole Wanscher, Colonial Chair, Model Pj149, 1949, Poul Jeppesen Mobelfabrik
By Poul Jeppesen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Ole Wanscher, Colonial Chair, model PJ149, designed 1949, manufactured by Poul Jeppesen mobelfabrik in 1950s Rosewood frame with cane seat. Choice of leather cushions in eithe...
Leather, Cane, Rosewood
