The wingback Papa Bear chair, also known as the Teddy Bear chair, has two outstretched arms with wood detailing once described by a critic as “great bear paws embracing you from behind” — hence the name. The piece was designed by Hans Wegner (1914–2007), a pioneer of Danish modernism who crafted nearly 500 chairs over the course of his long career. Not many of them, however, have the anthropomorphic qualities that this one does.
Wegner was raised in the south of Denmark, where he served as an apprentice to a cabinetmaker as a child. Inspired to study architecture and design, he enrolled at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, then opened his own studio in 1943, working closely with peers like Arne Jacobsen, Erik Møller and more. Wegner was a leading figure of the Scandinavian modern movement, which championed quality craftsmanship, elegant design and efficient functionality.
The Papa Bear chair was Wegner’s first project with manufacturer A.P. Stolen, which enjoyed numerous collaborations with the designer over time. Originally produced with a solid beechwood frame, Wegner’s chair, with its high backrest, lengthy back legs and comfortable cotton-upholstered cushioning, was designed in 1951 and had its first manufacturing run from 1953 to 1969. Its current production is managed by Danish joinery workshop PP Møbler, and the Papa Bear chair and ottoman are now available in a variety of wood and textile finishes.
$48,399 / set
Danish Modern "Papa" Bear set of 2 armchairs, 1950's
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Uccle, BE
This unique set features two early Papa Bear AP 19 chairs, designed by Hans J. Wegner and crafted by A.P. Stolen in Denmark around 1951. Priced as a pair, we are also open to selling...
Oak
Hans J. Wegner 'Papa Bear' Armchair, A.P. Stolen, Denmark, 1963
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in The Hague, NL
The iconic Papa Bear armchair was designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1951. This armchair on offer here was produced in 1963 by A.P. Stolen, the first and original manufacturer of the AP-1...
Fabric, Wool, Upholstery, Beech, Oak
Armchair 'New Papa Bear' Designed by Hans J. Wegner for AP Stolen
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Stockholm, SE
The “New Papa Bear” armchair by Hans J. Wegner is a refined later interpretation of his iconic Papa Bear Chair (model AP-19), first introduced in 1951 for A.P. Stolen. Produced in De...
Fabric, Oak
$20,650Sale Price / set|30% Off
Pair Hans J. Wegner 'Papa Bear' Armchairs, A.P. Stolen, Denmark W/ Ottoman
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Houston, TX
Great Pair of 1960s Hans Wegner Papa Chairs. They include one ottoman and appear to have been re-upholstered in the 1980s. The Fabric is good shape and can ...
Teak, Fabric
Hans Wegner Early Papa Bear Chair by AP Stolen Original Fabric 1951, Stamped
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
Located in Vienna, AT
Collectors set of two labeled, stamped very early Papa Bear AP 19 chairs (number 13+16) Made in Denmark, Designer Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen, around 1951. Priced as a pair; we will ...
Fabric, Oak, Teak
Original Hans J. Wegner "Papa Bear Chair" AP-19, Teak, AP-Stolen, 1950s Denmark
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
Located in Odense, DK
An exceptional and authentic mid-century masterpiece, this original Hans J. Wegner “Papa Bear” chair with its corresponding ottoman—both produced in the 1950s by A.P. Stolen—embodies...
Teak
Hans Wegner Papa Bear Chair by AP Stolen, 1960s.
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Asaa, DK
Hans Wegner Papa Bear Chair by AP Stolen, 1960s. Fairly early Papa Bear armchair AP-19 with beech frame and legs and teak claws designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1951 for A.P. Stolen De...
Wool, Teak
Hans Wegner AP-19 Papa Bear Chair in Green Boucle Fabric
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in London, England
Hans J. Wegner AP-19 Papa Bear chair, 1953 Vintage, original 1950s production of one of Danish master Hans Wegner's most iconic designs. The Papa Bear is rightly considered one...
Fabric, Wool, Oak
Original papabear chair by Hans Jørgen Wegner, Denmark.
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in København K, DK
AP19 lounge chair in fabric and teak pawns and teak legs. Designed in 1954 by Hans Jørgen Wegner and manufactured by AP Stolen, Denmark. Rusty Peach colour. Also called the Papa bear...
Wool, Teak
Hans Wegner Papa Bear Chair with Ottoman in Loro Piana Nubuck Leather
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
A beautiful, vintage Papa Bear Chair fully restored in the most luxurious nubuck leather from Italian label, Loro Piana. We chose this particul...
Leather
AP 19 - Papa Bear chair & stool in new fabric by Hans J. Wegner
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Copenhagen, DK
AP 19 - Reupholstered Papa Bear chair with matching stool in light textile (A Joy by Dedar, colour 002 Natural) ABOUT THE FURNITURE: This is an original 'Papa Bear chair' by Hans J....
Textile, Oak
Hans Wegner's Papa Bear Chair and Ottoman for A.P. Stolen Denmark, 1950's
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in San Diego, CA
The AP-29, also known as the Papa Bear Chair is truly iconic in newly upholstered grey Maharam wool. The chair features beautiful oak legs and teak paws. The matching ottoman is up...
Wool, Oak, Teak
Hans Wegner AP-19 Papa Bear Chair in Boucle Fabric
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
Located in London, England
Hans J. Wegner AP-19 Papa Bear chair, 1953 Vintage, original 1950s production of one of Danish master Hans Wegner's most iconic designs. The Papa Bear is rightly considered one...
Fabric, Bouclé, Teak
Mid Century Modern Papa Bear Lounge Chair & Ottoman by Hans Wegner, c1950s
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Sweep into the classic, timeless appeal of mid-century modern design with this authentic Hans Wegner Papa Bear Chair and Ottoman. Both pieces w...
Leather, Teak
Pair of Hans J. Wegner AP19 Papa Bear Chairs in Holly Hunt Alpaca
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Dallas, TX
The Hans J. Wegner 1914-2007 "Papa Bear" Chair, model AP19, produced for A.P Mobler and designed in 1951, epitomizes luxurious comfort and timeless craftsmanship. Upholstered with Ho...
Upholstery, Teak
Hans J. Wegner AP19 Papa Bear Chair in Holly Hunt Alpaca
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Dallas, TX
The Hans J. Wegner 1914-2007 "Papa Bear" Chair, model AP19, produced for A.P Mobler and designed in 1951, epitomizes luxurious comfort and timeless craftsmanship. Upholstered with Ho...
Upholstery, Teak
Hans Wegner Rosewood Papa Bear Chair in Boucle Fabric
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
Located in London, England
Hans J. Wegner - AP-19 Papa Bear Chair, 1953 Vintage, original 1950s production of one of Danish master Hans Wegner's most iconic designs. The Papa Bear is rightly considered one ...
Fabric, Wool, Rosewood
Hans Wegner AP-19 Papa Bear Chair in Green Wool Fabric
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in London, England
Hans J. Wegner AP-19 Papa Bear chair, 1953 Vintage, original 1950s production of one of Danish master Hans Wegner's most iconic designs. The Papa Bear is rightly considered one...
Fabric, Wool, Oak
Hans Wegner Dining Table for Andreas Tuck
By Hans J. Wegner, Andreas Tuck Møbelfabrik
Located in San Francisco, CA
Hans Wegner design dining table for Andreas Tuck, Denmark. High qulaity construction and materials executed with an oak base and contrasting teak top and leaves by the cabinetry shop...
Oak, Teak
Hans Wegner Papa Bear Chairfor A.P. Stolen Denmark, 1950's
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
Located in San Diego, CA
The Papa Bear Chair is absolutely stunning. The AP-29 is a truly iconic chair newly upholstered in a soft beautiful grey Maharam wool. The chair features beautiful oak legs and tea...
Oak, Teak, Wool
Hans J. Wegner Papa Bear Chair for AP Stolen
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in San Francisco, CA
Hans J. Wegner design Papa Bear chair for AP Stolen, Denmark. Simply the most comfortable chair ever made, completely restored including refinishing, new foam, webbing and strengthen...
Upholstery, Teak
Iconic Papa Bear Wingback Chair by Hans Wegner, 1951
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Kensington, MD
Iconic Papa Bear Wingback Chair by Hans Wegner, 1951 Additional information: Material: Upholstery, Oak, Teak We are pleased to offer this true icon of Danish design, the incredibly ...
Upholstery, Oak, Teak
Hans J. Wegner Papa Bear Chair, 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Stockholm, SE
Newly reupholstered in fabric "Mons" from Astrid Textiles. Very good condition. Produced by A.P. Stolen in Denmark.
Sheepskin, Oak, Teak
$26,085Sale Price / set|25% Off
Hans Wegner Papa Bear Chair with Stool in Lambs Wool Hide
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in London, GB
“Papa bear chair” and foot stool. Easy chair with legs of beech, “nails” of teak. Seat, sides and button fitted back upholstered with natural colour lambs wool hide. Footstool made o...
Sheepskin
Easy Chair in Rosewood & Reupholstered in Kvadrat Fabric by Hans Wegner, 1950's
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Easy Chair in Rosewood & Reupholstered in Kvadrat™ Fabric by Hans Wegner, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Rosewood and newly reupholstered in Kvadrat™ fabric Style: Mid cen...
Rosewood, Fabric
Original AP19 "Papa Bear"chair by Hans J. Wegner A.P. Stolen Leather oak teak
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
An original AP19 “Papa bear” chair designed by Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen, designed in 1951 and made in Denmark. This example with new black leather and featuring oak legs and t...
Leather, Oak, Teak
$3,400 / set
Pair of Hans J. Wegner Chair FH 4103 Heart Chair
By Hans J. Wegner, Fritz Hansen
Located in Vienna, AT
Hans J. Wegner stockable ‘heart’ tripod chairs, the seat made of the veneered teak frame and top rail of teak, Designed in 1952. Produced by Fritz Hansen, model FH 4103. Fully restor...
Oak, Teak
Hans Wegner Papa Bear Chair and Footstool
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Saint Louis, US
This Papa Bear Chair is a sculpture for comfort. It is a fine example of one the more exclusive products of the Danish Modern period. It is considered a masterpiece of the design per...
Leather, Foam, Wood
Papa Bear Armchair & Footrest, Hans Wegner, Denmark, c. 1950
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in New York, NY
The celebrated Papa Bear chair with matching footrest. Dimensions listed are for chair.
Upholstery, Oak, Teak
Papa Bear Chair Model AP 19 In Grey Hallingdal With Teak Nails By Hans J. Wegner
By P.P. Møbler 1, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Lejre, DK
the Papa Bear Chair model AP19, designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1951. The chair is upholstered in light grey Hallingdal fabric and has armrests in solid teak. A piece of furniture that...
Fabric, Teak
Hans Wegner Rosewood Papa Bear Chair in Off-White Fabric
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
Located in London, England
Hans J. Wegner - AP-19 Papa Bear Chair, 1953 Vintage, original 1950s production of one of Danish master Hans Wegner's most iconic designs. The Papa Bear is rightly considered one of...
Fabric, Wool, Rosewood
Danish Modern Leather "Papa Bear" Chair by Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Gorgeous vintage “Papa Bear” chair designed by the famous Danish architect and furniture maker Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen in Denmark, circa...
Leather, Oak, Teak
Hans J. Wegner AP19 Papa Bear Chair in Holly Hunt Alpaca
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Dallas, TX
The Hans J. Wegner 1914-2007 "Papa Bear" Chair, model AP19, produced for A.P Mobler and designed in 1951, epitomizes luxurious comfort and timeless craftsmanship. Upholstered with Ho...
Upholstery, Teak
Mid-Century Modern Danish Lounge Chair "Papa Bear" by Hans Wegner
By Hans J. Wegner, PP Møbler
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern Danish lounge chair "Papa Bear" by Hans Wegner for PP Møbler. New released. Available with fabrick or leather. Price for fabrick model. Quote on demand. Delivery t...
Leather
$4,416Sale Price|26% Off
Hans J Wegner GE421 Getama Oak Relax Armchair with Adjustable Backrest
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Oirlo, LI
Hans J Wegner GE421 Getama Oak Relax Armchair with Adjustable Backrest Discover the perfect combination of style and comfort with the Hans J Wegner GE421 Getama relax armchair. This...
Fabric, Oak
Hans J. Wegner Papa Bear AP19 chair by A.P. Stolen Denmark Leather and teak
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
An original AP19 “Papa bear” chair designed by Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen, designed in 1951 and made in Denmark. This example with new black leather and featuring teak legs and ...
Leather, Teak
Designer Susan Yeley turned to 1stDibs to outfit an Indiana home with standout pieces that complement its modernist style.
A well-made armchair, table or pendant lamp can afford both comfort and convenience. An exceptional one can transform a space. See how the honorees on this year’s 1stDibs 50 list of top interior designers used standout pieces to create the kind of rooms you never want to leave.