Skip to main content
Papa Bear Chair
Iconic Designs

Papa Bear Chair

About the Design

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 modernism 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 his career. 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 chair and ottoman are now available in a variety of wood and textile finishes.

Papa Bear Chair

to
16
14
30
22
20
19
13
Hans Wegner Papa Bear Lounge Chair & Ottoman, Classic Modernist Design, Denmark
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Buffalo, NY
Hans J. Wegner for AP sTOLEN easy chair with ottoman , model AP Papa Bear, Fabric , oak,, made in Denmark.. designed in 1951,, I believe this chair and ottoman to be early production...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Hans Wegner Papa Bear Chair & Ottoman for A.P. Stolen Denmark, 1950's
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in San Diego, CA
The Papa Bear Chair & Ottoman is an absolutely stunning lounge chair by Hans Wegner for A.P. Stolen, Denmark, 1950's AP-19, with matching ottoman AP-29. A truly iconic chair newly up...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak, 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...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Teak

Hans J. Wegner, Papa Bear Chair
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Nordhavn, DK
Hans J. Wegner 1914-2007. "Papa Bear" chair, model AP19 produced for A.P Mobler. Designed in 1951. Upholstered with Hallingdal wool from Danish Kvadrat with leather trimmings and buttons. Teak nails ("paws") and legs. The Papa Bear Chair is of one of Danish master Hans Wegner's most iconic designs. The Papa Bear is rightly considered one of the most important and desirable pieces of furniture of the 20th century; the perfect balance of comfort and aesthetic beauty. The chair got it's name from a journalist who was assigned to write a review...
Category

Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Wingback Chairs

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Teak

Hans J. Wegner AP19 Papa Bear Chair
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Dallas, TX
Hans J. Wegner 1914-2007. "Papa Bear" chair, model AP19 produced for A.P Mobler. Designed in 1951. Upholstered with Holly Hunt Boucle'. Teak nails ("paws") and legs. We have extra fa...
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

Hans Wegner AP-19 Papa Bear Chair in for A.P. Stolen, Denmark, circa 1952
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Hans Wegner AP-19 papa bear chair for A.P. Stolen, Denmark, circa 1952. This piece has been expertly restored in Kravet Couture tan & gray wool upholstery. A.P. Stolen Makers stamp t...
Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wool, Teak

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.
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Oak, Teak

Papa Bear Chair & Ottoman by Hans J. Wegner for AP Stolen
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Hans Wegner Papa Bear chair and ottoman. This example was purchased in Copenhagen in 1955 and has been newly and masterfully restored. Upholstered in Belgian wool and newly finished...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wool, Teak

Hans J. Wegner Daybed or Sofa for GETAMA Model GE7
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in San Francisco, CA
Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA Sofa Daybed Model GE7, Denmark. Ingenious design by the Master of Danish modern furniture, a sofa that converts to a ...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Upholstery, Cane, Teak

Hans J. Wegner Ap19 Papa Bear Chair and Ottoman
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Introducing the timeless beauty of the Original 1960s AP-19 Lounge Chair, affectionately known as the legendary Papa Bear Chair. Immerse yourself in the lap of luxury with this exqui...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Teak

Papa Bear Chair by Hans J. Wegner for PP Mobler
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Porto, PT
Papa Bear Chair designed by Hans J Wegner in 1951, Denmark. handcrafted using the best materials, The wooden strong frame with long armrests which are not fixed to the seat, Two si...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Papa Bear Chair by Hans J. Wegner
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Porto, PT
Papa Bear chair by Hans Wegner for PP Mobler The most comfortable and easy chair of all times. The strong solid wooden frame constitutes the foundation on which the comprehensive a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wool, Wood

Hans Wegner Papa Bear Chair and Ottoman for A.P. Stolen
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in San Francisco, CA
Hans J. Wegner design "Papa Bear" chair and matching ottoman produced for A.P. Stolen, Denmark. This an original matched set that has been perfectly refinished and newly upholstered ...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Oak, Teak

Pair of Hans Wegner "Papa Bear" Lounge Chairs by AP Stolen
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans Wegner's most iconic chair, the “Papa Bear Chair” (Model AP19), made in the early 1950s by AP Stolen. These pieces feature elegant paneled detailing in the backrest upholstery, a dramatic wing-back, and cantilevered arms. The outstretched arms were once described by a critic as, “great bear...
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Teak

Danish Modern Hans Wegner AP-19 Papa Bear Armchair 1950's
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Brussels, BE
This iconic Papa Bear chair was reupholstered in a wool flannel. The wingback Papa Bear chair, also known as the Teddy Bear chair, has two outstretch...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wool, Teak

Hans Wegner AP-19 Papa Bear Chair in for A.P. Stolen, Denmark, circa 1952
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Hans Wegner AP-19 papa bear chair for A.P. Stolen, Denmark, circa 1952. This piece has been expertly restored in Andrew Martin grey wool upholstery. Retains the original Danish Contr...
Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wool, Teak

Hans Wegner Suite of Chairs Papa Bear
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A rare opportunity to purchase a matching set of Hans Wegner's most iconic and celebrated chairs. The "Papa Bear" chair and "Baby Bear" chairs are perhaps the most comfortable chairs ever created. The Papa cradles you in its ample seating area surrounded by large arms. Very useful as the arms are raised from the seating area which allows the sitter to move freely , with legs under, to talk to guests, play with pets, or read in comfort. Professionally reupholstered and restored with the best Hallingdal wool upholstery and with spot on Danish colours for the seat cushions. Can be sold separately if needed but this listing is for the four pieces as a set. Pieces include the Papa, two Baby Bears, and the ottoman . A second ottoman available at added cost. About the Design: The wingback Papa Bear chair, also known as the Teddy Bear chair...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wool, Teak

Hans Wegner for A P Stolen, Model AP-19 Papa Bear Chair, Stamped by Maker
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Iconic Modern Design in the form of the Hans Wegner "Papa Bear" Chair, created in 1953 for A P Stolen of Denmark. Oak "paws" and legs supporting a fram...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Oak

1960’s Hans Wegner Papa Bear Chair by AP Stolen
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Beautiful Papa Bear chair by Hans Wegner manufactured by A.P. Stolen. There is a Danish Control tag to the underside of chair. Provenance: Purchased in 1963 from Anton Dam...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wood

Hans Wegner AP-19 Papa Bear Chair in Boucle Fabric
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in London, GB
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...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé, Teak

Hans Wegner Rosewood Papa Bear Chair in Boucle Fabric
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
Located in London, GB
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 ...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wool, Rosewood

Teak ''Papa Bear'' Chair and Ottoman by Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Montreal, QC
Teak ''Papa Bear'' chair and ottoman by Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen Bearing the tag: "Furnituremakers Danish Control" Provenance: Acquired in 1959 by the original owner | Private ...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Teak

Hans J. Wegner Papa Bear Chair for A.P. Stolen
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Hans J. Wegner Papa Bear chair with rosewood nails and beech legs. Upholstered in light fabric. Executed by A.P. Stolen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wool, Beech, Rosewood

Hans Wegner AP-19 Papa Bear Chair in Green Boucle Fabric
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
Located in London, GB
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...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wool, Oak

Hans Wegner AP-19 Papa Bear Chair in Grey Wool Fabric
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in London, GB
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...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wool, Oak

Pair of Hans Wegner AP-19 'Papa Bear" Armchairs for A.P. Stolen, Denmark, 1950s
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of Hans Wegner AP-19 'Papa Bear" Armchairs for A.P. Stolen, Denmark, 1950s New upholstery.
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Fabric

Hans Wegner Papa Bear Ottoman, Model AP-29
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in San Francisco, CA
Hans Wegner Papa Bear chair ottoman, model AP-29. Perfect as a casual bench or stool. Made from solid shaped teak with original bl...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Materials

Leather, Teak

Hans J. Wegner Ap19 Papa Bear Chair
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Burnaby, BC
This is World class living art. Danish Mid-Century Modern AP19 "PAPA BEAR" Chair by Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen, 1953. Incredibly comfortable chair b...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Teak, Fabric

Hans Wegner AP-19 Papa Bear Chair in Green Wool Fabric
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
Located in London, GB
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...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wool, Oak

Rocking Chair by H. Wegner for GETAMA Model Ge-673 Oak
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Oostrum-Venray, NL
Here is Hans Wegner's iconic"Keyhole Chair"for GETAMA. Its name comes from the holes in the front beams to insert the seat support beams. Oak and ...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Oak

Mid-Century Modern Danish Lounge Chair "Papa Bear" by Hans Wegner
By PP Møbler, Hans J. Wegner
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...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather

Hans J. Wegner Lounge Chair Model AP-27
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in San Francisco, CA
Hans J. Wegner lounge chair model AP-27 for A.P. Stolen, Denmark. Often referred to as the "Mama Bear" chair it offers extreme comfort and great ergonomic positioning for reading or...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wool, Upholstery, Teak

More Hans J. Wegner Designs
Papa Bear Chair
Papa Bear Chair
Average Price
$27,333
Number Available
31
Papa Bear Chair
Materials
Wood, Fabric, Hardwood, Teak, Wool
Styles
Mid Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern
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...
Shop All
Hans Wegner Round Chair
Hans Wegner Round Chair
Average Price
$12,656
Number Available
31
Hans Wegner Round Chair
Materials
Wood, Hardwood, Teak, Natural Fiber, Animal Skin, Leather, Oak
Styles
Scandinavian Modern
In September of 1960, when Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy sat down for the first nationally televised presidential debate, the two candidates rested on one of the most celebrated designs of the 20th century. Often called simply “The Chair,” the Round chair is one of hundreds designed by Hans J. Wegner (1914–2007). As he once said, “The good chair is a task one is never completely done with.” Nicknamed the “Master of the Chair,” influential Danish designer Wegner inventively used natural ma...
Shop All
Wishbone Chair
Wishbone Chair
Average Price
$3,529
Number Available
21
Wishbone Chair
Materials
Wood, Natural Fiber, Papercord, Oak
Styles
Mid Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern
Although Hans Wegner’s (1914–2007) Wishbone chair stands as a classic exemplar of mid-century Danish design, its aesthetic roots actually begin farther east. In the 1940s, Wegner, then a recent graduate of the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and working for Arne Jacobsen and Erik Møller, was inspired by a series of photos of Danish merchants sitting in Chinese Ming Dynasty–era armchairs. The chairs were recognizable for the single, curved shape that made up their back and arms, a simplified...
Shop All
Hans Wegner China Chair
Hans Wegner China Chair
Average Price
$15,031
Number Available
16
Hans Wegner China Chair
Materials
Wood, Animal Skin, Leather, Cherry, Hardwood
Styles
Scandinavian Modern
When he designed the first edition of his modest Chinese chair — or China chair — Denmark native Hans Wegner (1914–2007) had been reportedly moved by portraits he’d seen of Danish businessmen relaxing in traditional round-backed Ming dynasty–era chairs. While the legendary furniture maker’s tribute to East Asian seating — a minimal cherrywood chair with a curved bentwood back support and removable leather seat cushion — called on Oriental forms that preceded him by hundreds of years, it merge...
Shop All