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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

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Hans Wegner Papa Bear Chair in Lambs Wool Hide
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in London, GB
“Papa bear chair”. Easy chair with legs of beech, “nails” of teak. Seat, sides and button fitted back upholstered with natural colour lambs wool hide. Model AP 19. Designed 1951. Ma...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Sheepskin

Papa Bear Chair and Ottoman by Hans Wegner
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
The "Papa Bear" chair and ottoman, masterfully crafted by Hans Wagner, embody mid-century modern charm and ergonomic excellence. This iconic duo has undergone a professional transfor...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wool, Wood

Hans Wegner AP 28 "Mama Bear" Lounge Chair for AP Stolen, ca. 1950's Denmark
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
Located in Munroe Falls, OH
This is an original vintage "Mama Bear" lounge chair designed by Hans Wegner for AP Stolen, ca. 1956, Denmark. These chairs were made by expert cabinetmakers by hand with only the fi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wool, Teak

Hans Wegner AP 20 "Baby Bear" Lounge Chair for AP Stolen, ca. 1950's Denmark
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
Located in Munroe Falls, OH
This is an original vintage "Baby Bear" lounge chair designed by Hans Wegner for AP Stolen, ca. 1956, Denmark. These chairs were made by expert cabinetmakers by hand with only the fi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wool, 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 an absolutely stunning AP-29. A truly iconic chair newly upholstered in the most beautiful grey Maharam wool The chair features beautiful oak legs and teak p...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Oak, Teak, Wool

Danish Modern Leather "Papa Bear" Chair by Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
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...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak, Teak

Papa Bear Chair by Hans Wegner
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
The Papa Bear Chair, a classic design by Hans Wagner, showcases timeless elegance with its iconic mid-century modern silhouette. This particular piece has been meticulously reupholst...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wool, Wood

AP 19 - Papa Bear Chair in green leather By Hans J. Wegner
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Copenhagen, DK
AP 19 - Reupholstered Papa Bear Chair in dark green 'Dunes' aniline leather (colour: Racing Green). ABOUT THE ITEM: This is an original ‘Papa Bear Chair' by Hans J. Wegner, produced...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Wingback Chairs

Materials

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....
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Textile, Oak

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

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Oak

Hans Wegner AP19 Stool
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Greensboro, NC
Iconic Hans Wegner foot stool produced by A.P. Stolen, Denmark 1959, distributed by Povl Dinesen Denmark Stool is in original condition, with t...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Footstools

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

Hans Wegner Dining Table for Andreas Tuck
By Andreas Tuck Møbelfabrik, Hans J. Wegner
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...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Oak, Teak

Rare Hans Wegner Desk Model AT325 by Andreas Tuck, 1960
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Oostrum-Venray, NL
Rare Hans Wegner Desk Model AT325 by Andreas Tuck, 1960 Hans Wegner desk model AT325 for Andreas Tuck, Denmark. This is an oak desk and we had it completely renovated by a furnitu...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

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 ...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Teak

Original AP19 "Papa Bear"chair by Hans J. Wegner A.P. Stolen Leather oak 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 oak legs and t...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak, Teak

Hans Wegner Papa Bear Chair in Teak and Wool
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A terrific early Papabear chair designed by Hans J. Wegner in the late 60's. This example in solid teak. Solid paws and feet with upholstery in Haling...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Teak

Hans Wegner Cigar Lounge Chairs, Model GE 240
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in San Francisco, CA
Hans J. Wegner design "Cigar" chairs Model 240 for GETAMA. Handsome Scandinavian design lounge or easy chairs by the master Hans Wegner, Denmark. Masculine solid chairs executed wit...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak, 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...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather

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 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

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

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

Hans J. Wegner, Papa Bear Chair
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Kastrup, 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 Wegner Rosewood 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, Wool, Rosewood

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

Mid Century Modern Papa Bear Lounge Chair & Ottoman by Hans Wegner, c1950s
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
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

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 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 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 AP-19 Papa Bear Chair in Green 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, Wool, Oak

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 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 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

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

1960’s Hans Wegner Papa Bear Chair by AP Stolen
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
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 Green 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

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 Papa Bear Chair for A.P. Stolen
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
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

More Hans J. Wegner Designs
Papa Bear Chair
Papa Bear Chair
Average Price
$25,765
Number Available
38
Papa Bear Chair
Materials
Wood, Fabric, Hardwood, Teak, Wool, Oak
Styles
Scandinavian Modern, Mid Century 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...
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Hans Wegner Round Chair
Hans Wegner Round Chair
Average Price
$11,011
Number Available
31
Hans Wegner Round Chair
Materials
Wood, Hardwood, Teak, Natural Fiber, Oak, Cane
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...
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Wishbone Chair
Wishbone Chair
Average Price
$3,875
Number Available
21
Wishbone Chair
Materials
Wood, Natural Fiber, Oak, Papercord
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...
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Hans Wegner China Chair
Hans Wegner China Chair
Average Price
$20,367
Number Available
17
Hans Wegner China Chair
Materials
Wood, Animal Skin, Leather
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...
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