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
19
13
33
23
21
21
12
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
Hans J. Wegner Papa Bear AP19 chair by A.P. Stolen Denmark Leather and 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 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 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...
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, 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 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 GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
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 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 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 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 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
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 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
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 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 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
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 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
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 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 Wegner AP-19 Papa Bear Chair in Grey 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
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 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
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
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 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
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 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 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 J. Wegner for AP Stolen Papa Bear Chair & Ottoman
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
More Hans J. Wegner Designs
Hans Wegner Round Chair
Average Price
$12,368
Number Available
34
Hans Wegner Round Chair
Materials
Wood, Hardwood, Teak, Natural Fiber, Oak, Animal Skin, Cane, Leather
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...
Papa Bear Chair
Average Price
$25,554
Number Available
32
Papa Bear Chair
Materials
Wood, Hardwood, Teak, Fabric, Oak, Wool
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...
Wishbone Chair
Average Price
$3,665
Number Available
23
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...
Hans Wegner China Chair
Average Price
$19,783
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...
Read More
Iconic Furniture Makes This 1958 Midwestern Home a True Mid-Century Gem
Designer Susan Yeley turned to 1stDibs to outfit an Indiana home with standout pieces that complement its modernist style.
Iconic Furniture Gives These 1stDibs 50 Rooms Timeless Appeal
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.