The Safari chair, created by legendary Danish designer Kaare Klint (1888–1954) in 1933, has roots in one of the earliest known examples of do-it-yourself furniture. Specific accounts vary, but Klint was inspired by an image of a Roorkhee chair (perhaps spotted in a travel guide) being used on an African safari.
Named for the headquarters of the Indian Army Corps of Engineers in Roorkhee, a city in Northern India, the Roorkhee chair was a military campaign chair that was popular with British officers during World War I. The chair’s maker, who was tasked in the late 19th century with developing lightweight, adaptable seating that could be quickly taken apart for the British military, remains unknown. The Roorkhee’s seat was made of stretched canvas while the armrests were leather straps, and it was probably the design’s practical simplicity that appealed to Klint, who is celebrated for having incorporated rigorous research on precedents, proportions and materials into his designs.
At the time of the Safari chair’s inception, Klint — whose start in design owes to the influence of his father, architect P.V. Jensen Klint, as well as a furniture-making apprenticeship at age 15 — was already playing a prominent role in the trajectory of Danish design. He was a professor at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in furniture design (a department he founded in 1924), where his students included Hans Wegner, Ole Wanscher and others. Through his own remarkable designs as well as his teaching, Klint became known as the “father of Danish modernism.”
Although Klint’s interpretation of the clever military campaign chair design is the most faithful to the original, other modern chairs based on the Roorkhee include Le Corbusier’s Basculant chair and the Wassily chair designed by Marcel Breuer.
The Safari chair’s flexible structure sees an integration of loose mortise-and-tenon joints that are strengthened when someone sits in it. As compared to vintage versions of the Roorkhee, it’s clear that Klint made important changes in designing his chair, such as an angling of the seat that better supports ergonomics. The chair was originally produced by Rud Rasmussen Snedkerier and exhibited at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition in 1933.
Today, the solid wood Safari — made of Danish ash with a canvas or ox-hide seat and saddle-leather armrests — is manufactured by Carl Hansen & Søn. A seat cushion and footstool are available, and like its lightweight 1930s-era prototype, the chair can be assembled and taken apart without the use of tools.
Kaare Klint "Safari" Lounge Chairs in Black Leather & Ash, Rud Rasmussen, 1950s
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Odense, DK
Beautiful pair of vintage "Safari" chairs in deeply patinated black leather and dark stained solid ash. Designed by Kaare Klint in the 1930s and manufactured by cabinetmaker Rud. Ras...
Leather, Ash
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, Safari Chair with ottoman
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen. Safari chair new upholstered with Vintage aniline leather. With ottoman. Frame in solid ash. Model Safari chair, made by Rud Rasmussen.
Leather, Ash
Kaare Klint Safari Chair by Rud Rasmussen, Ash Frame & Leather
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen. Safari chair new upholstered with Vintage aniline leather. Straps maintained in the original patinated lea...
Leather, Ash
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, Pair of Safari Chairs
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen. Pair of Safari chairs new upholstered with vintage aniline leather. New straps of butt hide leather. Frame in solid ash. Model Safari chair, made...
Leather, Ash
Safari Chair by Kaare Klint, 1969
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning safari chair designed by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen’s Snedkerier, with patinated ash frame, seat, back, straps and loose cushion in leather, designed in 1933, produced 1...
Leather, Ash
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen Safari Chairs in Brown Canvas and Ash
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, pair of safari chairs model 'KK47000', ash, canvas, metal, brass, leather, Denmark, designed in 1933 and produced in 1960s. The chair shows very eleg...
Metal, Brass
Kaare Klint KK47000 "Safari" Chair in Patinated Leather, Denmark, 1930s
By Kaare Klint
Located in Utrecht, NL
Kaare Klint’s “KK47000” Safari chair is a refined version of the chairs brought on an African safari by an American cinematographer and his wife. Klint noticed the chairs in the couple’s photos, and they were most likely based on Roorkhee Chairs, the seminal pieces of British campaign furniture used by the military...
Leather, Wood
Safari Chair by Kaare Klindt in Cognac Leather
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Karlstad, SE
Classic Safari chair by Kaare Klindt, manufactured by Rud Rasmusen, Denmark. This chair shows perfect original patina on the leather. Condition: The leather is well taken care of an...
Leather, Ash
$1,529Sale Price|33% Off
Kaare Klint, Cognac Leather Safari Chair for Rud Rasmussen, 1960s
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Uppsala, SE
The legendary safari chair in cognac coloured leather on a very dark oak frame designed by the grandfather of Danish design, Kaare Klint, in 1933 for his long time collaborator Rud R...
Leather, Oak
Kaare Klint Safari Chair Produced by Rud Rasmussen in Denmark
By Kaare Klint
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare safari chair designed by Kaare Klint. Produced by Rud Rasmussen in Denmark.
Brass
Pair of Safari Lounge chairs by Kaare Klint, Rasmussen, Denmark
By Kaare Klint
Located in Argelato, BO
Pair of Safari lounge chairs by Kaare Klint, Rasmussen, Denmark Pair of Safari Lounge Chairs, in leather and wood, model KK47000 by Kaare Klint (1888-1954) for Rud. Rasmussen Snedke...
Leather, Wood
Pair of Kaare Klint Safari Lounge Chairs for Rud Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Danish lounge chairs designed by Kaare Klint in 1933 and produced by Rud Rasmussen in the 1960s. This pair features an ash wood frame strapped together by camel-colored leather sling...
Brass
Kaare Klint Safari Chair, Black Leather & Ash Frame, Denmark, 1960s
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen. Safari chair new upholstered with black aniline leather. Straps in new butt leather. Frame in solid ash black laquered ash. Model Safari chair, m...
Leather, Ash
Kaare Klint Safari Chair by Rud Rasmussen, Black Leather, 1960s
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen. Safari chair new upholstered with black aniline leather. Straps in new butt leather. Frame in solid ash...
Leather, Ash
Kaare Klint "Safari" Reclining Armchair and Ottoman
By Kaare Klint
Located in Austin, TX
Iconic black leather Safari chair by Kaare Klint with matching ottoman/footstool. The chair reclines well and supports weight. Original leather straps are in tact with a minimal amou...
Leather, Wood
Kaare Klint Safari Chair, Rasmussen Edition
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stamford, CT
A Model KK47000 Kaare Klint Safari chair produced in Denmark by Rasmussen.
Leather
Kaare Klint Safari Chair, Rasmussen Edition
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stamford, CT
Kaare Klint Safari chair - Rasmussen Edition of canvas and leather. With later canvas.
Leather, Canvas
Kaare Klint Safari Chair, Black Leather & Ash Frame, Denmark, 1960s
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen. Safari chair new upholstered with black aniline leather. Straps in new butt leather. Frame in solid ash...
Leather, Ash
Pair of Safari Easy Chairs in Ash, Brass and Leather by Kaare Klint, 1950's
By Kaare Klint
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of Safari Easy Chairs in Ash, Brass and Leather by Kaare Klint, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Ash, brass and leather Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Rud...
Brass
Pair of Pristine Midcentury Lounge Chairs in Patinated Leather by Kaare Klint
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Lejre, DK
Pair of safari chairs in patinated leather. Designed by Maa. Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen Cabinetmakers of Denmark in 1933. Great original condition.
Leather, Ash
$2,478 / item
H 31.5 in W 22.05 in D 22.84 in
Kaare Klint Safari Chair, Black Leather & Ash Frame, Denmark, 1960s
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen. Safari chair new upholstered with black aniline leather. Straps in new butt leather. Frame in solid ash black laquered ash. Model Safari chair, m...
Leather, Ash
Kaare Klint Two-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint freestanding two-seat sofas on six-legged, profiled mahogany cross-frame. Sides, seat and back upholstered with black horsehair. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen, Copenhagen.
Leather, Mahogany
On Hold|$4,485 / set
H 35.04 in W 22.45 in D 18.51 in
Kaare Klint Pair of Armchairs for Rud. Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint a pair of armchairs in mahogany. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen. Reverse with paper label ‘RUD. RASMUSSEN/SNEDKERIER/45 NØRREBROGADE/KØBENHAVN and architect's monogrammed pa...
Leather, Mahogany
Kaare Klint Red Chair, Rud. Rasmussen, 1930s
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint 'Red Chair' in Cuban mahogany, Niger leather and brass nails. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen 1936-1940. Underside with manufacturer's paper label RUD. RASMUSSENS/SNEDKERIER/...
Brass
$29,252 / set
H 35.83 in W 24.02 in D 26.38 in
Pair of Kaare Klint Model 4488 Bergere Chairs in Mahogany and Rosewood
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in London, England
Kaare Klint - Model 4488 Bergere Chairs, 1931. A stunning pair of the iconic Bergere chairs by the father of the Danish Modern movement: Kaare Klint. The chairs were produced by mas...
Leather, Cane, Mahogany
$41,309 / set
H 31.89 in W 27.56 in D 29.53 in
Kaare Klint Easy Chairs Model 5313 Produced by Rud. Rasmussen in Denmark
By Kaare Klint
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of easy chairs model 5313 designed by Kaare Klint. Produced by Rud. Rasmussen Cabinetmakers in Denmark.
Leather, Mahogany
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, Pair of Safari Chairs
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen. Pair of Safari chairs new upholstered with mokka aniline leather. New straps of butt hide leather. Frame in solid ash. Model Safari chair, made by Ru...
Leather, Ash
Kaare Klint Three-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint freestanding three-seat sofa. Sides, seat and back upholstered with savak. Model 5011. Original condition. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen, Copenhagen. Reverse with paper lab...
Mahogany, Wool
$6,400 / set
H 31.5 in W 22.84 in D 22.84 in
Kaare Klint, a Pair of Safari Chairs in Ash & Leather, Rud. Rasmussen, 1960s
By Kaare Klint
Located in Odense, DK
A gorgeous pair of vintage Safari chairs in a lovely patinated cognac leather and solid ash. Designed in 1933 by Kaare Klint and manufactured by Rud. Rasmussen, Copenhagen, Denmark. ...
Leather, Wood, Ash
$1,280Sale Price / set|53% Off
H 13.39 in W 22.45 in D 22.45 in
Pair of Vintage Refurbished Kaare Klint Safari Chairs from the 1960s
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Søborg, DK
A vintage pair of refurbished Kaare Klint safari chairs from the 1960s by Rud Rasmussen furniture markers in Copenhagen. KK47000 was designed in 1933 as a modern collapsible chair...
Leather
$1,529Sale Price|33% Off
H 31.5 in W 22.45 in D 22.84 in
Kaare Klint, Cognac Leather Safari Chair for Rud Rasmussen, 1960s
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Uppsala, SE
The legendary safari chair in cognac coloured leather on a very dark oak frame designed by the grandfather of Danish design, Kaare Klint, in 1933 for his long time collaborator Rud R...
Leather, Oak
Kaare Klint Bergere for Rud, Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint bergere of mahogany. Sides, seat and back with woven cane. Loose cushions in seat and back upholstered with patinated leather. Executed...
Leather, Mahogany, Rosewood
Sold
H 31.5 in W 22.45 in D 23.63 in
‘Safari’ Easy Chair by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, Denmark 1950s
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Antwerp, BE
Lovely ‘Safari’ easy chair by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, Denmark 1950s. This chair embody the essence of Danish modernism, combining elegance, functionality, and craftsmanship. I...
Canvas, Oak
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, Safari Chairs
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen. Safari chairs original patinated aniline leather. Straps maintained in the original patinated leather. Frame in solid ash. Model Safari chair, made b...
Leather, Ash
Safari Chair Kaare Klint Denmark, 1950s
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in London, GB
Description: A black leather Safari Chair, designed by Kaare Klint in 1933 and produced by Rud Rasmussen during the 1950s.This leather "Safari" or " Campaign" chair was designed by D...
Leather
Sold
H 31.5 in W 22.45 in D 22.05 in
Set Of Two Safari Armchairs Made In Ash & Brown Canvas By Kaare Klint
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Lejre, DK
A set of safari armchairs designed by Kaare Klint and manufactured by Rud. Rasmussen. The chairs are made of ash wood with a seat and back in brown canvas and armrests in full grain ...
Ash
Sold
H 31.5 in W 22.45 in D 22.45 in
Safari armchair designed by Kaare Klint for Rasmussen black leather
By Kaare Klint
Located in SAINT-YRIEIX-SUR-CHARENTE, FR
Safari’ armchair designed in 1933 by Kaare Klint (1888-1954), edited in the 1950s by Rud Rasmussen in Denmark. Made from stained ash and leather, this armchair is self-assembling and...
Leather, Ash
Sold
H 31.89 in W 22.84 in D 22.84 in
Kaare Klint Safari Chair in Black Leather and Ash for Rud Rasmussen, Denmark
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Iconic pair Safari armchairs (model KK 47000) designed by Kaare Klint in 1933 and manufactured by Rud Rasmussen, Denmark. Ash wooden frame upholstered with black leather seat, back a...
Leather, Ash
Safari Chair by Kaare Klint for Rud, Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Oakland, CA
Iconic original safari chair by professor Kaare Klint. Designed 1927. This version dates to the 1960s and is executed in solid stained ash. Nice patina to the wood, and left unrestor...
Leather, Canvas, Ash
Sold
H 31.89 in W 22.84 in D 22.84 in
Kaare Klint "Safari" Lounge Chairs in Red Leather and Ash, Rud Rasmussen, 1950s
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Odense, DK
Absolutely stunning pair of vintage "Safari" chairs in deeply patinated red oxhide and solid ash. Designed by Kaare Klint in the 1930s and manufactured by cabinetmaker Rud. Rasmussen...
Leather, Ash
Sold
H 31.5 in W 22.84 in D 22.84 in
Pair ‘Safari’ Easy Chairs by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, Denmark 1950s
By Kaare Klint
Located in Bochum, NRW
Lovely pair ‘Safari’ model 4700 easy chairs by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, Denmark 1950s. This set features a frame made out of stained oak with leather straps. Frame in oak with ...
Leather, Fabric, Oak
Sold
H 31.89 in W 22.84 in D 22.84 in
Kaare Klint Safari Chair in Grey Canvas and Dark Stained Ash for Rud Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Iconic Safari armchair (model KK 47000) designed by Kaare Klint in 1933 and manufactured by Rud Rasmussen, Denmark. Dark brown stained Ash wooden frame upholstered with grey / blue c...
Ash, Canvas
Sold
H 31.89 in W 22.84 in D 22.84 in
Kaare Klint Safari Chair in Brown Leather and Ash for Rud Rasmussen, Denmark
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Iconic Safari armchair (model KK 47000) designed by Kaare Klint in 1933 and manufactured by Rud Rasmussen, Denmark. Ash wooden frame upholstered with brown leather seat, back and los...
Leather, Ash
Kaare Klint Safari Chair by Rud Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint
Located in Balen, BE
Kaare Klint's Safari Chair produced by Rud Rasmussen Snedkeri in Copenhagen, Denmark. High end version in black leather and dark stained ash, also the armrests come in the same black leather as the upholstery and cushion. The leather has been cleaned and conditioned. The cushion still has the original label from Rud Rasmussen. Designed in 1933 by Kaare Klint, the Safari Chair is a refined and modern version of the British Roorkhee Chair...
Leather, Ash
