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 style that intrigued the furniture maker.
For Wegner, the first result of the experiments that followed was his aptly named China chair, a solid wood model that Fritz Hansen began manufacturing in 1944. Soon after, Wegner was approached by Holger Hansen, son of Danish manufacturer Carl Hansen (no relation to Fritz), who wanted the designer to produce a similarly shaped piece for his family’s company. Production was slow following World War II, and Hansen wanted a chair with universal appeal that could be produced entirely in the company’s own factory.
This requirement — coupled with Wegner’s ambition to create a chair that weighed even less than the China chair — resulted in the development of the Wishbone and, with it, its most recognizable feature: a woven paper-cord seat, which takes Carl Hansen’s craftsmen over an hour to make.
Despite the intricate process behind it — the chair requires 100 steps to complete — the Wishbone, in its final form, boasts a graceful simplicity. This is largely thanks to its namesake Y-shaped back, a simple support structure that allows for the back and armrest to function as a single piece and dispenses with the need for multiple back slats, lending the chair an effect of weightlessness.
The sturdiness of the paper cord (all 120 meters of it per chair), meanwhile, makes the Wishbone both long-lasting and blessedly comfortable without the need for a cushion, which would diminish the impact of its pure form.
Today, the Wishbone — official name, CH24 — is one of the most recognizable seats in the world, and it has been in continuous production by Carl Hansen & Søn since its 1950 debut. The company offers it in its original bent oak and natural seat as well as in variations of that model.
For Carl Hansen & Søn’s 110th anniversary in 2018, the company released a select number of Wishbone chairs in eight limited-edition colors, a testament to the chair’s lasting legacy.
Hans Wegner Mid Century Set Of Six Oak Wishbone Chairs
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A set of six older curated Wishbone Chairs with Oak frames and Rope seats designed by design Master Hans Wegner in 1949 and made by Danish makers Carl Hansen & Son. Each with rop...
Rush, Oak
(6) Hans J. Wegner CH24 'Wishbone' Danish Beech Dining Chairs
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Norwalk, CT
This set of chairs features one of the most iconic Danish designs of the 20th century. Originally designed by Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen & Son in 1949, these chairs were impossibly modern for the time, allowing them to retain their significant over half a century later. The CH24, or Wishbone Chair, was the first model Hans J. Wegner designed exclusively for Carl Hansen & Søn in 1949 and has remained in continuous production since its debut in 1950. Crafted through a meticulous process involving over 100 steps—most completed by hand—the chair reflects Wegner’s belief that furniture should be both beautiful and functional. Inspired by the graceful lines of traditional Chinese Ming Dynasty chairs...
Beech
Set of 6 CH30 Chairs by Hans J. Wegner in Black Leather, Carl Hansen & Søn, 1952
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Brescia, Brescia
An exceptional set of six CH30 dining chairs designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1952 and produced by Carl Hansen & Søn, finely restored and reupholstered in luxurious black Sudden ful...
Leather, Foam, Oak, Teak
CH24 Wishbone Chair in soaped Beech by Hans Wegner
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in München, Bavaria
Dimensions: 55 × 51 × 76 × 45 cm (21.7" × 20.1" × 29.9" × 17.7") Width × Depth × Height × Seat Height Front armrest height: approx. 71 cm (28") Original Wishbone Chair (CH24) crafte...
Papercord, Beech
Hans J. Wegner 'CH24 Wishbone' Chair in Oak and Oil for Carl Hansen & Son
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Glendale, CA
Hans J. Wegner 'CH24 Wishbone' Chair in Oak & White Oil for Carl Hansen & Son The story of Danish Modern begins in 1908 when Carl Hansen opened his first workshop. His firm commitme...
Oak, Papercord, Wood
Set of 8 Hans J. Wegner “CH23” Dining Chairs for Carl Hansen, Denmark, 1951
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A beautifully matched set of eight original “CH23” dining chairs, designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1951 and produced by Carl Hansen & Søn in Denmark. Crafted in a refined combination o...
Straw, Oak, Teak
Hans J. Wegner Early Stamped Carl Hansen & Son CH-24 "Wishbone" Chair, 1950s
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen
Located in Odense, DK
Rare model "CH-24" / "Wishbone" chairs from the very early years of the Carl Hansen & Sons production of Hans J. Wegner's iconic chair. The condition of both chairs is amazing and th...
Papercord, Oak
Hans Wegner Carl Hansen Black Wood wishbone Woven Natural Papercord CH24 Chair
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen
Located in Hudson, NY
This is a single black finished ash Hans Wegner Y chair (wishbone chair) that features amazing and sturdy woven papercord seat. Labeled chair still...
Papercord, Ash
Early Production Hans Wegner CH24 Wishbone Chair
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
For your consideration is this early production example of Hans Wegner's iconic CH24 Wishbone chair manufactured by Carl Hansen & Son. It features a red lacquer finish and woven pape...
Papercord, Wood
Hans J. Wegner Wishbone chairs, matched pair for Carl Hansen & Søn
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic matching pair wishbone chairs in oak and paper cord designed by Hans J Wegner. manufactured by Carl Hansen & son Great original condition.Retain original labels..
Papercord, Oak
Set Of Six Wishbone chairs Model CH24 In Beech & Natural Cord By Hans J. Wegner
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Lejre, DK
Set of six CH24 Y-Chairs by Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn. Beech and natural cord. Danish design from the 1970s. — Designer: Hans J. Wegner — Model: CH24 (Y-Chair) — Manu...
Cord, Beech
Dining Room Set with Borge Mogensen Table and Eight CH24 Chairs by Hans J Wegner
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Martin-Hansen, Børge Mogensen
Located in Cascina, Pisa
A living room set composed of an oval-shaped oak gateleg table with metal details, designed by Borge Mogensen and produced by Karl Andersson & Soner, as well as a set of eight wishbo...
Metal
Set of Eight Hans J Wegner FH 4103 Heart Chairs in Teak & Oak Denmark, 1950s
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare set of eight Danish mid century FH 4103 / "heart" wooden dining chairs in teak and oak by Hans J. Wegner produced by Fritz Hansen Denmark, 1950s. In good original and match...
Oak, Teak
Hans J. Wegner 'CH24 Wishbone' Chair in Oak & White Oil for Carl Hansen & Son
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Glendale, CA
Hans J. Wegner 'CH24 Wishbone' Chair in Oak & White Oil for Carl Hansen & Son The story of Danish Modern begins in 1908 when Carl Hansen opened his first workshop. His firm commitme...
Papercord, Oak, Wood
Set of Six Oak "Wishbone" Chair by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen & Son
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Montreal, QC
Set of six oak and paper cord "Wishbone" chair by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen & Son. CH24 'Wishbone' chair designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1949 and made in Denmark in 1965 by Carl Han...
Oak
$5,000 / set
Wishbone Chairs by Hans J. Wegner
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in New York, NY
An outstanding opportunity to acquire a versatile suite of ten CH36 Dining Chairs, this set was manufactured in Denmark in the 2010s by the esteemed producer Carl Hansen & Son. T...
Papercord, Beech
Dining Y-Chairs by Hans Wegner CH 24
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Vienna, AT
Hans J Wegner (1914-2007). Bog oak Y-chair, model CH 24, seat woven with paper yarn, manufactured by Carl Hansen & Søn. H. 76 cm. Seat height 45 cm. Some markings.
Papercord, Oak
Hans Wegner vintage Wishbone CH-24 for Carl Hansen, 1970's edition
By Carl Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in PARIS, FR
Hans Wegner Wishbone CH-24 for Carl Hansen, 1950, sold as a set of 4 and we have 6 in total. This iconic model also known as the "Wishbone chair" is in oak and Danish rope, designed ...
Papercord, Oak
$2,065 / set
Set of 2 Hans Wegner CH24 Wishbone Chairs
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in BERKEL EN RODENRIJS, NL
Pair of iconic CH24 “Wishbone” chairs designed by Hans J. Wegner in Denmark. Crafted from solid beech, finished in black lacquer, and featuring woven paper cord seats in beautiful co...
Wood, Papercord
Set Of Four Wishbone Chairs Model CH24 In Mahogany & Wicker By Hans J. Wegner
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Lejre, DK
Set of four Hans J. Wegner Wishbone-chairs, model CH24. Mahogany with natural wicker. Carl Hansen & Søn. — Origin: Denmark — Designer: Hans J. Wegner — Manufacturer: Carl Hansen...
Wicker, Mahogany
Hans J. Wegner Model CH-24 Dining Chair, 1950
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful model CH-24 dining chair by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn, designed in 1950, in light oak with woven paper cord seat, seat cushion available on request, marked.
Leather, Papercord, Ash
Set of Eight Hans J Wegner FH 4103 Heart Chairs in Teak & Oak Denmark, 1950s
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare set of eight Danish mid century FH 4103 / "heart" wooden dining chairs in teak and oak by Hans J. Wegner produced by Fritz Hansen Denmark, 1950s. In good original and match...
Oak, Teak
Set of 6 'CH24' wishbone dining chairs by Hans J Wegner for Carl Hansen, Denmark
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Ranst, VAN
Set of six 'CH24' dining chairs designed by Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen, Denmark. The chairs have an oak frame with natural varnish and a papercord seating. Dimensions: W: 55 cm ...
Papercord, Oak
Hans Wegner Mid Century Wishbone Chairs - Set of 4
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Hans Wegner Mid Century Wishbone Chairs - Set of 4 Each chair measures: 21.5 wide x 20 deep x 30 inches high, with a seat height of 17.5 and arm height/chair clearance of 28 inches ...
Upholstery, Wood
Hans J. Wegner 'CH24 Wishbone' Chair in Oak & Black Paint for Carl Hansen & Son
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Glendale, CA
Hans J. Wegner 'CH24 Wishbone' Chair in Oak & Black Paint for Carl Hansen & Son The story of Danish Modern begins in 1908 when Carl Hansen opened his first workshop. His firm commit...
Papercord, Wood, Oak
Y-chair Model CH24 Made In Light Oak By Hans J. Wegner From 1950s
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Lejre, DK
The Y chair, also known as model CH24, in light oak, designed by the legendary Danish furniture architect Hans J. Wegner in 1950. A true icon of modern furniture design, the Y chair...
Oak
Set of four Wishbone Chairs in Oak model "CH24" By Hans J. Wegner & Carl Hansen
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Lejre, DK
Set of CH24 Wishbone Chairs designed by Hans J. Wegner and produced by Carl Hansen & Søn in the 1960s. Made in oak with natural paper cord seats. One of Wegner’s most iconic desi...
Papercord, Oak
$6,071Sale Price / set|20% Off
Dining Chairs by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn Denmark 2 CH37 and 2 CH36
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Oirlo, LI
The dining chair by Hans J. Wegner is made with great attention to detail in a simple and functional design. This design from 1962 demonstrates the influence that American Shaker fu...
Papercord, Wood
Hans J. Wegner 'CH24 Wishbone' Chair in Oak & Soap for Carl Hansen & Son
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Glendale, CA
Hans J. Wegner 'CH24 Wishbone' chair in oak & soap for Carl Hansen & Son The story of Danish Modern begins in 1908 when Carl Hansen opened his first workshop. His firm commitment to...
Papercord, Oak, Wood
Original Set of 4 CH24 Chairs by Designer Hans Wegner Oak Danish Scandinavian
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Set of four Scandinavian chairs by the famous Danish designer Hans Wegner designed in 1949 for Carl Hansen & Søn. Known as the CH24 chair or Y chair, it is ...
Oak
4 Danish chairs, in black lacquered wood and leather, model CH 24 by Hans Wegner
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Iconic Scandinavian chairs. These 1970s examples have been entirely refinished. The CH 24 chair, or "Wishbone Chair," is Hans Wegner's best-known creation....
Leather
Wishbone Chair Model CH 24 by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen, 1960's
By Carl Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Barcelona, ES
Wishbone chair model CH 24 designed in 1949 by Hans Wegner and produced in 1960 by Carl Hansen & Son, Denmark. Old edition in black lacquered beech wood frame with new papercord seat.
Papercord, Beech
Wishbone Chair Model CH24 By Hans J. Wegner For Carl Hansen & Søn
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Lejre, DK
The Wishbone chairs, model CH24, designed by Hans J. Wegner and manufactured by Carl Hansen & Son, are exemplary pieces of Scandinavian Modern furniture. Crafted from black painted w...
Papercord, Wood
Hans Wegner CH24 Vintage Oak Wishbone Y Chair for Carl Hansen Set of 4
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Hans J. Wegner Iconic Wishbone Chair. Model CH24 in oiled oak and papercord. Vintage version from 1970. Silver Label. Great patina on the oakwood. Set of 4
Papercord, Oak
A new video from Dezeen anoints them as the period's most significant seating designs.
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
To celebrate the Wishbone’s 70th anniversary, Carl Hansen & Søn’s third-generation CEO, Knud Erik Hansen, shares some of the secrets behind the beloved chair.