- Want more images or videos?Request additional images or videos from the seller
Set of Danish Midcentury Teak Bookends by Kai Kristiansen, 1960s
About
Details
- CreatorKai Kristiansen (Designer)
- DimensionsHeight: 5 in. (12.7 cm)Width: 4 in. (10.16 cm)Depth: 5 in. (12.7 cm)
- StyleMid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques
- Place of Origin
- Period
- Date of Manufacture1960s
- ConditionWear consistent with age and use.
- Seller LocationSan Diego, CA
- Reference Number1stDibs: LU936626693082
Shipping & Returns
- ShippingShips From: San Diego, CA
- Return Policy
A return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
About the Designer
Kai Kristiansen
With a passion for math and engineering, Kai Kristiansen has created high-quality wood furniture for decades. Beginning in the 1950s, his chairs, modular shelving and other furnishings were made in the style that would become internationally renowned as Danish modern and boasted clean lines, perfected functionality and exacting craftsmanship.
Born in Denmark, Kristiansen trained in cabinetmaking before studying with Kaare Klint, often cited as the “father of modern Danish design,” at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen. At just 26 years old, Kristiansen opened his own studio.
Kristiansen had his mid-century breakthrough in 1956 with the Chair #42, which he made with Schou Andersen. Unlike most other chairs at the time, Chair #42’s armrests, with their wealth of radical angles, were connected to the back rather than the front legs. This unconventional flourish makes the backrest appear as though it is floating in midair above the seat. Kristiansen’s next innovation was a modular wall system in 1957 — three years ahead of Dieter Rams’s more famous 606 Universal Shelving System. Called the Reolsystem Wall Unit, produced by SB Feldballes Møbelfabrik, it’s also known as the FM Wall Unit as FM/Fornem Møbelkunst began producing it in the 1960s. Kristiansen would go on to work with other leading Danish furniture manufacturers such as Magnus Olesen, Fritz Hansen and Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik, designing everything from chairs and desks to sideboards and cabinets, frequently in rosewood and teak. (The latter was a sought-after wood by Scandinavian modern designers.)
While many of Kristiansen’s timeless designs remain in production, such as his Paper Knife sofa, which was reintroduced by Miyazaki Chair Factory in 2008, and his 1950s Entré collection, which was relaunched with Great Dane Furniture in 2016, others are prized as vintage mid-century pieces. Today, Kristiansen is still at work on new furniture with an expert eye to thoughtfully functional designs that are made to last.
Find a collection of vintage Kai Kristiansen furniture on 1stDibs.
- Pair of Midcentury Glass Owl Bookends by BlenkoBy Blenko GlassLocated in San Diego, CAMidcentury pair of handblown owl bookends by Blenko, circa 1960s. The bookends are heavy and solid with a smooth back side a finish and a textural finish on the front. Very cool deco...Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Bookends
MaterialsBlown Glass
- Mid-Century Modern Japanese Small Screen Divider in the Style of NakashimaBy George NakashimaLocated in San Diego, CABeautiful handcrafted solid walnut Japanese petite room divider, elegant and unique piece that can be used as a twin headboard, in the style of Nakashima.Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers
MaterialsWalnut
$1,375 Sale Price22% Off - Midcentury Teak Ice Bucket by Morgan DesignsLocated in San Diego, CAA very nice midcentury teak and plastic ice bucket by Morgan Designs, circa 1970s. The piece is very solid and sturdy and well made.Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware
MaterialsTeak, Plastic
- Large Black Marble Decorative PyramidLocated in San Diego, CABeautiful large black marble decorative pyramid, circa 1970s. The base of the pyramid is 9.75" x 9.75" and the height is 10.5". There are some very small chips and wear along the rid...Category
Late 20th Century Pakistani Mid-Century Modern Obelisks
MaterialsMarble
- Midcentury Staved Teak Ice Bucket by Georges BriardBy Georges BriardLocated in San Diego, CAA very nice midcentury staved teak and black plastic ice bucket by Georges Briard, circa 1970s. The piece is very solid and sturdy.Category
Mid-20th Century Thai Mid-Century Modern Barware
MaterialsPlastic, Teak
- Danish Modern Chair in Teak by Herbert Hirche for Jofa StalmoblerBy Herbert HircheLocated in San Diego, CAA very rare Danish modern chair in teak by Herbert Hirche for Jofa Stalmobler, circa 1950s. The chair was made in Denmark of thick plywood with teak veneer; the base is black painted...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsSteel
You May Also Like
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookends
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Bookends
Porcelain
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookends
Metal
Late 20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Bookends
Steel, Chrome
2010s American Minimalist Bookends
Cement
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Bookends
Stone
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Bookends
Metal
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends
Quartz
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookends
Metal
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Bookends
Iron
Recently Viewed
View MoreThe 1stDibs Promise
Learn MoreExpertly Vetted Sellers
Confidence at Checkout
Price-Match Guarantee
Exceptional Support
Buyer Protection
Insured Global Delivery