Pair of Finnish Armchairs by Lasse Ollinkari and Aarne Ervi, 1940s

Pair of armchairs, manufactured in Finland, 1940s. Stained birch frame with rattan backrest, later reupholstered with floral fabric. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with ag...

A slipper lounge chair attributed to Aarne Ervi, Finland, c. 1950s. Dimensions: 31.25” H x 20” W x 27” D Seat height: 16.25”

Armchair, attributed to Runar Engblom, 1940s. Birch frame. Reupholstered with quality Lauritzon's Frost Carmine -fabric. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use. B...

Like the “Laila” model, these chairs were designed by Finnish designer, Ilmari Lappalainen for Asko in 1948, and become a beloved model. So much so, that during the 1990s, it was put back into production by Asko. With Ilmari Tapiovaara, who was the artistic director of Asko from 1938 to 1941, the modernization of the company’s range began, and the wooden designs were joined by modern, upholstered furniture pieces, including “Rex”. Lappalainen was a renowned designer, famous for his designs’ comfort. Some of his designs even received medical approval because they had such a good seating that it prevented back problems. These armchairs have a cosy modern style, modelled on the Swedish and Danish furniture of the time, including the round edges, the generous back with tufted buttons, and the tapered, wooden legs. The body has the classic Nordic look, which explains its contemporary popularity both among the public and institutions. The cosy open design is dominated by the gently enveloping back and arms that appear to welcome the sitter. Thanks to the large seat cushion, the armchairs’ comfort lives up to Lappalainen’s famous standards. The modern aesthetic is further elevated by the textured, premium upholstery that complements the shape and the small lacquered legs as well. Wood is omnipresent in the Nordics, and Finnish woodworking is world-famous for its traditions. These chairs were created for Asko, the Finnish furniture manufacturing company founded in 1918 by Aukusti Asko Avonius, known for the production of high-quality furniture. By 1930 the company had developed into the largest furniture chain in Finland and the largest supplier of furniture in the Scandinavian countries. Favourites of this time included Ilmari Lappalainen’s “Laila...