Teak and walnut 'Penguin' chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig

Name: Teak and walnut 'Penguin' chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig
Brand: Ib Kofod-Larsen
Price: 1500 USD
Availability: InStock

About the Item

This chair is a rare and original example of one of the most iconic designs by the Danish architect and furniture maker Ib Kofod-Larsen, who was known for his elegant and comfortable seating. The Penguin chair was introduced in 1953 and became a best seller in the US, thanks to its innovative and playful design. The chair features a curved wood back that resembles a penguin’s wing, and a leather-upholstered seat that provides support and comfort. The back and seat is made of solid wood with a teak veneer. The chair has a simple and graceful silhouette that fits any decor style, from traditional to contemporary. The Penguin chair is not only a beautiful piece of furniture, but also a work of art that showcases Kofod-Larsen’s mastery of form and function.

Creator:

Ib Kofod-Larsen (Designer)

Dimensions:

Height: 28.5 in (72.39 cm)Width: 20.5 in (52.07 cm)Depth: 23 in (58.42 cm)Seat Height: 15.25 in (38.74 cm)

Style:

Scandinavian Modern (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:

Beech,Teak

Place of Origin:

Denmark

Period:

1950-1959

Date of Manufacture:

1950s

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use.

Seller Location:

Kleinburg, CA

Reference Number:

1stDibs: LU8461235443422

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Shop All Ib Kofod-Larsen

Ib Kofod-Larsen

Furniture maker and architect Ib Kofod-Larsen was one of the greatest design minds to emerge from mid-century Denmark, and his impact was felt across the world, especially in the United States. Kofod-Larsen, who is known for his exemplary seating, tables and storage solutions, understood that the attention to detail, quality materials and functional design ethos of the Scandinavian modernism style he followed would become part of a major international movement.

Due to his foresight and innovation, Kofod-Larsen was one of the best-selling Danish designers in the U.S. in the 1950s, when mid-century modernism was at its most popular.

Originally trained as a cabinetmaker, Kofod-Larsen later studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and was most interested in designing practical yet graceful furniture, although he also dabbled in things like wallpaper and textiles. He favored natural grains and woods like teak and rosewood combined with leather, steel and fabric upholsteries to create inviting pieces. Working with manufacturers such as Faarup Møbelfabrik, Christensen & Larsen and Bovenkamp, he brought his sculptural aesthetic to the world.

Some of his seating designs have earned legendary status: The U-56 chair (1956) was renamed the Elizabeth because England’s Queen Elizabeth II is said to have picked up a pair during a 1958 trip to Denmark. With OPE Möbler, he created the Seal chair (1956) with a wooden frame shaped around leather upholstery. The sculptural Penguin chair (1953), produced by Selig and named for its curved back, became Denmark’s most frequently exported piece of furniture to the U.S. at the time. Its bentwood shell echoes the work of Kofod-Larsen’s modernist contemporaries Eero Saarinen and Charles and Ray Eames, while its options as a dining, lounging and rocking chair offer versatility for the home.

As mid-century modern furniture experiences a fresh wave of popularity in the U.S. — although, one could argue that it never really went away — Kofod-Larsen’s timeless pieces are among the most coveted vintage finds. Several of his designs continue to be produced, such as the Penguin chair, which has been manufactured by Brdr. Petersen since 2012.

Find vintage Ib Kofod-Larsen furniture today on 1stDibs.