Bernt Petersen Cane Rosewood Egyptian Stool 1957

About the Item

Bernt Petersen - Egyptian Stool, 1957 A rare example of architect Bernt Petersen's most sought after design, know simply as the Egyptian stool. Early in Petersen's career he designed fine cabinetmaker furniture informed by historical study after completing his studied at the Royal Academy, studying under Kaare Klint. He would later be know simply as Bernt and go on to produce contemporary furniture and a host of important buildings and interiors in Denmark and further afield. But it his fine furniture from the early period his career, presented at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers Guild Exhibition each year that has really stood the test of time. Bernt would also work closely with his mentor Hans Wegner, as one of the only people to assist the great man in his drawing office. The Egyptian stool was produced by Worts Mobelsnedkeri in Copenhagen, home to master cabinetmaker Henrik Worts and his designer son Erik. The original cane seat and rosewood frame is in immaculate condition. The stool draws influence from both 18th century French furniture and ancient Egyptian stools. The frame is made from highly figured rosewood. H 41cm / 16.1" W 45cm / 17.7" D 45cm / 17.7"

Creator:
Bernt Petersen (Designer),Worts Mobler (Manufacturer)
Dimensions:
Height: 16.15 in (41 cm)Width: 17.72 in (45 cm)Depth: 17.72 in (45 cm)Seat Height: 16.15 in (41 cm)
Style:
Scandinavian Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Cane,Rosewood
Place of Origin:
Denmark
Period:
1950-1959
Date of Manufacture:
1957
Condition:
Refinished. Expertly restored and reupholstered to the highest standard by our in-house team.
Seller Location:
London, GB
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU1333250008612

Shop All Bernt Petersen

Bernt Petersen

Architect and designer Bernt Petersen created a range of minimalist Scandinavian modern furniture that is today prized by collectors. His vintage desks, chairs, tables and other pieces for manufacturers such as Wørts Møbelsnedkeri and Søborg Møbelfabrik were made largely in light woods such as ash and beech, and his work is recognizable by its fluid architectural qualities and impeccably clean lines.

Just as other Danish modernists such as Hans Wegner, Børge Mogensen and Finn Juhl had, Petersen prioritized function over form and believed in the honesty of the materials with which he worked. He strived to create durable pieces for the home and adhere to the principles of traditional craftsmanship.

Petersen’s work was free of opulent ornamentation and surface embellishments — he created inviting high-backed mahogany dining chairs that were upholstered in leather and understated credenzas in rosewood. His linoleum-topped desks in solid pine stood on slender legs and featured exposed finger joints, which drew attention to his prioritization of age-old woodworking techniques. Vintage editions of his revered Rag chair for Schiang Denmark, framed in pine, offer mid-century elegance and ergonomic comfort for the guests in your living room.

Petersen set on his path of furniture making early, training as a cabinetmaker. He went on to attend the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, School of Design, and graduated in 1960. Petersen subsequently worked for a time with Mobilia and for the aforementioned Wegner — a prolific designer of iconic seating and enthusiast of the finest methods in joinery — before opening his own workshop in 1963. Petersen saw a fair amount of success in producing his own furniture, particularly as the popularity of Scandinavian modern furniture had grown around the world and especially in the United States.

Petersen taught at the Denmark Design School from 1973 to 1978, and then went on to lecture at the Royal Danish Academy's Furniture School from 1978 to 1985. He won awards from the Danish Furniture Manufacturers’ Association, the Danish Society of Arts and Crafts, and other organizations.

Find vintage Bernt Petersen tables, seating and storage pieces on 1stDibs.