Poul Kjaerholm "PK22" Easy Chairs Produced by E Kold Christensen Denmark, 1960s
View Similar Items
Poul Kjaerholm "PK22" Easy Chairs Produced by E Kold Christensen Denmark, 1960s
About the Item
- Creator:Poul Kjærholm (Designer),E. Kold Christensen (Maker)
- Design:
- Dimensions:Height: 27.96 in (71 cm)Width: 24.81 in (63 cm)Depth: 24.81 in (63 cm)Seat Height: 13.39 in (34 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Scandinavian Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Stockholm, SE
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5488231185752
PK22 Chair
While his mid-century Danish peers were working with wood, Poul Kjærholm (1929–80) found inspiration in the structural potential of steel. His innovative PK22 chair, designed in 1956 for E. Kold Christensen, offers a modern take on the style of ancient folding chairs through its 20th-century engineering.
Trained as a cabinetmaker, Kjærholm was influenced by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, whose 1929 Barcelona chair — created with Lilly Reich — anticipated the PK22 with its angled metal frame and leather welted cushions. Kjærholm’s pieces balanced precise lines of stainless steel with leather, rope and wicker, each selected with a consideration of how they age. As the organic materials take on imperfections and wear, their patina contrasts with the enduring strength of the steel.
The PK22 chair followed the PK25 lounge chair — completed by Kjærholm while he was studying at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen — and reflected his evolving approach to design. Whereas the PK25 involved a single steel piece with a rope seat, the PK22 chair offered a simpler shape. Its two leg pieces bend into feet and are connected by two crossbars that curve downward to support a rectangle of leather or woven cane. This allows a person to rest without feeling the metal on the seat or the front edge, and it also makes for easy disassembling.
Because every element of the PK22 chair’s spare construction is visible, Kjærholm considered its aesthetics down to its exposed joints. Its immediate commercial success fueled Kjærholm’s career, and Fritz Hansen continues to manufacture the chair today.
Poul Kjærholm
A trained cabinetmaker, Poul Kjærholm’s use of industrial methods and materials in the 1960s brought a fresh, graceful, sleek new style to Danish modern design.
At what is now the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, Kjærholm studied under Hans Wegner and Jørn Utzon — an industrial designer and the architect of the celebrated Sydney Opera House. The latter greatly influenced Kjærholm’s furniture production techniques — although he employed natural materials such as cane and leather, to a far greater extent than his peers Kjærholm embraced the use of steel (rather than wood) framing for his chairs, daybeds and tables.
Kjærholm’s signal design was the PK22 chair of 1956, a low-slung leather lounger on a steel base. The ideas introduced in the PK22 — Kjærholm’s designs were named using a numeric system devised with his manufacturer, E. Kold Christensen — were refined throughout his career, as the offerings below show: the PK11 chair of 1957, with back and armrests formed by a semicircle of ash; the capacious, richly patinated leather seat of a vintage 1961 PK9 chair; the elegant rattan swoop of the PK 24 chaise longue (1965). The chaise longue's leather headrest, held in place by a steel counterweight, best shows Kjærholm's particular gift for combining technological advancements with a respect for traditional detailing.
While respectful of the past, Poul Kjærholm's sensibility is one of optimism and expectation. His was design for those who lived with verve and élan, and confidently anticipated the future.
Find a collection of vintage Poul Kjærholm furniture on 1stDibs.
- Poul Kjaerholm "PK33" Stools Produced by E Kold Christensen Denmark, 1960sBy Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold ChristensenLocated in Stockholm, SEVery rare and great pair of "PK33" stools in brown original leather designed by Poul Kjærholm produced by E. Kold Christensen in Denmark 1960s. In great condition with patina from ag...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
MaterialsSteel
- Danish Easy Armchair in Pine and Flagline in style of Poul Kjaerholm, 1960sBy Poul KjærholmLocated in Stockholm, SERare mid century easy armchair in pine and flagline in style of Poul Kjærholm produced in Denmark, 1960s. in good original condition. Dimensions: H: 70 cm / 27.55" W: 51 cm / 20" D...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsRope, Pine
- Bruno Mathsson Mid-Century Easy Chair "Arbetsstolen" Produced in Sweden, 1960sBy Bruno Mathsson, Firma Karl MathssonLocated in Stockholm, SERare easy chair model "Arbetsstolen" designed by Bruno Mathsson and produced by Firma Karl Mathsson i Värnamo, Sweden. In good vintage condition with small signs from age and use. Si...Category
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
MaterialsBirch, Paper
- Jørgen Kastholm & Preben Fabricius Easy Chair Produced by Bo-Ex Denmark, 1960sBy Jørgen Kastholm & Preben FabriciusLocated in Stockholm, SERare Scandinavian mid century arm / easy chair in steel and original black leather by Jørgen Kastholm & Prefen Fabricius produced by Bo-Ex Denmark, 1960s. Original condition with pat...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
MaterialsSteel
- Leather Arm Easychair by Ingemar Thillmark Produced by OPE Möbler, Sweden, 1960sBy OPE Möbler, Ingemar ThillmarkLocated in Stockholm, SERare armchair in dark brown buffalo leather and walnut designed by Ingemar Thillmark in the 1960s and produced by "OPE Möbler, Sweden". In good vintage and ...Category
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
MaterialsLeather, Walnut
- Pair of Swedish Easy Chairs Attr. to Gösta Jonsson Produced in Sweden, 1940sLocated in Stockholm, SERare pair of mid century easy chairs produced in Sweden in style of Gösta Jonsson. In great vintage condition. Both chairs have just been professionally restored and upholstered with...Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsSheepskin, Beech
- PK22 Chairs by Poul Kjaerholm for Kold Christensen, Denmark 1960By E. Kold Christensen, Poul KjærholmLocated in Amsterdam, NLThe iconic “PK22” lounge chairs designed by Poul Kjaerholm, manufactured by Kold Christensen in Denmark around 1960. This stunning chair is made of high quality chrome plated metal ...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Lounge Chairs
MaterialsMetal
- 1956, Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen, PK22 Lounge ChairsBy Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold ChristensenLocated in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NLThis item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach,...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsSteel
- Poul Kjærholm Pair of PK22 for E. Kold ChristensenBy E. Kold Christensen, Poul KjærholmLocated in Copenhagen, DKPoul Kjærholm two PK22 in dull chromium plated steel and cane. Executed by E. Kold Christensen, Denmark.Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsSteel
- PK22 in Cane by Poul Kjærholm for E Kold ChristensenBy E. Kold Christensen, Poul KjærholmLocated in Saint Paul, MNThis is a rare early edition PK22 by famed Danish designer, Poul Kjærholm. Manufactured by Ejvind Kold Christensen, this model long predates any current models available from Fritz Hansen. Kjærholm's designs are know for their architectural nature and the PK22 is no different. The bent steel legs and frame serve as the framework for delicately woven cane whose warmth is a juxtaposition to the sterility of the steel. The cane is perfectly patinated and pairs well with the oxidized steel frame that is missing some of the finish. This is a true collector's item that can be used for many years. Confluence...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsSteel
- Matched Pair PK22 Lounge Chairs by Poul Kjærholm for E Kold ChristensenBy E. Kold Christensen, Poul KjærholmLocated in Buffalo, NYMatched pair early PK22 lounge chairs by Poul Kjærholm for E Kold Christensen.. retain original black naugahyde, one chair top corners in need or repair (see photo), E. Kold Christe...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsStainless Steel
- PK20 Lounge Chair by Poul Kjaerholm, E. Kold Christensen, 1968By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold ChristensenLocated in Lyon, FRRare early edition Danish lounge chair by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen. Steel structure with leather seat. Signed under the seat. Model low back chair, very rare.Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsSteel