Set of Four Ib Kofod-Larsen Penguin Chairs Walnut Molded Backs Turquoise Seats

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Set of Four Ib Kofod-Larsen Penguin Chairs Walnut Molded Backs Turquoise Seats

About the Item

Incredible set of four Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Ib Kofod-Larsen Penguin chairs. These chairs have a black iron rod frame, walnut molded plywood backs and turquoise tweed upholstered seats. They are in fabulous ready to use condition with new plastic feet. The upholstery is newer but has a vintage feel. The wood is not without age related marks but has a nice overall vintage patina, circa 1950s. We adore these chairs immensely!! This is a set of four of the famed Ib Kofod-Larsen Penguin chair which was introduced in 1953 first by Petersens in Denmark and then by the American furniture company Selig where it became one of their best sellers. And, with that success, was knocked off by imposters. These are original. They are comprised of a black iron rod frame with a gorgeous walnut veneered molded plywood back with the namesake little penguin-like shaped wings that give you the feeling they are reaching out of hold you, and in fact it does. The wonderful form fitting back is extremely comfortable and surrounds you perfectly. This set’s seats are upholstered in a turquoise and black tweed fabric which, although new, looks like a vintage pattern that would have been used on them in the 1950s. They do have their Made in Denmark stamp on the bottom edge of the wood backs. Kofod-Larsen is a native of Denmark and studied at the Danish Royal Academy in Copenhagen. He won, in 1948, the Holmegaard glass competition and an annual award from the Danish Cabinetmakers Guild which garnered him attention from Faarup Mobelfabrik where he went on to create some of his most beautiful works. He also designed for several other companies including High Wycombe, Christensen & Larsen, Carlo Ghrn, Bovenkamp, Fredericia Furniture, and, of course, Petersens. This awesome set needs to be in your collection and your home! Chair: Height – 29.5 inches O/A width – 21.25 inches O/A depth – 24 inches Seat height – 16 inches Arm height – 24 inches Seat width – 21.25 inches Seat depth – 18 inches Inside back height – 17.5 inches Weight – 19.5 pounds each Crated size: Height – 35 inches Width – 26.75 inches Depth – 38.25 inches Weight – 195 pounds.

Creator:
Ib Kofod-Larsen (Designer)
Attributed to:
Selig (Manufacturer)
Dimensions:
Height: 29.5 in (74.93 cm)Width: 21.25 in (53.98 cm)Depth: 24 in (60.96 cm)
Sold As:
Set of 4
Style:
Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Fabric,Iron,Walnut
Place of Origin:
Denmark
Period:
Mid-20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1950s
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. In fabulous ready to use condition with new plastic feet. The upholstery is newer but has a vintage feel. The wood is not without age related marks but has a nice overall vintage patina and the wood color is slightly different on each chair.
Seller Location:
Topeka, KS
Reference Number:
Seller: 414-SEA-1171stDibs: LU1873310617071

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.