Danish Kai Kristiansen Teak Sofa Model 121 Paperknife, circa 1960
View Similar Items
Danish Kai Kristiansen Teak Sofa Model 121 Paperknife, circa 1960
About the Item
- Creator:Kai Kristiansen (Designer),Magnus Olesen (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 27.56 in (70 cm)Width: 64.97 in (165 cm)Depth: 29.53 in (75 cm)Seat Height: 14.57 in (37 cm)
- Style:Scandinavian Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1960
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Pijnacker, NL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU171229979873
Kai Kristiansen
With a passion for math and engineering, Kai Kristiansen has created high-quality wood furniture for decades. Beginning in the 1950s, his chairs, modular shelving and other furnishings were made in the style that would become internationally renowned as Danish modern and boasted clean lines, perfected functionality and exacting craftsmanship.
Born in Denmark, Kristiansen trained in cabinetmaking before studying with Kaare Klint, often cited as the “father of modern Danish design,” at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen. At just 26 years old, Kristiansen opened his own studio.
Kristiansen had his mid-century breakthrough in 1956 with the Chair #42, which he made with Schou Andersen. Unlike most other chairs at the time, Chair #42’s armrests, with their wealth of radical angles, were connected to the back rather than the front legs. This unconventional flourish makes the backrest appear as though it is floating in midair above the seat.
Kristiansen’s next innovation was a modular wall system in 1957 — three years ahead of Dieter Rams’s more famous 606 Universal Shelving System. Called the Reolsystem Wall Unit, produced by SB Feldballes Møbelfabrik, it’s also known as the FM Wall Unit as FM/Fornem Møbelkunst began producing it in the 1960s.
Kristiansen would go on to work with other leading Danish furniture manufacturers such as Magnus Olesen, Fritz Hansen and Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik, designing everything from chairs and desks to sideboards and cabinets, frequently in rosewood and teak. (The latter was a sought-after wood by Scandinavian modern designers.)
While many of Kristiansen’s timeless designs remain in production, such as his Paper Knife sofa, which was reintroduced by Miyazaki Chair Factory in 2008, and his 1950s Entré collection, which was relaunched with Great Dane Furniture in 2016, others are prized as vintage mid-century pieces.
Today, Kristiansen is still at work on new furniture with an expert eye to thoughtfully functional designs that are made to last.
Find a collection of vintage Kai Kristiansen furniture on 1stDibs.
Magnus Olesen
For the better part of the past century, Magnus Olesen has been producing sturdy and functional furnishings for the modern lifestyle. With a focus on durability and exceptional quality, the Danish manufacturer continues to uphold the traditions associated with Scandinavian modernism — its artisans adhere to standards of the highest caliber in the construction of its widely revered armchairs, lounge chairs, stools and other pieces, which are crafted in a range of rich woods such as ash, oak and teak with a prioritization on practicality and ergonomics.
Cabinetmaker Magnus Olesen founded his eponymous company in 1937 in Denmark, and since then the brand has been producing functional, elegant furniture for interiors all over the world.
The work of the designers associated with vintage Scandinavian modern furniture was founded on centuries-old beliefs in both quality craftsmanship and the ideal that beauty should enhance even the humblest accessories of daily life. Some of the designers that have partnered with Magnus Olesen over the years include Kai Kristiansen — a Danish cabinetmaker known for his innovative mid-century wall units — duo Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sørensen, and Ib Kofod-Larsen, who was one of the best-selling Danish furniture makers in the United States during the 1950s, a time when Scandinavia’s simple, curvilinear wooden furniture, home goods and textiles suddenly seemed the perfect foil for America’s glass-and-steel skyscrapers.
With a showroom in Copenhagen and a production facility in Durup, Magnus Olesen remains in business today. The company primarily focuses on home furnishings but also produces a range of furniture for offices, the hospitality industry and healthcare facilities.
Find vintage Magnus Olesen chairs, tables and other seating on 1stDibs.
- Scandinavian Curved Sofa and Armchair in Original Mohair, Denmark, circa 1950Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-HollandCurved Danish sofa and arm lounge chair in original Mohair velvet fabric and teak legs, circa 1950. The Mohair fabric is still original and in very good condition with minor signs o...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
MaterialsMohair, Teak
- Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard FD130 Teak sofa in Cognac Leather - Denmark, 1950'sBy Peter Hvidt, Hvidt & Mølgaard, France & SønLocated in Pijnacker, Zuid-HollandAmazing minimalistic solid Teak and Cognac leather sofa model FD130 by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France and Søn – Denmark, circa 1960. The leather has a lot of patina a...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
MaterialsLeather, Teak
- De Sede DS2011 Black Leather Sofa, Switzerland - circa 1980By De SedeLocated in Pijnacker, Zuid-HollandBeautiful DS-2011 sofa in black slightly patinated leather. Manufacturer: De Sede Country: Switzerland Model: DS2011 Color: Black Material: Leather Size in cm. WxDxH: 190x80x80 Seat...Category
Vintage 1980s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsLeather
- Nuvolone sofa by Rino Maturi for Mimi Padova – Italy, circa 1970Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-HollandNuvolone sectional sofa by Rino Maturi with three mirror glass coffee tables. The sofa features 4 straight sections, 1 corner section and three coffee tabl...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
MaterialsWool, Mirror
- Giuseppe Munari Channeled Sectional Sofa by Poltrona Munari, Italy, circa 1970By Federico MunariLocated in Pijnacker, Zuid-HollandRare sectional sofa by Giuseppe Munari for Poltrona Munari, Italy circa 1970. This sofa features 7 elements that can be arranged to in different set-u...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
MaterialsFabric, Linen
$21,528 Sale Price / set30% Off - Roche Bobois sofa in patinated Tan / Cognac leather – France, circa 1970/80By Roche BoboisLocated in Pijnacker, Zuid-HollandRoche Bobois Leather Sofa – A Masterpiece of French Artistry and Comfort Experience the pinnacle of luxury and design with the Roche Bobois Leather Sofa, a true masterpiece that fuses French artistry with unparalleled comfort. Crafted with precision and passion, this sofa is the embodiment of sophistication and elegance for your living space. Designer: Roche Bobois design team Manufacturer: Roche Bobois Model: sofa Design period: 1970’s Date of manufacturing: circa 1970 Size WDH in cm: 195x98x86 seat height 43 Material: Tan / Cognac leather Condition: Good / Normal signs of age and use / Some light cat scratches on the right back side (see images) Key Features: Exquisite Leather Craftsmanship: Each Roche Bobois Leather Sofa is a testament to the brand’s commitment to excellence. Crafted from the finest, top-grain leather, it exudes a supple, luxurious feel that only improves with time. Timeless Design: The Roche Bobois Leather Sofa showcases a timeless design that effortlessly complements a range of interior styles. Its sleek lines, refined stitching, and contemporary aesthetic make it a statement piece for any room. Customized Elegance: Tailor your sofa to your unique taste with a variety of leather finishes and colors to choose from. Whether you prefer classic neutrals or bold, eye-catching hues, Roche Bobois offers customization options to match your vision. Unmatched Comfort: Sink into the sumptuous cushions of the Roche Bobois Leather Sofa and experience a level of comfort that redefines relaxation. The ergonomic design provides superior lumbar support, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a long day. Durable Luxury: Built to last, Roche Bobois sofas...Category
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsLeather
- Danish Design Reupholstered Paper Knife Sofa Model 121 by Kai Kristiansen, 1960sBy Magnus Olesen, Kai KristiansenLocated in Elshout, NLModel 121 sofa : Paper Knife sofa We are so pleased to present this drop-dead gorgeous and rare ‘Paperknife’ couch designed in the 1950s by Kai Kristiansen ...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsWool, Teak
- Kai Kristiansen Set of 2 Easy Chairs 'Paperknife' or ‘Model 121’, Denmark, 1955By Magnus Olesen, Kai KristiansenLocated in Antwerpen, BESet of 2 easy chairs, designed by Kai Kristiansen and produced by Magnus Olesen in Denmark starting from 1955. These ‘model 121’s’ are also called the ‘Paper knife’ chairs because of...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsBrass
- Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen Mid Century No 121 Paper Knife Teak SofaBy Magnus Olesen, Kai KristiansenLocated in Countryside, ILKai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen mid century No 121 Paper Knife Teak Sofa The sofa measures: 63 wide x 21 deep x 27 high, with a seat height of 16 inches All pieces of furnitu...Category
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsUpholstery, Teak
- Danish Design Kai Kristiansen Seating Group Model Universe, 1960sBy Magnus Olesen, Kai KristiansenLocated in Renens, CHA rare seating arrangement designed by designer Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen in Denmark. This set has been made from Brazilian Rio Palisander and represents excellent craftsman...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsWool, Wood
$10,544 Sale Price / set20% Off - Paper Knife Sofa by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, Denmark, 1956By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus OlesenLocated in Barcelona, ESTwo seater Paper Knife sofa designed in 1956 by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, Denmark. Teak frame upholstered with new wool fabr...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
MaterialsFabric, Teak
- Kai Kristiansen Paper Knife three seater sofa Magnus Olesen Denmark 1956By Magnus Olesen, Kai KristiansenLocated in Etten-Leur, NLBeautiful elegant shaped three-seat sofa model Paper Knife no. 121 designed by Kai Kristiansen and manufactured by Magnus Olesen, Denmark 1956. This sculpted sofa features a solid te...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsFabric, Teak