Ib Kofod-Larsen Rosewood Secretary Desk
About the Item
- Creator:Ib Kofod-Larsen (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 48 in (121.92 cm)Width: 49.25 in (125.1 cm)Depth: 19 in (48.26 cm)
- Style:Scandinavian Modern (Of the Period)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Brooklyn, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU95411924952
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.
You May Also Like
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks
Teak
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Desks
Walnut
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Desks
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese French Provincial Secretaires
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Teak
Antique 1750s French Louis XV Secretaires
Kingwood
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Secretaires
Wood
Antique Late 18th Century French Directoire Secretaires
Brass, Iron
Antique 19th Century French Secretaires
Marble, Bronze
Antique 19th Century British Secretaires
Mahogany
More From This Seller
View AllVintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks
Teak
20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Leather, Rosewood
Vintage 1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Metal
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Rosewood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Rosewood
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Rosewood
