Hans J. Wegner (1914–2007), a 20th-century Danish designer, stands as one of the most brilliant furniture designers globally. His impact on Danish home design is immeasurable, earning him the title of “the master of chairs.” With a career spanning several decades, he designed nearly 1000 works, over 500 of which are chairs. These designs have earned him a legacy as one of the most prolific designers in the history of furniture design.

A Journey to Greatness

At the young age of 24, even before completing his studies, Wegner was recommended by his professor to collaborate with Arne Jacobsen and Erik Møller on a City Hall project in Århus. This opportunity marked the beginning of his illustrious career as a furniture designer. He continued to design for master craftsmen and manufacturers, participated in global exhibitions, and became a member of the Architect’s Association and Art Society. He also took on the role of a teacher at schools of art and crafts.

Design Philosophy

Wegner’s designs are timeless, transcending trends and cultural barriers. Described as ‘eternal,’ ‘immortal,’ and ‘perfectly extending the possibilities of design,’ his works are cherished globally. They have been collected by prestigious institutions like the United Nations headquarters in New York and the World Bank in Washington, D.C., as well as various design museums worldwide.

The China Chair: An Inspiration from Ancient Craftsmanship

Manufacturer: Fritz Hansen

design:1944

In 1944, Wegner was commissioned to design a wooden chair that would set the highest standards for curved armrests. Despite numerous designs, he remained unsatisfied until he encountered a Chinese round chair, which inspired the “China Chair.” Created in 1944 and still in production by Fritz Hansen under the code FH 4283, this chair blends ancient Chinese aesthetics from the 17th and 18th centuries with modern functionality.

The China Chair demonstrates Wegner’s deep understanding of wood and his exceptional ability to merge sculptural elements with functionality. Produced using the most advanced bending techniques, the chair consists of a single piece of steamed solid wood compressed along its length and immediately rounded before being bent in three dimensions. The complexity of this bend requires advanced tools and specialized knowledge.

CH24 Wishbone Chair: A Timeless Icon

Manufacturer: Carl Hansen & Son

Design:1949

The CH24 Wishbone Chair stands as another masterpiece by Hans J. Wegner. Unlike any other, this iconic chair has carved its niche in the world of modern design. The chair uniquely merges the back- and armrest into one single steam-bent top piece. To provide stable support and comfort, Wegner ingeniously crafted the characteristic Y-shaped back, which gives the Wishbone Chair its name.

Manufacturing the Wishbone Chair is no small feat; it involves over 100 meticulous steps, the majority of which are executed by hand. Crafting the hand-woven seat alone consumes about an hour for a skilled artisan and uses roughly 120 meters of paper cord. The resilience and stability of the paper cord make the chair both sturdy and durable. Beyond its structural integrity, the Wishbone Chair offers an unparalleled aesthetic appeal that fulfills desires for a distinctive, elegant form.

As a timeless masterpiece, the price of the chair is around USD 12,441, which is out of reach of normal people’s affordability. Yet, if you are a big fan of the fashion style, Dealdazzle does offer alternatives for you! It only cost you USD 121!