Danish Modern Black Steel Armchair with Sculptural Back and Round Seat, 1960s

An uncommon and visually commanding yet minimalist 1960s Danish armchair with sculptural back, large round seat, and black steel rod frame that looks fantastic from every angle.

Notable for its eye-catching integrated back and arm rest that gracefully curves like a section of a Möbius strip. This element is fully upholstered in the original black faux leather. Measures 2.5-inches-wide at either end, and 6-inches-wide at center.

Oversized round seat measures 21.25 inches in diameter. It’s been recently reupholstered in off-white fabric, with a handwritten note on the wood underside stating that it was previously recovered at least once in June of 1971. Also handwritten in pencil on the underside is what appears to be the number “6499”. (You’ll notice that there’s one screw missing underneath, but it in no way affects seat stability, which is rock solid.)

Barely there steel rod and bar frame is finished in satin black lacquer. Seat back and arms are nicely supported at four points. Seat sits on what appears to be an X-shaped cross-member, but is in fact a clever fabrication illusion revealed when one looks underneath. A couple inches spacing between the seat’s edge and the vertical elements of the frame results in a very nice and clean look. Stands on self-leveling metal glides.

Despite extensive research, we were unable to determine exactly who designed or manufactured this piece, though we’re confident that it’s of Danish origin. It strongly calls to mind the 1962 model 3200 armchair by Frederik Sieck for Fritz Hansen, and somewhat as well the 1957 PK11 armchair by Poul Kjærholm, also for Fritz Hansen. In addition, it evokes comparison—especially in regards to the distinctive back and arm design—to the early 1980s P40 armchair by Gianfranco Gualtierotti and Giancarlo Vegni for Farsem.

Dimensions:
Height: 29.75 in
Width: 29.5 in
Depth: 23 in
Seat Height: 17.25 in

Condition: Good Reupholstered. Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use. Back: tiny nick in vinyl. Seat: recently recovered; fabric at 5 degree angle. Frame: a few nicks/scuffs, especially on screw heads; a few faint signs of chipped original lacquer showing through newer paint; two touched-up spots semi-gloss not satin.