48 Chair | House of Finn Juhl

The 48 Chair is part of the 48 Series which was presented at the Cabinet Makers’ Guild Exhibition in 1948. Even to the modern eye it is clear that Finn Juhl’s ideas reached far into the future, when they were presented in 1948. He never let his innovative designs stand alone but rather opted for creating a so called “Gesamtkunstwerk” – a German word, which means entirety experienced and achieved through even the smallest of details. Finn Juhl’s stand at the Cabinet Maker’s Guild Exhibition was thus a fully designed work.

The 48 Chair is easily recognizable because of Finn Juhl’s characteristic and sculptural shapes and delicate details. The chair embraces the seated person while the rounded surfaces are shaped to fit the gravity of the resting body and its proportions. The organically shaped seat and backrest, upholstered in fabric or leather, are raised from the carrying frame in an almost demonstrative manner. Visually this lifts the seated person, making it appear as if the law of gravity has been defeated.

Additionally, the 48 Series is characterized by the use of multiple materials. Today, it is rare to see furniture that employs two different types of wood. This type of contrast has been left almost entirely to Finn Juhl despite the many years that have passed. The 48 chair is available in oak with armrests and toes in teak and a version entirely in walnut. The chair is upholstered with either fabric or leather.

Materials: Frame: Oak with armrests and feet in walnut or Entirely walnut | Upholstery: Leather or Fabric

Dimensions: W 69cm x D 63cm x H 80cm
Seat height: 44cm

Designer: Finn Juhl

Model: FJ 4801

Brand: House of Finn Juhl

Country of origin: Denmark

Year: 1948, relaunched in 2018

Price: Fabric from $9,890