Hans J. Wegner - 20th Century & Contemporary Art & Design Day Sale Hong Kong Thursday, July 9, 2020 | Phillips
  • Description

    A Century of Modern Design: the Collection of Kai-Yin Lo
    Hong Kong-based collector Kai-Yin Lo amassed an extraordinary collection that reflects inspiration, innovation and scholarship. The collection of modern and contemporary design is global in its scope and vast in its chronological sweep.

    現代設計的世紀回顧——羅啟妍女士收藏
    現居香港的藏家羅啟妍豐富非凡的典藏,不僅深具啟發、創新以及學術精神,這個著眼於現代及當代設計的收藏,深具國際視野,也廣泛橫跨了各個發展時期。

  • Provenance

    Office building, Copenhagen, 1960s
    Klassik, Copenhagen
    Acquired from the above by the present owner, 2015

  • Literature

    'Danimarca', Domus, no. 259, June 1951, p. 29
    Grete Jalk, ed., Dansk Møbelkunst gennem 40 aar, Volume 3: 1947-1956, Copenhagen, 1987, pp. 99-101
    Jens Bernsen, Hans J Wegner: om Design, exh. cat., Dansk Design Center, Copenhagen, 1995, pp. 13, 15, 24-25, 70, 92, 101, 111
    Christian Holmsted Olesen, Wegner: just one good chair, exh. cat., Design Museum Denmark, Copenhagen, 2014, pp. 6, 14, 16, 52, 63, 66, 82, 90, 133-35

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present model was exhibited at the 'Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild', Kunstindustrimuseet, Copenhagen, 30 September-16 October 1949, Stand 12.

    In 1950, the magazine Interiors called the present model chair “the most beautiful chair in the world,” and with this recognition, Hans Wegner and his designs truly became internationally known and celebrated. “The Chair” gained further popularity in 1960 when the United States hosted its first televised presidential debate between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy, and both candidates sat in the present model chair. This largely publicised and watched television event gave “The Chair” exposure to an international audience and helped to solidify it as an iconic piece of modern design. Though relatively simple in its form, “The Chair” (originally called the “Round“ chair) exhibits expert construction through its hidden joinery as well as supreme comfort. These chairs, which were first used in an office building in Copenhagen until the 1980s, are elegant, have no unnecessary details, and exemplify the highest level of cabinetmaking.

Eternal Form - A Century of Modern and Contemporary Design

159

Set of six 'The Chair' armchairs, model no. JH503

designed 1949, executed 1960s
mahogany, leather
Each: 77.5 x 63.5 x 51 cm. (30 1/2 x 25 x 20 1/8 in.)
Executed by master cabinetmaker Johannes Hansen, Copenhagen, Denmark. Underside of each impressed JOHANNES HANSEN/COPENHAGEN/DENMARK and with manufacturer's stamp. Designed 1949, executed 1960s.

Estimate
HK$80,000 - 120,000 
€8,700-13,100
$10,300-15,400

Sold for HK$275,000

Contact Specialist
Danielle So
Associate Specialist, Head of Day Sale

20th Century & Contemporary Art & Design Day Sale

Hong Kong Auction 9 July 2020