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Finn Juhl — Armchair 'Chieftain' by Finn July for Niels Vodder
Finn Juhl — Armchair 'Chieftain' by Finn July for Niels Vodder
Finn Juhl

Armchair 'Chieftain' by Finn July for Niels Vodder

1949

The Chieftain Chair is one of Finn Juhl’s absolute masterpieces, representing the peak of his career as a furniture designer. At its introduction in 1949, the chair marked a renewal of the Danish furniture design tradition and today it is seen as one of the most important exponents of the Danish Modern movement in the 1950’s. Inspired by modern art, the Chieftain Chair with its organic shapes liberated itself from traditional Danish furniture design and strict functionalism in both shape, construction and materials. In 2012, the Chieftain Chair won the Danish Design Award Classic.

Medium
Teak and original leather
Dimensions
Location
Park Avenue Armory, New York, NY

Notes

Exhibited by Modernity Stockholm at TEFAF New York 2026 (Park Avenue Armory, New York, May 15–19, 2026). TEFAF Vetted.

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About this work

Finn Juhl, Armchair 'Chieftain' by Finn July for Niels Vodder, 1949

The Chieftain Chair is one of Finn Juhl’s absolute masterpieces, representing the peak of his career as a furniture designer. At its introduction in 1949, the chair marked a renewal of the Danish furniture design tradition and today it is seen as one of the most important exponents of the Danish Modern movement in the 1950’s. Inspired by modern art, the Chieftain Chair with its organic shapes liberated itself from traditional Danish furniture design and strict functionalism in both shape, construction and materials. In 2012, the Chieftain Chair won the Danish Design Award Classic.

Medium
Teak and original leather
Dimensions
94 x 104 x 74 cm
Year
1949
Seen at
TEFAF New York, New York, USA

Related themes

Functional Art, Premium Materials, Modernist, Nordic, Statement Seating, Designer Furniture, Leather, Sculptural Form, Post-War, Iconic Design, Danish Design, Collector's Piece, Mid-Century Modern, Lounge Chair, Furniture Design, Scandinavian, Teak, Timeless Design, Artisan Crafted, Organic Modernism

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