Rare 'Dolphin' folding armchair, model no. JH510
Designed by Hans J. Wegner and masterfully crafted by Copenhagen cabinetmaker Johannes Hansen, this rare 'Dolphin' folding armchair, model no. JH510, captures the lyrical movement and forward energy of its namesake through boldly cantilevered, sculptural carved armrests. A profound expression of Wegner's humanist philosophy, the chair seamlessly merges poetic form with practical function, embodying his lifelong exploration of furniture's capacity to adapt to human needs—including its ingenious ability to fold for transport. A testament to the fruitful collaboration between designer and maker, the 'Dolphin' stands as a rare and exceptional example of mid-century Scandinavian modernism at its most imaginative and refined.
- Medium
- The architect Hans J. Wegner infused a deep sense of playfulness into his 'Dolphin' lounge chair. This rare model conveys the movement and energy, specifically the lyricism and speed of a dolphin in the ocean—culminating in the sculptural carved cantilevered armrests that boldly project forward motion. In its modernist beauty and superb craftsmanship, the 'Dolphin' is a poetic example of the fruitful collaboration of Wegner and the esteemed Copenhagen master cabinetmaker Johannes Hansen. The 'Dolphin' stands out as a clear and profound expression of the designer's deeply-felt humanist interest in furniture’s adaptability to human forms and needs. In this case the modern capacity to transform for transport, subjects he would explore throughout his career as he refined the expression of his ideas and values through furniture. In Wegner’s own words: “I have the feeling that the more I work on it, the more it keeps moving farther and farther away. Maybe it does, maybe it doesn’t. You can’t make something definitive”.
- Spotted At
- Auction House · Phillips
🔨 Auction Lot
20th Century & Contemporary Art & Design Evening Sale
November 26, 2017
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