Ant Dining Chairs 3100 in Cognac Leather & Chrome by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, 1960s, Set of 4

Model · Ant Chair, 3100
Designer · Arne Jacobsen
Manufacturer · Fritz Hansen
Origin · Denmark
Design · 1952
Production · 1960s
Style · Scandinavian Modern / Danish Modern
Materials · Moulded plywood, leather, chrome-plated steel
Colour · Cognac, chrome

Object

The Ant Chair is one of Arne Jacobsen's most important furniture designs, a remarkably economical chair whose distinctive silhouette emerged directly from experiments with moulded plywood.

Designed in 1952, the Ant was originally developed for the canteen of the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo. Jacobsen wanted a chair that was light, compact and easy to move, resulting in a single continuous plywood shell shaped simultaneously into the seat and backrest.

Its narrow waist gives the chair its name. The shell contracts dramatically between the seat and back before opening again towards the shoulders, producing a silhouette reminiscent of an ant. This reduction of material was not merely visual. It allowed the plywood to flex naturally while giving the chair its characteristic lightness.

In this set, the sculptural shells are upholstered in warm cognac leather and supported by slender chrome-plated tubular steel legs. The leather introduces softness and depth to Jacobsen's exceptionally reduced form, while the polished metal structure preserves the visual lightness of the original design.

Presented as a set of four, the Ant Chairs create a particularly elegant rhythm around a dining table. Their narrow backs leave space between each chair, giving the group an openness that makes the design equally convincing individually or as a repeated composition.

Designer

Arne Jacobsen (1902–1971) was a Danish architect and designer and one of the most influential figures in 20th-century Scandinavian modernism.

Educated at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, Jacobsen approached furniture as an extension of architecture. Buildings, interiors, lighting, textiles, furniture and smaller objects could all contribute to a single coherent environment.

The Ant Chair, introduced in 1952, marked an important moment in this approach. Working with Fritz Hansen and new techniques for shaping laminated plywood, Jacobsen created an exceptionally thin shell capable of combining flexibility, strength and ergonomic form within a single element.

The experiments behind the Ant directly preceded the Series 7, introduced in 1955. Together, the two designs became among the clearest expressions of Jacobsen's ability to transform industrial production into furniture of remarkable visual and structural simplicity.

Manufacturer

Fritz Hansen was founded in Denmark in 1872 and became one of the defining manufacturers of Scandinavian modern furniture during the 20th century.

The company's collaboration with Arne Jacobsen was particularly significant. Fritz Hansen's expertise in industrial furniture production allowed Jacobsen to experiment with moulded plywood and develop increasingly complex shells from remarkably little material.

The Ant Chair became one of the earliest and most important results of this collaboration. Its production demonstrated how advanced manufacturing techniques could coexist with the elegance, material sensitivity and attention to proportion associated with Danish furniture.

The relationship would subsequently produce some of Jacobsen's most celebrated designs, establishing a collaboration that became central to the international identity of Danish Modern.

Condition

The complete set of four Ant Chairs is presented in excellent vintage condition.

The moulded plywood shells are beautifully preserved and upholstered in warm cognac leather, which displays a refined natural patina consistent with age and use.

The chrome-plated steel legs remain clean, stable and structurally sound, providing a crisp contrast to the warmth of the leather.

Overall, the four chairs present beautifully as a coherent vintage set, retaining the lightness and distinctive sculptural character of Jacobsen's original design.

Dimensions

Width · 50 cm / 19.7 in
Depth · 52 cm / 20.5 in
Height · 79 cm / 31.1 in
Seat height · 45 cm / 17.7 in

Included

The set of four Ant Dining Chairs is accompanied by a Back to the Furniture Certificate of Originality, a Back to the Furniture flyer, a Thank You card and a small gift.

Availability

The set of four Ant Dining Chairs is ready to ship within 10–15 business days.

Shipping

Worldwide shipping is available. Every piece is carefully prepared and packed for international transport. Shipping costs are calculated according to destination at checkout, with tracking provided after dispatch.

Enquiries

For questions about the pieces, their condition, shipping, delivery or any other details, please get in touch. Additional information is always available before purchase.

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