FK6727 Tulip Chairs in Black Leather & Steel by P.Fabricius & J.Kastholm for Kill International, 1960s, Set of 2

Model · FK6727 Tulip Chair
Designers · Preben Fabricius & Jørgen Kastholm
Manufacturer · Kill International
Origin · Germany
Period · 1960s
Style · Mid-Century Modern / European Modern
Materials · Leather, steel
Colour · Black, polished steel

Object

The FK6727 Tulip Chair is one of the most sculptural designs created by Preben Fabricius and Jørgen Kastholm, combining an enveloping leather seat with an exceptionally precise pedestal structure.

Designed during the 1960s, the chair abandons the conventional arrangement of four legs in favour of a single central support. A polished steel base rises from the floor to carry the upholstered shell, separating the seat visually from its structure and giving the chair its characteristic floating appearance.

The contrast between the two elements is fundamental to the design. The metal base is geometric, reflective and architectural, while the black leather seat is soft, curved and shaped around the body. Fabricius and Kastholm allowed these different materials to retain their individual identities rather than attempting to disguise how the chair is constructed.

Viewed from different angles, the FK6727 changes considerably. From the front it feels generous and almost enveloping, while its profile reveals how little structure is actually required to support the seat. This balance between visual weight and structural economy is characteristic of the designers' work.

Presented as a pair, the chairs create a particularly strong composition. Their dark leather shells appear almost suspended above the polished bases, giving the set a presence that feels simultaneously luxurious, industrial and remarkably restrained.

Designers

Preben Fabricius (1931–1984) and Jørgen Kastholm (1931–2007) were Danish designers whose collaboration produced some of the most sophisticated furniture of European postwar modernism.

Both were originally trained as cabinetmakers before studying interior architecture, giving them an unusually complete understanding of furniture from both the craft and architectural perspectives.

They began working together during the 1960s and developed a design language characterised by rigorous geometry, precise metal structures and carefully selected natural materials. Leather and steel became particularly important to their work, allowing them to combine industrial construction with tactile comfort.

Rather than following the predominantly wooden vocabulary associated with much Danish furniture of the period, Fabricius and Kastholm looked increasingly towards international modernism. Their furniture frequently explored polished and brushed metal, pedestal structures, suspended surfaces and clearly expressed construction.

Their collaboration with Kill International provided the manufacturing expertise necessary to realise these technically demanding designs, resulting in some of the partnership's most recognisable furniture.

Manufacturer

Kill International was a German furniture manufacturer particularly associated with sophisticated modernist furniture produced during the 1960s and 1970s.

The company became closely connected with Preben Fabricius and Jørgen Kastholm, translating their precise designs into production through advanced metalworking, upholstery and exceptionally controlled manufacturing.

This collaboration allowed the designers to move beyond traditional Scandinavian cabinetmaking and explore furniture built around steel structures, leather surfaces and industrial production methods.

The resulting pieces established a distinctive position between Scandinavian restraint and German engineering precision. Today, furniture produced by Kill International during this period remains particularly sought after for the quality of its construction and the clarity of its modernist design.

Condition

Both chairs are presented in excellent vintage condition.

The black leather upholstery remains beautifully preserved, retaining its softness, deep colour and natural material character.

The polished steel pedestal bases are equally well preserved, showing only minimal traces of age and use consistent with their vintage character.

Overall, the pair presents beautifully, with the relationship between the dark leather shells and sculptural metal bases particularly well preserved.

Dimensions

Width · 70 cm / 27.6 in
Depth · 70 cm / 27.6 in
Height · 73 cm / 28.7 in
Seat height · 43 cm / 16.9 in

Included

The set of two FK6727 Tulip Lounge 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 two FK6727 Tulip Lounge 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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