Grasshopper Chaise Longue in Cognac Leather & Steel by P. Fabricius & J. Kastholm for Kill International, 1960s

Model · Grasshopper
Designers · Preben Fabricius & Jørgen Kastholm
Manufacturer · Kill International
Origin · Germany
Period · 1960s
Style · Scandinavian Modern / Mid-Century Modern
Materials · Stainless steel, aniline leather, canvas
Colour · Cognac, brushed steel

Object

The Grasshopper looks almost less like a chair than a line drawn through space.

Designed by Preben Fabricius and Jørgen Kastholm in the 1960s, the chaise longue reduces seating to a remarkably precise relationship between structure, tension and the human body. Two sweeping steel elements establish its profile, while a suspended leather surface stretches between them with almost nothing visually unnecessary.

There is an architectural confidence to the design. The frame does not disappear beneath upholstery but becomes the object itself. Leather, canvas and steel each perform a clearly visible function, creating comfort through suspension rather than volume.

Seen from the side, the reason behind the Grasshopper name becomes immediately apparent. Its long, poised structure seems ready to move, balancing delicately between weight and weightlessness.

In cognac aniline leather, the contrast becomes particularly expressive. Warm hide sits against cool brushed steel, allowing two fundamentally different materials to age together while preserving the clarity of the original idea.

Designers

Preben Fabricius (1931–1984) and Jørgen Kastholm (1931–2007) formed one of the most distinctive partnerships in postwar Danish furniture design.

Both trained in Denmark and shared an architectural approach to furniture, but their work departed from the timber-dominated language usually associated with Scandinavian modernism. Instead, they explored stainless steel, leather and glass, creating furniture defined by structural precision and an almost uncompromising economy of form.

Their collaboration produced some of the most recognisable European furniture of the late 1960s. The Grasshopper became a particularly pure expression of their philosophy, where the supporting structure, material tension and final silhouette are essentially the same idea.

Manufacturer

Kill International was a German manufacturer closely associated with the work of Fabricius and Kastholm during the 1960s and 1970s.

Its technical production capabilities allowed the designers to work with the precision demanded by stainless steel construction, translating their architectural concepts into exceptionally refined furniture. The collaboration resulted in several important designs, including the Grasshopper and Scimitar series, and established Fabricius and Kastholm internationally.

Condition

This original Grasshopper chaise longue remains in exceptional vintage condition.

The brushed stainless steel structure, canvas sling support and cognac aniline leather are beautifully preserved. The piece remains structurally solid, with the materials retaining the character and visual clarity of the original design.

Dimensions

Width · 60 cm / 23.6 in
Depth · 140 cm / 55.1 in
Height · 82 cm / 32.3 in
Seat height · 38 cm / 15 in

Included

The chaise longue 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 chaise longue can be ready to ship within 10 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 piece, its condition, shipping, delivery or any other details, please get in touch. Additional information is always available before purchase.

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