PK22 Lounge Chair in Wicker & Brushed Steel by Poul Kjærholm for Fritz Hansen, 1956

Model · PK22
Designer · Poul Kjærholm
Manufacturer · Fritz Hansen
Origin · Denmark
Design · 1956
Style · Scandinavian Modern / Danish Modern
Materials · Brushed stainless steel, natural wicker
Colour · Steel, natural

Object

The PK22 Lounge Chair is one of Poul Kjærholm's defining designs and one of the purest expressions of Danish modernism.

Designed in 1956, the chair reduces the idea of a lounge chair to two fundamental elements: a slender steel structure and a continuous seating surface stretched across it. There is almost nothing to conceal. Every connection, material and structural decision remains visible.

The profile is particularly important. Two precisely formed steel supports establish the chair's low architectural geometry, while the woven wicker seat moves continuously from front to back. Rather than adding conventional upholstery, Kjærholm allowed tension, proportion and the natural flexibility of the material to provide comfort.

Kjærholm treated steel with the same sensitivity that many of his Danish contemporaries reserved for wood. Here, the cool precision of brushed stainless steel is balanced by natural honey-toned wicker, creating a dialogue between industrial and organic materials without allowing either to dominate.

The PK22 won the Grand Prix at the Milan Triennale in 1957, shortly after its introduction. Its significance, however, lies beyond awards or recognition. Nearly seventy years later, the chair still feels radical in its restraint, proving how little material is required when structure and proportion are resolved with complete clarity.

Designer

Poul Kjærholm (1929–1980) was one of the most important Danish furniture designers of the 20th century and a distinctive voice within Scandinavian modernism.

Originally trained as a cabinetmaker, Kjærholm later studied at the Danish School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen. This combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern industrial thinking became fundamental to his work.

Unlike many of his Scandinavian contemporaries, Kjærholm became particularly fascinated by steel. He did not regard it simply as an industrial substitute for wood, but as a material with its own texture, reflective qualities and expressive possibilities.

His furniture is characterised by rigorous geometry, carefully exposed construction and an extraordinary economy of means. Leather, wicker, marble, canvas and wood were frequently placed against precisely formed metal structures, allowing the qualities of each material to remain clearly visible.

The PK22, designed in 1956, became one of the earliest and clearest expressions of this philosophy and remains among Kjærholm's most celebrated works.

Manufacturer

Fritz Hansen was founded in Denmark in 1872 and became one of the most important manufacturers in the history of Scandinavian furniture.

The PK22 was originally produced by E. Kold Christensen, whose close collaboration with Poul Kjærholm was instrumental in bringing many of the designer's most important works into production.

Following Kjærholm's death, Fritz Hansen acquired the production and sales rights to a significant part of the Kjærholm collection in 1982, continuing the manufacture of designs including the PK22.

Through this collection, Fritz Hansen has maintained Kjærholm's emphasis on material quality, precision and exceptionally controlled construction, preserving some of the most important objects of Danish modern furniture design.

Condition

The chair is presented in excellent vintage condition.

The brushed stainless steel frame is beautifully preserved, retaining the subtle surface and architectural precision fundamental to the design.

The natural woven wicker remains firm and well preserved, displaying an even honey-toned patina developed naturally through age and use.

Overall, the PK22 presents beautifully, with the contrast between its precise steel structure and naturally aged wicker particularly well preserved.

Dimensions

Width · 62 cm / 24.4 in
Depth · 63 cm / 24.8 in
Height · 71 cm / 28 in
Seat height · 33 cm / 13 in

Included

The PK22 Lounge Chair 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 PK22 Lounge Chair is 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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