Swan Chairs 3320 in Black Leather & Chrome by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, 1958, Set of 2

Model · Swan Chair 3320
Designer · Arne Jacobsen
Manufacturer · Fritz Hansen
Origin · Denmark
Period · 1958
Style · Scandinavian Modern / Danish Modern
Materials · Leather, moulded shell, chrome-plated steel
Colour · Black, chrome

Object

The Swan Chair is one of Arne Jacobsen's defining furniture designs and one of the most recognisable sculptural forms to emerge from Danish modernism.

Designed in 1958 for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, the Swan was conceived as part of Jacobsen's complete architectural vision for the building. He designed virtually every element of the hotel, from its façade and interiors to furniture, lighting and smaller details, creating one of the most ambitious examples of total design in postwar Scandinavia.

The Swan represented a radical departure from conventional chair construction. Its continuous shell contains virtually no straight lines, flowing from the backrest into the arms and seat as a single organic volume. The compact swivel base beneath it makes the sculptural upper body appear almost suspended above the floor.

Unlike the more enveloping Egg Chair developed for the same interior, the Swan is open and outward-facing. Its low back and sweeping arms give it an inviting presence while maintaining the visual lightness necessary for the hotel's public spaces.

Presented as a pair in black leather, the chairs become particularly architectural. Their mirrored curves create a strong dialogue when positioned together, while the contrast between the dark organic shells and slender metal bases makes their silhouettes especially clear.

Designer

Arne Jacobsen (1902–1971) was one of Denmark's most influential architects and designers and a central figure in the development of Scandinavian modernism.

Educated at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, Jacobsen approached furniture as an extension of architecture. Buildings, interiors, furniture, lighting and objects were frequently developed together, resulting in environments of exceptional visual coherence.

His furniture combined the rational principles of modern architecture with a sophisticated understanding of proportion, material and the human body. Designs including the Ant, Series 7, Egg and Swan demonstrate his ability to translate architectural ideas into objects intended for everyday use.

The SAS Royal Hotel became perhaps the clearest expression of this philosophy. The Swan and Egg chairs were created specifically for its interiors in 1958, yet both quickly developed identities far beyond the building itself.

The Swan remains one of Jacobsen's purest experiments with organic form, reducing the traditional armchair to a continuous sculptural shell supported by a remarkably minimal base.

Manufacturer

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

Its collaboration with Arne Jacobsen played a fundamental role in this development. Fritz Hansen's expertise in experimental manufacturing allowed Jacobsen to explore increasingly ambitious forms, from the moulded plywood shells of his earlier chairs to the complex sculptural volumes of the Egg and Swan.

Introduced in 1958, the Swan became one of the defining designs of the Fritz Hansen collection and remains closely associated with both the manufacturer and Jacobsen's architectural legacy.

The longevity of the design is remarkable. More than six decades after its introduction, the Swan remains in production and continues to feel distinctly modern.

Condition

Both chairs retain their original black leather upholstery and metal swivel bases.

The leather is well preserved and has developed a beautiful natural patina through age and use, giving each chair subtle individual character while maintaining the visual consistency of the pair.

The metal bases remain in excellent original vintage condition, showing only light traces of use consistent with age.

Overall, the pair is presented in excellent original vintage condition, with its materials and character beautifully preserved.

Dimensions

Width · 74 cm / 29.1 in
Depth · 68 cm / 26.8 in
Height · 77 cm / 30.3 in
Seat height · 40 cm / 15.7 in

Included

The set of two Swan 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 is ready to ship within 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.

© Back to the Furniture