Mademoiselle Rocking Chair in Black Stained Birch by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, 1956

Model · Mademoiselle Rocking Chair
Designer · Ilmari Tapiovaara
Manufacturer · Asko
Origin · Finland
Design · 1956
Style · Scandinavian Modern / Finnish Modern
Materials · Solid birch
Colour · Black

Object

The Mademoiselle Rocking Chair is one of Ilmari Tapiovaara's most recognisable designs and a particularly expressive example of postwar Finnish modernism.

Designed in 1956, the chair combines the familiar archetype of traditional spindle-back furniture with the clarity and economy of modern Scandinavian design. Rather than rejecting vernacular furniture, Tapiovaara refined its essential elements into something distinctly contemporary.

The tall back is formed by a rhythmic sequence of slender birch spindles, visually connecting the curved upper rail with the sculpted seat below. Sweeping rockers extend the composition towards the floor, giving the chair an unusually strong silhouette from almost every angle.

Its black stained finish plays an important role in the design. By reducing the visual distinction between individual wooden components, the dark surface allows the geometry of the chair to read as a single graphic composition. Light passing between the spindles gives the substantial high back an unexpected transparency.

The Mademoiselle reflects Tapiovaara's belief that good furniture should be practical, durable and accessible without sacrificing character. Nearly seventy years after its introduction, it remains remarkably contemporary while retaining a clear connection to traditional Finnish furniture.

Designer

Ilmari Tapiovaara (1914–1999) was a Finnish architect and designer and one of the most important figures in 20th-century Scandinavian furniture.

His approach was strongly human-centred. Tapiovaara believed that furniture should respond to everyday life through durability, efficient construction and material economy rather than decoration or unnecessary complexity.

Throughout his career, he developed furniture for domestic interiors as well as schools, universities and other public environments. This interest in democratic design encouraged him to explore forms that could be manufactured efficiently while remaining comfortable and visually distinctive.

Tapiovaara frequently drew inspiration from traditional Finnish furniture and translated familiar wooden typologies into modern industrial objects. The Mademoiselle series demonstrates this approach particularly clearly, combining spindle construction and solid birch with the simplified proportions of postwar modernism.

His work became an important contribution to Finnish design culture and helped establish the international identity of Scandinavian Modern furniture.

Manufacturer

Asko was founded in Finland in 1918 and developed into one of the country's major furniture manufacturers during the 20th century.

The company became closely associated with the growth of Finnish modern furniture, combining industrial production with the work of some of Finland's most important designers.

Its collaboration with Ilmari Tapiovaara resulted in several significant designs, including the Mademoiselle series. Asko's manufacturing capabilities allowed Tapiovaara's ideas about durable, functional and accessible furniture to reach a considerably wider audience.

The Mademoiselle became one of the most recognisable products associated with this collaboration and remains a distinctive example of Finnish postwar design.

Condition

The chair retains its fully original solid birch structure and black stained finish.

The wooden surfaces show light and honest traces of age and use consistent with the chair's vintage character. These signs remain sympathetic to the piece and preserve the authenticity of its original finish.

The structure remains sound and well preserved, without structural issues.

Overall, the Mademoiselle Rocking Chair is presented in very good original vintage condition.

Dimensions

Width · 58 cm / 22.8 in
Depth · 80 cm / 31.5 in
Height · 88 cm / 34.6 in
Seat height · 43 cm / 16.9 in

Included

The Mademoiselle Rocking 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 Mademoiselle Rocking Chair 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 piece, its condition, shipping, delivery or any other details, please get in touch. Additional information is always available before purchase.

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