Scandinavian Modern Office Chair, Model 3217, by Arne Jacobsen and Fritz Hansen
About the Item
- Creator:Arne Jacobsen (Designer),Fritz Hansen (Manufacturer)
- Design:
- Dimensions:Height: 30.71 in (78 cm)Width: 24.02 in (61 cm)Depth: 20.48 in (52 cm)Seat Height: 22.05 in (56 cm)
- Style:Scandinavian Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1990s
- Condition:Reupholstered. Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Lejre, DK
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1209224756602
Series 7 Chair
The celebrated Model 3107, or Series 7, chair showcases Arne Jacobsen’s (1902–71) trademark understatement and interplay between form and functionality. Part of a seductive foray into minimalism for the modernist Danish architect and designer, the Series 7’s seat and backrest were produced from a single piece of bent plywood in 1955 for manufacturer Fritz Hansen.
The lean, stackable chair updates Jacobsen’s simple and spare 1952 Ant chair to a broader base while retaining its revolutionary construction (also a one-piece seat and back) and adding an extra leg. It was a thoroughly modern design inspired in equal parts by the Danish cabinetmaking tradition that preceded Jacobsen as well as the gentle and organic forms that typified Scandinavian modernist furniture. The chair was also a technical advancement of Charles and Ray Eames’ innovative plywood molding techniques.
Trained as a mason and then an architect, Jacobsen assisted in Copenhagen's City Architect's Office after graduating from the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in 1927, where he eventually became a professor. He set up his own design practice in 1930 and produced large-scale projects such as the Bellavista housing estate, a revered work of Bauhaus-style architecture situated north of Copenhagen in Klampenborg.
In 1960, Jacobsen completed his architectural work on the 22-story SAS Royal Hotel and Air Terminal in Denmark’s capital city, but, as he preferred to be involved thoroughly in such commissions, he designed the interiors as well as every other possible detail for the accommodation property, from lighting to textiles to furniture. A diverse designer with a world-famous work ethic, Jacobsen also created modern light fixtures, bathroom fittings, cutlery and metalware — a 1957 set of flatware he designed for A. Michelsen was featured in Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Jacobsen was one of the most successful and accomplished Danish designers of the 20th century. Along with the Ant and massively successful Series 7, his Swan and Egg chairs, produced in 1958 for the SAS hotel, are definitive exports and exemplify Danish modern’s marriage of quality materials, simplicity and thoughtful form.
The Series 7 has remained in production since 1955 at Fritz Hansen, where carpenters carefully select and cut sheets of veneer by hand in order to maintain the chair’s classic shape. It remains among Jacobsen’s most simple and pared-down chairs, and while each model is made of pressure-molded sliced veneer, the Series 7 is available in varying veneers and finishes. It is the most sold chair in the manufacturer’s history.
Arne Jacobsen
The eye-catching work of the Danish architect and designer Arne Jacobsen often introduces new collectors to mid-20th century furniture. With their fluid lines and sculptural presence, Jacobsen’s signature pieces — the elegant Swan chair and the cozy-yet-cutting edge Egg chair, both first presented in 1958 — are iconic representations of both the striking aesthetic of the designers of the era and their concomitant attention to practicality and comfort. Jacobsen designed furniture that had both gravitas and groove.
Though Jacobsen is a paragon of Danish modernism, his approach to design was the least “Danish” of those who are counted as his peers. The designs of Hans Wegner, Finn Juhl, Børge Mogensen and others grew out of their studies as cabinetmakers. They prized skilled craftsmanship and their primary material was carved, turned and joined wood. Jacobsen was first and foremost an architect, and while he shared his colleagues’ devotion to quality of construction, he was far more open to other materials such as metal and fiberglass.
Many of Jacobsen’s best-known pieces had their origin in architectural commissions. His molded-plywood, three-legged Ant chair (1952) was first designed for the cafeteria of a pharmaceutical company headquarters. The tall-backed Oxford chair was made for the use of dons at St. Catherine’s College, Oxford, whose Jacobsen-designed campus opened in 1962 (while still under construction). The Swan, Egg and Drop chairs and the AJ desk lamp were all created as part of Jacobsen’s plan for the SAS Royal Copenhagen Hotel, which opened in 1960. (The hotel has since been redecorated, but one guest room has been preserved with all-Jacobsen accoutrements.)
To Jacobsen’s mind, the chief merit of any design was practicality. He designed the first stainless-steel cutlery set made by the Danish silver company Georg Jensen; Jacobsen’s best-selling chair — the plywood Series 7 — was created to provide lightweight, stackable seating for modern eat-in kitchens. But as you will see from the objects on 1stDibs, style never took a backseat to function in Arne Jacobsen’s work. His work merits a place in any modern design collection.
Find authentic Arne Jacobsen chairs, tables, sofas and other furniture on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Lejre, Denmark
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
- Seven Office Chair Model 3217 Early Edition By Arne Jacobsen & Fritz HansenBy Fritz Hansen, Arne JacobsenLocated in Lejre, DKSeven office chair, model 3217, with armrests and swivel function in original dark brown leather designed by Arne Jacobsen in the 1950s and manufactured by Fritz Hansen. The chair is...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
MaterialsAluminum
- Black Leather Seven Office Chair, Model 3117, by Arne Jacobsen and Fritz HansenBy Arne Jacobsen, Fritz HansenLocated in Lejre, DKThe Series 7™ 3117 swivel chair is manufactured by the world-famous Danish furniture company Fritz Hansen. The chair is made of black leather and has an elegant design with legs in c...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
MaterialsChrome
- Oxford Classic Office Chair, Model 3293C, Cognac Leather, Arne Jacobsen, 1963By Fritz Hansen, Arne JacobsenLocated in Lejre, DKOxford Classic office chair, model 3293C, with original cognac leather upholstery, designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1963 and manufactured by Fritz Hansen. The chair is in nice used condi...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsAluminum
- Oxford Classic Office Chair, Model 3293c, Cognac Leather, Arne Jacobsen, 1963By Fritz Hansen, Arne JacobsenLocated in Lejre, DKOxford Classic office chair, model 3293C, with original cognac leather upholstery, designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1963 and manufactured by Fritz Hansen. The chair is in nice used condi...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsAluminum
- Scandinavian Modern Set of 6 Oxford Chairs, Arne Jacobsen, Fritz HansenBy Arne Jacobsen, Fritz HansenLocated in Lejre, DKA set of 6 Oxford chairs, designed by the renowned Arne Jacobsen and produced by Fritz Hansen. This exclusive version features a high back and a 5-legged metal foot, adding a touch o...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsFabric
- Arne Jacobsen Series 7 Chairs by Fritz Hansen, Black Leather, Model 3107By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz HansenLocated in Lejre, DKxperience a true design classic with the Syver chair, model 3207, with armrests, designed by the legendary Arne Jacobsen in 1955 and handcrafted by Fritz Hansen. This iconic chair is...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsSteel
- Scand Modern Arne Jacobsen Series 7 Black & Chrome Office Chair by Fritz HansenBy Fritz Hansen, Arne JacobsenLocated in Topeka, KSHandsome Scandinavian Modern Arne Jacobsen Series 7 black & chrome office chair designed by Fritz Hansen. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage & not new so will have signs of use and wear. There are a few dents & nicks as you would expect with age & wear. It has been touched up & has a new coat of urethane. Please see photos & zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa 1993. Note: Shipping is possible via parcel which may reduce shipping costs Sculptural, functional, and comfortable! The Series 7 chair was designed by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen in 1955 and is an icon in modern furniture history. The Fritz Hansen website states that the chair is made from 9 layers of pressure molded veneer for strength, flexibility, and durability despite its slender form. This one was made in 1993 and it is comprised of a molded black painted plywood seat which is uniquely shaped for the human body. Ergonomically enjoyable!! It has the chrome four-star leg base with chromed hooded wheel casters. It’s incredibly versatile, with unique character and unmatchable comfort. It is manually adjustable in height, and it swivels! It will make the perfect office or desk chair in your Scandinavian Modern or mid-century modern style home office or den. Fritz Hansen was founded in 1872, when Fritz Hansen, a Danish carpenter, founded his own furniture company and in 1915 introduced his first chair in steam bent wood. In 1934, Fritz Hansen began his collaboration with Arne Jacobsen resulting in some of the famous, classic icons of Danish Design including the “Ant” in 1952, the Series 7 in 1955, the Grand Prix in 1957, the Swan in 1958, and the Egg in 1958. Other famous collaborations have resulted in Piet Hein’s super-elliptical table from 1968 and in 1982 Fritz Hansen acquired the rights to a major part of Poul Kjaerholm’s furniture collection. Since the 1980s continuing into the new millennium, Fritz Hansen has added new designs to the collection including the Essay table...Category
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
MaterialsChrome
- 1950s “3217” Swivel desk chair by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, DenmarkBy Fritz Hansen, Arne JacobsenLocated in Amsterdam, NLA beautiful swivel desk chair, model “3217”, designed by Arne Jacobsen and manufactured by Fritz Hansen in Denmark around 1960. This highly recognizable piece has a chrome plated tu...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
MaterialsMetal
- "Seven" Office Chair by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, Denmark, 1950sBy Fritz Hansen, Arne JacobsenLocated in Stockholm, SERare early version of Arne Jacobsen’s “Seven” office chair, with the original wheel base. Elegant black leather upholstery.Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
MaterialsSteel
- Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Office Chair in Red UpholsteryBy Arne Jacobsen, Fritz HansenLocated in Waalwijk, NLArne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, office chair model ‘3217’, wood, fabric, chrome-plated metal, plastic, Denmark, designed in 1955, later production This office chair by Arne Jacobsen...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Swivel Chairs
MaterialsChrome, Metal
- Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Blue Fabric Model 3291 Oxford Office ChairBy Arne Jacobsen, Fritz HansenLocated in London, GBArne Jacobsen was commissioned to design St. Catherine's College in Oxford in 1963, which included the furniture and surrounding landscape. Seen as one of his most outstanding projec...Category
Vintage 1980s European Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
MaterialsFabric
- Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Blue Fabric Model 3291 Oxford Office ChairBy Arne Jacobsen, Fritz HansenLocated in London, GBArne Jacobsen was commissioned to design St. Catherine's College in Oxford in 1963, which included the furniture and surrounding landscape. Seen as one of his most outstanding projec...Category
Vintage 1980s European Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
MaterialsFabric
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Arne Jacobsen’s Egg Chair Scrambled the Idea of What a Wingback Could Be
The curvaceous Egg was designed to cradle the body and offer privacy. Later, it became the seat of choice for bosses in movies, too.