Ib Kofod-Larsen Penguin Rocking Chair
View Similar Items
Ib Kofod-Larsen Penguin Rocking Chair
About the Item
- Creator:Ib Kofod-Larsen (Designer),Selig (Retailer)
- Dimensions:Height: 29 in (73.66 cm)Width: 22.25 in (56.52 cm)Depth: 33 in (83.82 cm)
- Style:Scandinavian Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1958
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Re-upholstered seat. Very clean, dark finish.
- Seller Location:Garnerville, NY
- Reference Number:Seller: ARLD12.14.17.11stDibs: LU123629344041
Ib Kofod-Larsen
Furniture maker and architect Ib Kofod-Larsen was one of the greatest design minds to emerge from mid-century Denmark, and his impact was felt across the world, especially in the United States. Kofod-Larsen, who is known for his exemplary seating, tables and storage solutions, understood that the attention to detail, quality materials and functional design ethos of the Scandinavian modernism style he followed would become part of a major international movement.
Due to his foresight and innovation, Kofod-Larsen was one of the best-selling Danish designers in the U.S. in the 1950s, when mid-century modernism was at its most popular.
Originally trained as a cabinetmaker, Kofod-Larsen later studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and was most interested in designing practical yet graceful furniture, although he also dabbled in things like wallpaper and textiles. He favored natural grains and woods like teak and rosewood combined with leather, steel and fabric upholsteries to create inviting pieces. Working with manufacturers such as Faarup Møbelfabrik, Christensen & Larsen and Bovenkamp, he brought his sculptural aesthetic to the world.
Some of his seating designs have earned legendary status: The U-56 chair (1956) was renamed the Elizabeth because England’s Queen Elizabeth II is said to have picked up a pair during a 1958 trip to Denmark. With OPE Möbler, he created the Seal chair (1956) with a wooden frame shaped around leather upholstery. The sculptural Penguin chair (1953), produced by Selig and named for its curved back, became Denmark’s most frequently exported piece of furniture to the U.S. at the time. Its bentwood shell echoes the work of Kofod-Larsen’s modernist contemporaries Eero Saarinen and Charles and Ray Eames, while its options as a dining, lounging and rocking chair offer versatility for the home.
As mid-century modern furniture experiences a fresh wave of popularity in the U.S. — although, one could argue that it never really went away — Kofod-Larsen’s timeless pieces are among the most coveted vintage finds. Several of his designs continue to be produced, such as the Penguin chair, which has been manufactured by Brdr. Petersen since 2012.
Find vintage Ib Kofod-Larsen furniture today on 1stDibs.
Selig
As an importer and producer, the Selig furniture company helped popularize timeless and elegant postwar designs in the United States.
Selig created Danish-inspired chairs, sofas and other furnishings for the home that were cutting-edge, contemporary and airy. The brand was also among the first to introduce Scandinavian and European modern styles to Americans in the 1950s and 60s. The company imported and manufactured furniture known for its extraordinary design and style using high-quality, enduring and seductive materials.
Selig was founded in 1931 by Mandell Selig and Samuel Wexler. The pair started the business during the challenging economic times of the Great Depression prior to World War II. By the 1960s, under the leadership of Wexler's son, Robert, Selig peaked with manufacturing factories in five American cities.
Selig’s importing business had a meaningful impact on Italian furniture manufacturers. Wexler, the junior, had a hand in advancing and growing the manufacturing sector of the country’s Udine region. Due to this contribution, the Italian government saw fit to knight Robert Wexler with the title of “Cavaliere.”
After nearly four decades of influencing seating and lounging preferences in the United States with sophisticated mid-century modern and Scandinavian modern furniture — including its own chrome rocking chairs and leather club chairs — Selig sold to Simmons, the mattress company, in 1970, thus dissolving. Much of what they produced and imported is still available despite no longer being manufactured, and many collectors seek original Selig furniture.
On 1stDibs, find an array of vintage Selig furniture that includes lounge chairs, armchairs, tables and more.
- Danish Modern Frank Reenskaug for Bramin Teak Spindle Back Rocking ChairBy Frank Reenskaug, Bramin MoblerLocated in Garnerville, NYFrank Reenskaug for Bramin teak spindle back. Signed with Barman, Made in Denmark/Danish Control Label. Just a nicely designed chair. Good overall condition. Structurally sound and ...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Rocking Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Canvas, Cotton, Teak
$1,180 Sale Price20% Off - Early Eames DAX Shell ChairLocated in Garnerville, NYEarly Eames DAX fiberglass with iron X base. Beautiful fibrous texture possibly in Greige/Tan Light (?). Due to the fading and the light color it is a little...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsIron
$1,028 Sale Price20% Off - Hollywood Regency Era Lounge ChairBy Billy Baldwin, Dunbar Furniture, James Mont, William Billy HainesLocated in Garnerville, NYLuxurious Hollywood Regency Era upholstered armchair. Reupholstered in new Crypton sage green crushed velvet and cushions. Crypton fabric is one of the mos...Category
Vintage 1940s American Hollywood Regency Lounge Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Foam, Wood
$3,800 Sale Price20% Off - 1940s Moderne Bow Arm Lounge ChairBy Heywood-Wakefield Co., Donald Deskey, Gilbert RohdeLocated in Garnerville, NYLate 1940s bow arm lounge chair. Reupholstered in a nicely textured gray fabric. Custom black painted wood frame. Great lines and profile. Stretcher base and t...Category
Vintage 1940s American Hollywood Regency Lounge Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Wood
$400 Sale Price84% Off - Mid-Century Modern Streamlined Bucket ChairsBy Craft Associates Inc., Adrian Pearsall, Craft AssociatesLocated in Garnerville, NYA wonderful pair of streamlined Mid-Century Modern lounge chairs. Re-upholstered in a dark gray nubby fabric. Featuring a cozy contoured shape, bow tie stretcher base with tapered wo...Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Ash
$3,080 Sale Price20% Off - 1970s Organic Modern Root Throne ChairLocated in Garnerville, NYExceptional and majestic carved root throne chair. This amazing example of a wonderful old growth Organic Modern furniture making. Good overall condition with the proper amount of w...Category
Vintage 1970s American Organic Modern Wingback Chairs
MaterialsMaple
$3,080 Sale Price20% Off
- Danish Modern Penguin Rocking Chair By Ib Kofod-LarsenBy Ib Kofod-Larsen, SeligLocated in Brooklyn, NYRenowned Danish designer, Ib Kofod-Larsen’s Penguin Rocking Chair – a true testament to Scandinavian craftsmanship – features a sculptural bentwo...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Rocking Chairs
MaterialsSteel
- Ib Kofod-Larsen Sculptural Rocking Chair for Selig, Denmark, 1960sBy Selig, Ib Kofod-LarsenLocated in Miami, FLRare Mid-Century Danish Modern rocking chair, model 650-15, designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig in Denmark, circa 1960s. This elegant rocker has a walnut-s...Category
20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Walnut
$2,975 Sale Price30% Off - Ib Kofod-Larsen´s Rocking Chair from 1962By Christian Linnebergs Møbelfabrik, Ib Kofod-LarsenLocated in Vienna, AustriaIb Kofod-Larsen´s rocking chair, model 650-15 with solid teak frame and lose seat and back cushions. Designed in 1962 and produced by Chr. Linnebergs Mobelf...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Teak
$3,026 Sale Price20% Off - Vintage Sculptural Rocking Chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig DenmarkBy Selig, Ib Kofod-LarsenLocated in Brooklyn, NYBring home an iconic chair from one of the biggest names in Mid-Century Scandinavian Modern design with this breathtaking sculptural rocking chair made by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig o...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Upholstery, Wood, Hardwood, Beech
- Danish Mid Century Modern Sculpted Rocking Chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig -ABy Ib Kofod-LarsenLocated in Charlotte, NCA Mid Century Danish Modern sculpted rocking chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig. Walnut frame, rounded slats back, cloth seat support straps, ne...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs
MaterialsWalnut, Fabric
- Penguin Chair by Ib Kofod LarsenBy Ib Kofod-LarsenLocated in Brooklyn, NYClassic Penguin chair designed by Ib Kofod Larsen and produced by Selig. Gorgeous molded birch upper shell provides contoured support with original upholstered seat atop black iron f...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsIron