Items Similar to Authentic Leather and Oak “Safari” Arm Chair by Wilhelm Kienzle circa 1950
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 19
Authentic Leather and Oak “Safari” Arm Chair by Wilhelm Kienzle circa 1950
About the Item
LEATHER AND OAK "SAFARI" CHAIR
Designed by Wilhelm Kienzle in 1928, manufactured by Wohnbedarf, Switzerland circa 1950
Item # 301XUJ28D-2
Designed in 1928 by Wilhelm Kienzle, the "Safari" chair stands as a stunning and iconic piece. An example is held in the permanent collection of the Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein, Germany. Executed by Wohnbedarf of Zurich, Switzerland in the 1950s, the chair is made from solid oak and featuring thick-cut rawhide leather sling seating. The leather showcases a captivating patina, marked by stains and oils accumulated over years of use. With its original and untouched condition, this chair represents a remarkable blend of clever design, exceptional craftsmanship, and remarkable comfort and support.
In writing about the chair in the Vitra Design Museum, Claude Lichtenstein notes:
"This dismountable chair was created by the Swiss designer Wilhelm Kienzle. It is an adaptation of a model used in the nineteenth century by British colonial officials during their work-related travels, which Kienzle had seen in London in 1928. Its advantages are that it is lightweight and takes up little space. The chair’s legs are connected by round bars, which are inserted into the open seam of the seat cover (in copies with the original cover). Similarly, the cover is affixed to the movable backrest, which is attached to the upper ends of the back legs with a pivot pin. The leather strap armrests are fastened to the legs with brass buttons. Since the chair’s frame is not independently stable, leather straps stretched between the chair legs bear the lateral load of the seated individual.
In the interwar period, others – such as the Danish designer Kaare Klint in 1933 – created variants of this chair type. Kienzle’s design most likely was not mass-produced until after 1945 by the Swiss interior design company Wohnbedarf. In the post-war period it became the very embodiment of a non-conformist lifestyle."
Currently, we have a matched pair to this chair also available - search for item #301XUJ28D-3, or feel free to reach out to us directly for more information.
Measurements: 35 3/8" H x 22 1/4" D x 22 1/4" W x 14 1/2" H to seat
Condition Report:
All original hardware and leather, the leather stained and discolored with a wonderful overall patina, remarkably comfortable and most enjoyable to sit in; light wear to the oak surface; rubbing and wear to the leather inside the back where the wing nuts attach; some dryness and cracking to the leather belting, especially the front belt.
About silla antiques & art
Established in 2009, we have available in our 9000 square foot brick-and-mortar gallery an ever-changing selection of carefully curated and catalogued furniture, decorative arts, paintings, sculpture and estate jewelry. Our company has long specialized in sculpture circa 1860 through 1930 and as such the gallery always has a very large collection of exceptional European and American sculpture available on display.
The gallery is located at 117 W Burd Street in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania and is open by appointment only. We welcome your visit and would love to meet with you at the shop. For clients located outside of the area, we are always available to discuss items by video conferencing or by phone.
- Creator:Wilhelm Kienzle (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 35.38 in (89.87 cm)Width: 22.25 in (56.52 cm)Depth: 22.25 in (56.52 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950
- Condition:See condition notes in description text.
- Seller Location:Shippensburg, PA
- Reference Number:
About the Seller
4.9
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Platinum Seller
These expertly vetted sellers are 1stDibs' most experienced sellers and are rated highest by our customers.
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2014
472 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Shippensburg, PA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
More From This SellerView All
- Vintage Circa 1950s Leather and Oak “Safari” Arm Chair by Wilhelm KienzleBy Wilhelm KienzleLocated in Shippensburg, PALEATHER AND OAK "SAFARI" CHAIR Designed by Wilhelm Kienzle in 1928, manufactured by Wohnbedarf, Switzerland circa 1950 Item # 301XUJ28D-3 Designed in 1928 by Wilhelm Kienzle, the "S...Category
20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsLeather, Oak
- Circa 1970 Mid-Century Modern Leather Safari Chair attr. to Wilhelm KienzleBy Wilhelm KienzleLocated in Shippensburg, PASCANDINAVIAN MODERN MAPLE & LEATHER SAFARI CHAIRS ATTRIBUTED TO WILHELM KIENZLE Circa 1970 unmarked brand new expertly crafted leather and custom machined hardware a pair to this ...Category
20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsLeather, Maple
- Gorgeous Circa 1970s Mid-Century Modern “Safari” Chair in New LeatherBy Wilhelm KienzleLocated in Shippensburg, PASCANDINAVIAN MODERN MAPLE & LEATHER SAFARI CHAIRS ATTRIBUTED TO WILHELM KIENZLE Circa 1970 unmarked brand new expertly crafted leather and custom machined hardware a pair to this ...Category
20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsBrass
- Pair of Patinated Oak “Wishbone” Arm Chairs by Hans Wegner circa 1960sBy Hans J. WegnerLocated in Shippensburg, PAPAIR OF PATINATED OAK "WISHBONE" ARM CHAIRS Designed by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen & Son, Denmark circa 1960s Item # 204JIP27P A lovely pair of Hans Wegner's iconic "Wishbone" arm...Category
20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsOak
- Pair of Wire-Brushed Oak and Leather Arm Chairs after Jean-Michel FrankBy Jean-Michel FrankLocated in Shippensburg, PAPAIR OF "BRIDGE METTEUR EN SCENE" (1932) WIRE-BRUSHED OAK AND SADDLE-LEATHER ARM CHAIRS AFTER JEAN-MICHEL FRANK Unmarked Circa third quarter of the 20th century brand new artisan-m...Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsSteel
- Mid-Century Modernist White Oak Tub Arm Chair in Blue Faux-LeatherLocated in Shippensburg, PAWORN MODERNIST WHITE-OAK TUB CHAIR Circa mid-20th century, unmarked Item # 306WQP27M One of our personal favorites currently in the shop is this exceptional modernist tub chair. It showcases a solid oak structure with a captivating patina, boasting open curving and tapered arms. These arms not only retain their historical surface but also infuse warmth into the overall design. The chair is elegantly upholstered in a faux-leather vinyl that remains in excellent condition. Remarkably well-built and substantial in weight, it is crafted to endure numerous lifetimes. The chair remarkably comfortable. It serves exceptionally well as a stylish office chair...Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsFaux Leather, Oak
You May Also Like
- Wilhelm Kienzle Safari Chairs, Switzerland, 1950By Wilhelm KienzleLocated in Roosendaal, Noord BrabantIconic pair of so called 'Safari' chairs designed by Wilhelm Kienzle in 1928 and manufactured by Wohnbedarf, Switzerland 1950s. These chairs have solid oak wooden frames and beautifu...Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsLeather, Oak
- Wilhelm Kienzle Leather Safari Chair 1950sBy Wilhelm KienzleLocated in Čelinac, BACategory
Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsLeather, Oak
- Eileen Gray, Safari Chair / AuthenticBy Eileen GrayLocated in Zürich, CH"Safari" armchair designed by Eileen Gray. It has cylindrical base and grey painted wood structure. Armrests, seat and tilting back are made in leather. Piece is authentic and made a...Category
Vintage 1930s Dutch De Stijl Chairs
MaterialsLeather, Wood
- Danish Safari Chair in Cognac Leather and OakLocated in Waalwijk, NLArmchair, leather, oak, Denmark, 1960s Well-constructed armchair from Denmark with a solid appearance. Sculpted wooden elements constitute its framework. As characteristic for safar...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
MaterialsOak, Leather
- Vintage Oak & Canvas Safari Chair by IKEABy IKEALocated in Puslinch, ONCondition: Great Vintage Condition Dimensions: 25.25” L x 23” D x 27.75” H (14.5” SH) Description: A vintage oak & canvas safari chair. Made by IKEA, circa 1980s. Great patina on t...Category
Vintage 1980s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsLeather, Canvas, Oak
- Montgomery Modern Oak and Leather Arm Chair / Office Chair by Crump and KwashBy Crump and KwashLocated in Baltimore City, MDMontgomery arm chair by Crump and Kwash Hand shaped white oak frame / commercial finish / handwoven hickory brown leather seat and back / nylon glides Also available with black le...Category
2010s American Modern Armchairs
MaterialsLeather, Oak, Hardwood
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Vitra Design
Oak Phone
Safari Collection
Vitra Design Museum
European Leather Gallery
Vintage Furniture Shops In London
Vitra Leather
Oak Leather German
Pennsylvania Chair
Interwar Period
Leather Mid Century Love Seat
Safari Bar
Vintage Brass Buttons
Antique Oak German Furniture
Vintage Wing Armchair
Vintage Winged Armchair
Large Round Midcentury Chair
Designer Wing Chair