Exceptional Pair of Gouged Pine Lounge Chairs Attributed to Axel Einar Hjorth

Exceptional pair of open-frame lounge chairs attributed to Axel Einar Hjorth (1888-1959) for Nordiska Kompaniet, having sculptural frames crafted in solid pine with flaring arm rests, raked legs and carved gouging, and new upholstery patterned off the original in shearling; Sweden, 1930s

For over a decade beginning in 1927, Axel Einar Hjorth (1888-1959) reigned as architect and chief designer of the furniture division for Sweden's most exclusive department store, Nordiska Kompaniet, and its legendary cabinetmaking workshop, creating an astounding variety of fine furnishings in the process.

Today, the most coveted examples of his genius are the rustic pine sportstugemöbler models he created between 1929 and 1932. Intended for the vacation homes of Stockholm elites, each collection was named after an island in the nearby archipelago, such as Utö, Lovö and Wärmdö. Although considered some of his best and most original work, the pieces proved to be ahead of their time, and production was limited.

These are likely a custom variation of a more conventional open-frame type of easy chair found in Hjorth's pine lines.