4 Richard Nissen Yin Chairs, Denmark 1960s

Four “Yin” chairs designed by Richard Nissen, Denmark from the 1960s.

These four extraordinary beech chairs by Danish designer Richard Nissen, were most likely made in very small numbers (most likely less than 100 were made). They are called the ‘Yin’ or ‘China’ chairs and incorporate many distinctive features of the 17th and 18th century traditional Ming chairs, that also inspired Hans Wegner when he made his ‘China’ chairs.

The top rail is made of a total of six parts with black wedges. The armrests end in an elegant curve. The conical tapered legs are solid and run all the way through the seat up to the armrests. Between the armrest and the seat is an extra support of bentwood in the back. The rectangle seat hold a loose woven cane seat. Ornamental borders are placed underneath the seat. The chairs were manufactured by Nissen, Langaa.

Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use.

Dimensions:
25.01 in W x 21.66 in D x 34.65 in H; Seat height 16.34 in
63.5 cm W x 55 cm D x 88 cm H; Seat height 41.5 cm

Provenance:
The Richard Nissen collection.

About the designer:
Richard Nissen was born in Denmark in 1928. After graduating in 1943, the third generation, Richard Nissen, began working in the factory of his family that started with the production of barrels and eventually grew to be renowned for its woodworking.

Richard Nissen became operations manager in 1952, and in the 1950s he decisively changed the profile of the wood products factory in the direction of being a manufacturer of design items. In 1955, Nissen began the production of applied art in collaboration with the sculptor Jens H. Quistgaard, and in 1957 he bought the factory from his father. Richard Nissen has stated about the collaboration: 'In 1955, DANSK Design came from New York to Langå to see our models. I had changed a little on one of Quistgaard's hills, - given the curved handle with steel dowels inside. When the people from DANSK Design saw it and heard the award, they shouted at me, Richard - we are in business'.

Nissens Trævarefabrik came to play a major role in the Danish Design wave, and for a number of years Richard Nissen employed approx. 220 people; mostly local people from Langå and surroundings. In 1970, however, an internal rift arose in DANSK Design, and Richard Nissen parted ways with them the following year and continued on his own.

Nissens Trævarefabrik was one of the world's largest applied art producers in the late 1970s, but the 1980s were a tough time for the factory, which in 1990 was sold to the Bodum Group.

Today, the products of Richard Nissen and Nissens Trævarefabrik are sought after for their outstanding woodwork and Danish Modern aesthetics. ~H.

Shipping:
This set of four chairs will be packed and shipped with the greatest care to make sure you will receive the items in gallery condition.
Complimentary shipping within the Netherlands.