Set of 2 "el Rey" Easy Chairs in Brass and Leather by Mats Theselius, 1999

This rare pair of el Rey easy chairs, designed by Mats Theselius and produced by Källemo in Värnamo, Sweden in 1999, exemplifies the intersection of contemporary Scandinavian design and collectible limited-edition craftsmanship. Numbered 340 and 252 from an exclusive series of 360 pieces, the chairs are a testament to Theselius’s celebrated ability to fuse sculptural form, material richness, and conceptual rigor in a way that bridges art and design.

Each chair features a patinated brass frame with a refined structural rhythm—geometrically composed yet softened by gentle curves. The frame functions not only as a support but as a defining aesthetic element, with its matte-golden patina revealing the passage of time and the tactile memory of use. This natural aging process transforms each chair into a subtly unique piece, adding depth and individuality to its minimalist composition.

The seat and backrest are upholstered in black leather with a textured, slightly pebbled finish. This leather introduces both a luxurious and durable surface, its dark tone providing a dramatic contrast to the warmth of the brass. The upholstery is tightly tailored, enhancing the sharpness of the silhouette while preserving comfort. Curved armrests, wrapped in matching leather, contribute to the functional ergonomics of the piece and complete the chair’s cohesive material palette.

Its compact dimensions—55 cm wide, 74 cm deep, and 71 cm high (21.7 x 29.1 x 28 inches), with a seat height of 35 cm (13.8 inches)—make it versatile across different interior contexts, from domestic reading corners to gallery-like settings. The low profile and open frame convey a sense of lightness, despite the substantiality of the brass and leather.

Mats Theselius, known for creating furniture that often blurs the line between utility and conceptual sculpture, has collaborated with Källemo on numerous significant projects. Källemo, a design-forward Swedish manufacturer with a philosophy centered on longevity and intellectual expression, played a key role in bringing Theselius’s avant-garde visions into tangible, collectible forms. The el Rey chairs embody this partnership’s shared ethos: furniture that engages the senses, provokes thought, and resists the ephemerality of trend.

In excellent condition, with well-preserved leather and a rich, even patina across the brass surfaces, this pair of el Rey chairs represents not only high craftsmanship and material integrity, but also a moment in late-20th-century Scandinavian design where limited production and artistic intention converged. As such, these chairs are as much objects of function as they are collectable works of contemporary design.

Additional information:
Material: Brass, Leather
Color: Black, Gold
Style: Contemporary, Scandinavian Modern
Producer: Källemo
Period: 1990s
Designed in: 1999
Country: Sweden
Dimensions: W: 55 / D: 74 / H: 71 / Seat H: 35
Item Number: 153925