Cowhorn Chair, 1952

The Kohornsstol or Cowhorn Chair (Model JH-505) by Hans Wegner was designed in 1952 and produced by cabinetmakers Johannes Hansen at their Copenhagen workshop. This elbow chair continued to evolve ideas from Wegner's best work in the late 1940s from his Chinese series of chairs variously made by Johannes Hansen and Fritz Hansen, as well as the wildly successful Round Chair (JH-501/3), first introduced by JH at 1949 Cabinetmakers Guild Exhibition, with which it shares its leg shape.

The striking, sculptural back is equally biomorphic and historical in its inspiration. The horn motif is clear, but Wegner himself suggested its originality was overstated as the same ideas had been elegantly executed by Chinese Ming-era artisans. As was often the case, Wegner remained humble even when his rare talents were so clearly displayed. The Cowhorn is memorable also for the visible, decorative tenons that join the 2 parts of the back. Rather than hide the joints as was common, Wegner made a feature of them, using either walnut or rosewood tenons with rounded edges. 

This example comes in oak and has walnut tenons with a new leather seat. The quality of timber selection and joinery is second to none and the Danish oak has aged beautifully over time.