Model 020 Chair by Bruno Ninaber van Eyben for Artifort, 1977

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Here for a rare model 020 Chair designed by Bruno Ninaber van Eyben and manufactured by Artifort in The Netherlands … Read more Here for a rare model 020 Chair designed by Bruno Ninaber van Eyben and manufactured by Artifort in The Netherlands 1977. This is an exquisite example of Dutch design ingenuity, this chair embodies a rare moment in which engineering, minimalism, and aesthetic clarity intersect. Conceived in 1977 and produced by Artifort, the Model 020 chair stands among the most technically sophisticated pieces of its time, sharing an intellectual lineage with the legendary Zig Zag Chair by Gerrit Rietveld. The design relies entirely on the logic of construction and balance rather than decorative excess. This remarkable chair consists of just three interlocking elements of beech plywood. At its core is a single round dowel that binds the seat and backrest together, creating both the visual tension and structural strength that give the chair its distinctive character. Despite its simplicity, the engineering is exacting, allowing the form to function without additional supports. Early Artifort production experimented with bold finishes, and this rare silver version belongs to that first exploratory batch. The metallic hue creates the illusion of aluminum, though the material is in fact warm, tactile wood beneath the paint. Only 150 examples of the Model 020 were produced, and this early silver-painted version may well be unique. Its authentic condition, with straight geometry preserved over time, makes it an exceptional collector’s piece within the canon of Dutch minimal design. Literature; Stoelen, Nederlandse ontwerpen 1945 – 1948, Peter Vöge & Bab Westerveld, page 141. Bruno Ninaber van Eyben is a Dutch industrial designer known for his refined, technically innovative approach to form and function. Born in 1950, he studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Maastricht before establishing his own studio in the 1970s. His work spans furniture, product design, and identity design, characterized by a precise balance between engineering and minimalism. Ninaber gained international recognition for designing the Dutch guilder coins introduced in 1980, as well as for his contributions to furniture design, including collaborations with Artifort. His pieces often emphasize construction as a central aesthetic element, combining clarity of structure with a timeless modern sensibility. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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