Prototype Stool in Pine Wood from Erik Höglund, Sweden, 1950s

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This exceptional and sculptural stool is a unique prototype by erik höglund, one of sweden’s most influential postwar designers and … Read more This exceptional and sculptural stool is a unique prototype by erik höglund, one of sweden’s most influential postwar designers and artists. Crafted in solid pinewood in the 1950s, the piece embodies höglund’s distinctive blend of rustic materiality, modernist experimentation, and playful sculptural form. The stool is constructed from thick, hand-worked pine planks with expressive carved striations that emphasize the natural grain of the wood. The seat has a bold, almost totemic silhouette, accented with circular wooden plugs that punctuate the surface like abstract ornament. A protruding sculpted element at one end—characteristic of höglund’s humorous and anthropomorphic sensibility—adds a striking, idiosyncratic presence. The stool stands on four stout, tapering legs, giving it a grounded yet architectural stance. The surface shows a rich, warm patina with visible tool marks, wear, and age traces consistent with its use and age, all of which enhance its authenticity and sculptural appeal. The overall expression is both primitive and modern, aligning closely with höglund’s early furniture and sculptural experiments from the mid-century period. Importantly, this stool comes with direct provenance from erik höglund’s own home, underscoring its significance as a personal and experimental work rather than a production piece. As a unique prototype, it represents a rare opportunity to acquire an intimate and highly collectible example of höglund’s design philosophy, where furniture borders on functional sculpture. The model was later put into production at "boda trä". A museum-worthy piece, ideal for collectors of scandinavian modern design, studio craft, and unique mid-century objects.

provenance: from erik höglund's own home between the years 1953-1967. 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



issues arising from misattribution See less