Thonet Bentwood Model 811 Chairs in Black and Pigskin Weave by Josef Hoffmann

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This rare set of 5 Model 811 chairs have hard-to-find pigskin seats that are incredibly durable. One of the chairs … Read more This rare set of 5 Model 811 chairs have hard-to-find pigskin seats that are incredibly durable. One of the chairs pictured in the last 3 photos has been bolted together. It is very sturdy with no wiggle but is missing bits of the wood. The other chairs are in very good vintage condition with some paint peels as shown. All of them are rock steady and have fabulous lines.

"These chairs are a production of the Model 811 "Prague" design, which was originally created by Josef Hoffmann (or Josef Frank) for Thonet in the 1920s. Ligna continued this production decades later, maintaining the iconic bentwood silhouette. The presence of a Ligna mark confirms this is an authentic mid-century piece manufactured in the former Czechoslovakia, specifically during the 1960s or 1970s.

While these chairs are most commonly seen with cane webbing, the "pigskin" is a known authentic variant often referred to in the design world as a pigskin weave or "gut" seat.

The Manufacturer: Ligna was a state-owned Czechoslovakian enterprise that took over former Thonet factories after they were nationalized following World War II. Ligna was the primary brand used for furniture exported to Western markets, including the USA.
The Seat Material: The "pigskin" is actually a specialized weave made from natural animal gut or treated hide (often pigskin). It was used as a more durable, premium alternative to traditional rattan cane.

"Due to the rarity of the pigskin weave compared to standard cane, these chairs can be quite valuable to collectors:
Individual Chairs: Typically range from $750 to $1,050 depending on the condition of the weave.
Sets: A set of four in good condition can be valued at upwards of $3,000."" See less