Vintage Kotka Safari Dining Chairs in Pine and Saddle Leather attributed to Tomas Jelinek for Ikea, 1980s, Set of 6

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A beautifully atmospheric set of six vintage kotka dining chairs by tomas jelinek for ikea, dating to the 1980s. The … Read more A beautifully atmospheric set of six vintage kotka dining chairs by tomas jelinek for ikea, dating to the 1980s. The set has exactly the qualities that make this model so appealing: a straightforward solid pine frame, thick natural leather seat and back slings, and a silhouette that feels both rustic and architectural.

what gives the kotka its charm is the balance between utility and warmth. The construction is clear and almost elemental, but the leather softens everything. The rolled leather edges, visible stitching, and honest pine grain give the chairs that quiet safari-campaign character that works so well in more relaxed, design-led interiors. These are not overly refined chairs, and that is precisely the point: they feel collected, tactile, and easy to live with.

ikea museum notes that tomas jelinek was trained in the central european furnishing tradition, came to sweden in 1968, and joined ikea that same year. Both ikea museum and the möbeldesignmuseum describe him as an important ikea designer behind several notable successes, which helps place the kotka within a period when ikea still produced a number of more characterful, material-led designs that have since become increasingly collectible. The chair’s mix of simplicity, durability, and strong visual identity fits that legacy very well.

this set has a lovely lived-in look. The leather has aged to a warm honey-cognac tone that suits the pine beautifully, and the visible patina gives the chairs a relaxed, authentic presence. Around a farmhouse table, a pine or oak dining table, or even in a more minimal wabi-sabi interior, they bring texture without feeling heavy. They are especially good for someone who wants dining chairs with character rather than something too polished or anonymous.

details
origin: sweden
maker: ikea
designer: tomas jelinek
model: kotka
period: 1980s
type: dining chairs / side chairs
material: pine, natural leather
dimensions: 48 w × 45 d × 80 h cm (18.9 w × 17.7 d × 31.5 h in)
seat height: 44 cm (17.3 in)
quantity: set of 6
construction: leather sling seat and leather backrest on solid pine frame 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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