Arne Norell “Kontiki” Safari Lounge Chairs, Sweden, 1960s, a Pair

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Pair of Arne Norell “Kontiki” Safari Lounge Chairs, Sweden, 1960s

Somewhere in rural Indiana, in a barn that has definitely … Read more Pair of Arne Norell “Kontiki” Safari Lounge Chairs, Sweden, 1960s

Somewhere in rural Indiana, in a barn that has definitely seen some things ~ a pair of Swedish modernist icons were waiting patiently for someone to notice them. We noticed-- as found-- this is a real-life American Pickers moment, minus the van and with considerably better taste.

These Kontiki chairs came to us as frames and webbing only, the furniture equivalent of showing up to the party in just your undershirt. Remarkably, the original leather webbing and straps had survived beautifully, with only wear consistent with age. One back strap carries a dime-sized blot of white paint, a whisper of a past life lived.

Since we had no cushions, we enlisted our expert SoCal craftsmen to custom remake them from scratch, and they rose to the challenge. The chairs are now upholstered in luxurious Edelman black leather, paired with a tan basket weave hopsack back for a delicious two-tone depth. Sharp, tactile and just a little bit adventurous.

We consciously chose not to refinish the frames. They carry wear, age and patina that money simply cannot buy ~ and they’re in great condition for any vintage lover. These chairs have lived a life, and they look like it in the best possible way.

Stunning chairs, a genuine find, and a story you’ll get to tell every time someone sits down.

About Arne Norell
Arne Norell (1917–1971) was one of Sweden’s most celebrated midcentury furniture designers and the founder of Möbel AB Arne Norell in Aneby, a small town in the forested Småland region of southern Sweden. Norell built his reputation on handsome, hardworking seating that married Scandinavian craftsmanship with rugged materials like thick saddle leather, solid wood and brass, with signature designs including the Ari, Inca, Sirocco and Kontiki. His work drew on the safari chair tradition: knock-down frames, leather straps and webbing, and a relaxed, low-slung posture made for lingering. Two years after his death, the British Furniture Manufacturers honored his Ari chair as Showpiece of the Year. The company remains family run today, carried on by his daughter, designer Marie Norell-Möller.

Details

Designer: Arne Norell
Manufacturer: Möbel AB Arne Norell, Aneby, Sweden
Era: 1960s
Original: Frames, leather webbing and leather straps
New: Custom-made cushions in Edelman black leather and tan basket weave hopsack
Condition: Original unrefinished frames with age-appropriate wear and patina; dime-sized white paint mark on one back strap

These chairs would look excellent in any mid century modern, Danish modern or contemporary styled home. We currently have these alongside a Safari chair, Hans Wegner bull chairs and a Finn Juhl credenza and not only do these chairs make a statement, they absolutely steal the show! Truly gorgeous chairs! See less