Designed by Finn Juhl in 1957 and produced by France & Son in Denmark, the Japan Chair forms part of Juhl’s Japan Series, a group of seating designs characterized by a restrained wooden structure, low proportions, and a clear influence from traditional Japanese architecture.
This example is accompanied by its matching ottoman and features a teak frame that has been professionally restored by our team. The chair and ottoman have been newly upholstered in Kvadrat Hallingdal fabric, combining light grey upholstery with a contrasting blue seat cushion. The colour arrangement was selected in reference to the use of contrasting grey and blue upholstery seen on the same model in Finn Juhl’s own house in Ordrup, Denmark, now preserved as part of the Ordrupgaard museum complex.
The defining element of the Japan Chair is its exposed horizontal rear rail. Extending beyond the uprights at either side, the element gives the chair a distinctly architectural profile and reflects the Japanese building traditions that informed the series. Finn Juhl reduced the structure to a relatively small number of clearly articulated components, allowing the construction itself to become a central part of the design.
Another characteristic detail is the separation between the upholstered backrest and the supporting wooden frame. Small metal spacers create a visible gap between the two elements, reinforcing Juhl’s recurring distinction between the structure that carries and the upholstered elements being carried. The result is a backrest that appears visually suspended within the frame.
The newly upholstered surfaces continue this sense of separation. Light grey Kvadrat Hallingdal covers the backrest and primary seating structure, while the removable blue seat cushion introduces a strong but controlled colour contrast. The matching ottoman repeats the light grey upholstery and teak construction of the chair.
The chair retains its France & Son manufacturer’s labels beneath the frame, providing direct documentation of its production. Both the chair and ottoman present in excellent restored condition, with refinished teak and new Kvadrat Hallingdal upholstery.
The Japan Series was introduced in 1957 during Finn Juhl’s collaboration with France & Son and included the lounge chair, matching footstool, and two- and three-seat sofas. Its simplified construction represents a particularly restrained expression within Juhl’s work while retaining his characteristic interest in visually separating upholstered forms from their supporting structure.
Chair:
Width: 26.6” (67.5 cm)
Depth: 28.7” (73 cm)
Height: 28.3” (72 cm)
Seat Height: 14.2” (36 cm)
Ottoman:
Width: 24” (61 cm)
Depth: 20.5” (52 cm)
Height: 13” (33 cm)
Worldwide shipping available. Delivery can be arranged throughout Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, and beyond. Shipping estimates generated automatically by the platform may not reflect the final cost. Please contact us before purchasing for an accurate shipping or delivery quote.
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