The Sawbuck Chair: Hans Wegner's Midcentury Masterpiece
No single designer influenced modern chair design more than Hans J Wegner and many of his products have reached icon status easily recognizable at first glance.
The sawbuck chair, also known as the Hans Wegner chair, is considered one of the most exemplary and recognizable furniture designs of the 20th century. I still remember the first time I encountered this minimalist, wood masterpiece. It was in the early 2000s, while wandering the halls of the Danish Design Museum in Copenhagen. There, amongst avant garde lamps and peculiar vases, sat this understated yet intriguing chair – its gentle curves, tapered legs, and striking x-shaped back beckoning further inspection. Little did I know then that I stood before a true icon of midcentury Danish design.
Designed in 1952 by acclaimed furniture designer Hans J. Wegner, the sawbuck chair reflects the pinnacle of Danish Modern style. Wegner's chairs have been described as “works of art in themselves” and the sawbuck chair is no exception. In this article, we'll explore the history, design, and enduring legacy of this 20th century classic.
A Master Chair Maker
Before delving into the specifics of the sawbuck chair, it's worth learning a bit about the mastermind behind its conception – Hans Wegner. Born in 1914 in Tønder, Denmark, Wegner displayed a penchant for woodworking early on. He began his apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker in the early 1930s, eventually attending the Copenhagen School of Arts and Crafts. In 1938, he began working for renowned Danish architect Arne Jacobsen, designing furniture pieces for Jacobsen's new city hall in Aarhus.
Wegner quickly made a name for himself for his organic and sculptural chairs which often took inspiration from classic Chinese furniture. He went on to design over 500 chairs in his lifetime, earning him the moniker “the master chair-maker”. Some highlights from Wegner's prolific catalogue include:
- The Wishbone Chair (1949) – With its gentle curves and iconic Y-shaped back, it became one of the most popular chairs of the 20th century. I was lucky enough to snag one at an estate sale last year!
- The Round Chair (1950) – Featuring a singular curved back rail and elegantly tapered legs, it embodied Wegner's minimalist aesthetic and expert craftsmanship.
- The Flag Halyard Chair (1950) – The first chair to use stainless steel and nylon as materials, demonstrating Wegner's inventiveness.
With such groundbreaking designs under his belt, the creation of the sawbuck chair in 1952 cemented Wegner's status as a visionary furniture designer.
A New Take on Traditional Form
According to Wegner, his inspiration for the sawbuck chair's distinctive x-shaped back came from traditional sawbucks (A-frame stands) used to support wood for sawing. However, Wegner was also likely influenced by traditional Chinese Ming Dynasty chairs with their interwoven back splats. The sawbuck combines references to both Eastern and Western furniture traditions – a fusion that epitomized midcentury Danish style.
Some key features that make the sawbuck chair such an enduring classic include:
- Minimalist form – The clean, sculptural lines and absence of ornamentation create a simple yet visually arresting silhouette.
- Expert craftsmanship – Meticulously constructed of premium teak or other fine woods, with a hand-woven paper cord seat. The superb craftsmanship ensures lasting durability and comfort.
- Practical comfort – The chair's gentle curves, comfortable seat, and trademark x-back provide excellent ergonomic support. As I learned sitting in one at the museum, it's a chair made for actual living!
- Timeless aesthetic – The sawbuck's aesthetic seamlessly blends traditional craft with modern minimalism. This universal appeal has solidified its status as a 20th century icon.
The sawbuck chair encapsulates the Danish Modern design ethos which Wegner helped pioneer – simplicity, functionality, and outstanding craftsmanship.
Global Acclaim and Enduring Legacy
Upon its unveiling in 1952, the sawbuck chair immediately garnered acclaim, winning Denmark's prestigious Lunning Prize that same year. This recognition helped introduce Hans Wegner's designs, including the sawbuck chair, onto the global stage. In the years that followed, the sawbuck chair came to be considered one of Wegner's most praised and identifiable achievements.
So what is it exactly that has made the sawbuck such an icon of 20th century design?
- As an early example of Danish Modernism, it defined this revolutionary new aesthetic and approach to furniture design.
- It demonstrated expert artisanship and comfort, unlike the tubular steel designs gaining popularity at the time.
- Its fusion of Eastern and Western design referenced history while remaining distinctly modern.
- The sawbuck exemplified creativity and technical innovation in its novel use of traditional materials.
- Ultimately, its harmonious proportions, clean lines, and minimalist form gave it a universally appealing look and feel. This timeless aesthetic has sustained its popularity and relevance to the present day.
The sawbuck chair remains highly sought after and treasured by design enthusiasts and collectors around the world. It continues to be reissued and emulated by major furniture brands – a testament to its enduring place in design history. As for my personal sawbuck quest? Let's just say I'm eagerly perusing auction listings and waiting for the right antique find to come along! For now, I'll happily daydream of relaxing in one of these 20th century masterworks. Hans Wegner certainly knew how to craft an exquisite chair.
Here are some key details about the Hans J. Wegner's Classic Sawbuck Chair:
- Designed by renowned Danish furniture designer Hans J. Wegner in 1952. Wegner is often called the “master of chairs” for his innovative chair designs.
- Made of teak or other wood with a hand-woven seat made of paper cord. The sawbuck design refers to the X-shaped back support resembling a sawbuck.
- Features a minimalist, organic design with gently curved armrests, four tapered legs, and the distinctive X-shaped back support.
- Embodies Wegner's signature style combining clean lines and sculptural form inspired by classic Chinese chairs.
- Received the Lunning Prize, Denmark's highest design award, in 1951, which helped launch Wegner's international career.
- An early example of mid-century Danish design that helped define the Danish Modern aesthetic. Known for its craftsmanship and comfort.
- Often considered one of Wegner's most recognizable and praised chair designs along with the Round Chair and Wishbone Chair.
- The sawbuck chair remains a popular Wegner design that continues to be produced by several furniture companies today. It is considered a 20th century design icon.
Primary material
Oil-finished oak
secondary material
Walnut
Dimensions 29w 26d 31h
Inside Seating 23w 22d
Seat Height 14h
Arm Height 24h
Price: $2550
