Finn Juhl Chieftain Chair Achieves 650,000 DKK at Bruun Rasmussen Auction

Danish furniture design continues to captivate international audiences.

This became evident once again Thursday, November 20 evening when a rare example of Finn Juhl’s masterpiece, the Chieftain Chair, achieved an impressive hammer price of 650,000 DKK (approximately €87,000) at Bruun Rasmussen Auctioneers.

profile of Finn Juhl Chieftain Chair displaying sculptural form and patinated natural leather upholstery

“The high sale price demonstrates the continued strong international demand for original Danish design classics. The combination of Finn Juhl’s organic, sculptural design language and the strong provenance makes this particular sold example especially attractive among collectors,” explains Andreas Krabbe, specialist in modern design at Bruun Rasmussen.

The Chieftain Chair, crafted in teak wood and patinated natural leather, was executed in the 1950s by master cabinetmaker Niels Vodder, with whom Juhl maintained a close and groundbreaking collaboration. Chairs produced by Vodder are particularly sought after among collectors, as they represent the first editions of the furniture. The collaboration between Juhl and Vodder also holds great historical significance in Danish furniture design.

Inherited Within the Juhl Family for Generations

Additionally, the chair carries a unique history. It was gifted by Finn Juhl and his first wife, Inge-Marie Skaarup, to her father on the occasion of an anniversary. From there, it has been preserved in the family through generations—first with the couple’s adopted son, Claus Juhl, who later gave it to his daughter.

“The Chieftain Chair is not merely a masterwork in Danish furniture design—the close, unbroken family history simultaneously makes this example a rare personal testimony to Finn Juhl’s private life and relationships,” explains Andreas Krabbe.

According to Andreas Krabbe, the story behind a piece of furniture can be a significant factor when it is sold at auction.

“For collectors, museums, and researchers, provenance is relevant. It tells about a work’s history and its significance for previous owners. When the story accompanies the piece, it can be decisive for a furniture’s value at auction,” he explains.

Close-up of teak armrest detail on Finn Juhl Chieftain Chair showing craftsmanship by master cabinetmaker Niels Vodder

“Rather Call It a Chieftain Chair”

Juhl designed the sculptural Chieftain Chair for the Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition in 1949. An anecdote relates that King Frederik IX stopped by the stand and sat in it. Subsequently, a journalist asked Juhl if it should therefore be called the “King’s Chair,” to which the architect responded, “rather call it a chieftain chair.”

Images and content courtesy of Bruun Rasmussen Auctioneers.
Find out more about Bruun Rasmussen https://bruun-rasmussen.dk/

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