Description
Stunning pair of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s Cantilevered brass flat bar base Brno Chairs for Knoll, circa 1960s, is comprised of brass plated frames upholstered over padded seats and backs with a padded armrest for comfort, recommend reupholstery, perfect patina. Great modern form with continuous arm to leg design. Very Rare Vintage Modern Classic design Brass Cantilever Heavy weight, comfortable “spring” suspension, an icon of 20th-century design, is celebrated for its lean profile, clean lines and meticulous attention to detail. A Classic design in the Bauhaus style. Clear shapes in combination with curved lines give the cantilever chair elegant form and function.
Designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1930 for his renowned Tugendhat House in Brno, Czech Republic, the Brno Chair reflects the groundbreaking simplicity of its original environment. The chair, an icon of 20th-century design, is celebrated for its lean profile, clean lines and meticulous attention to detail.
The Tugendhat House, often considered to be Mies van der Rohe’s defining residential work, is the summation of his ideas incorporated at every level of the design. Architectural historian Peter Blake explains in his book Master Builders: “As in every one of his designs, from skyscrapers to dining chairs, Mies reduces each object to its essential elements, and then refined each detail to a point of almost breathtaking beauty and eloquence. There was nothing in this house that did not reflect this process of distillation to the point of utter perfection; not a window mullion, not a heating pipe, not a lighting fixture, not an ashtray.”
While there were 24 Tubular Brno Chairs in the Tugendhat House, there was only one Flat Bar Brno chair in a master bedroom (Grete Tugendhat). Unlike the tubular version, the design was not subsequently put into production. In 1958, Phillip Johnson requested that Knoll produce the flat bar Brno Chair for use in his design of the Four Seasons restaurant. After making a few slight adjustments, including added cushioning (all with the approval of Mies); Knoll reintroduced the chair in 1958. The company continues to produce each chair to Mies’ exacting standards, thanks to a collaboration with the Mies van der Rohe Archives at The Museum of Modern Art, New York.
Literature: Above information taken directly from the Knoll and The Tugendhat House websites.
Creator: Knoll (Manufacturer), Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (Designer)
In the Style Of: Mid-Century Modern
Place of Origin: United States
Date of Manufacture: ca 1960
Period: 1960-1969
Materials and Techniques: brass
Condition: Good
Wear: Wear consistent with age and use
Measurements: 30in tall x23in wide x 20in deep Seat Height 17.5in tall
