Thonet - Michael Thonet - Chair (2) - Wood, Vienna straw

Pair of Thonet chairs – Vienna, late 19th / early 20th century

Elegant pair of original Thonet chairs, made according to the famous technique of steam-bent wood, a patent that made the Thonet manufactory one of the leading furniture producers between the late 19th century and the early decades of the 20th century.

The chairs feature the classic bent beechwood construction, with a backrest in a continuous double-arc, an iconic element of Thonet's formal language, designed to combine visual lightness, structural solidity, and timeless elegance.
The seat is made of hand-woven Vienna straw, an original piece from the period, with a regular weave, mounted in a wooden ring.

Brand and authenticity

Both chairs are stamped "THONET WIEN", visible beneath the seat on the original label, attributable to the Thonet company of Vienna.
The brand confirms its historical production and authenticity.

Epoca

Late 19th century / early 20th century (roughly 1890–1910), a period when Thonet chairs were widely used in Viennese cafés, bistros, and European bourgeois environments.

Materials
Steam-bent beech wood
• Natural braided Vienna straw
• Original fastening elements

Measurements (model standard)
• Total height: about 88–90 cm
Seated height: about 46 cm
• Seat diameter: about 40–41 cm
• Depth: about 42 cm

(The measurements are indicative and consistent with the original Thonet models of the period.)

Instructions for use

Originally intended for public cafés and halls, today ideal as:
• dining chairs
• furniture for the kitchen or dining room
• decorative elements for vintage, industrial, or contemporary interiors
• collectible pieces of historical design

Conditions

Good overall condition, age-appropriate.
There are visible signs of age, authentic patina, and light wear, which attest to its originality.
Structurally sound.
Vienna straw in conditions consistent with the era.

Note on the lottery

The seller has a total of seven (7) identical chairs.
The chairs will be auctioned in lots of two and as single items.
By following the various active auctions, you will be able to purchase the entire complete set.

⸻

Description in English

Pair of Thonet chairs – Vienna, late 19th / early 20th century

Elegant pair of original Thonet chairs, crafted using the renowned steam-bent wood technique, a patented process that established Thonet as one of the most influential furniture manufacturers between the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The chairs feature the classic bent beechwood structure, with a continuous double-loop backrest, an iconic Thonet design combining visual lightness, structural strength, and timeless elegance.
The seats are made of hand-woven Vienna cane, original to the period, set within a wooden frame.

Mark and authenticity

Both chairs are marked “THONET WIEN”, visible beneath the seat on the original label, attributable to the Thonet factory in Vienna.
The mark confirms historical production and authenticity.

Period

Late 19th century / early 20th century (circa 1890–1910), when Thonet chairs were widely used in Viennese cafés, bistros, and bourgeois interiors throughout Europe.

Materials
• Steam-bent beechwood
• Natural hand-woven Vienna cane
• Original fixing elements

Dimensions (standard model)
• Total height: approx. 88–90 cm
• Seat height: approx. 46 cm
• Seat diameter: approx. 40–41 cm
Depth: approx. 42 cm

(Measurements are approximate and consistent with original Thonet models of the period.)

Intended use

Originally designed for cafés and public spaces, today ideal as:
• dining chairs
• kitchen or living room seating
• decorative elements for vintage, industrial, or contemporary interiors
• collectible examples of historic design

Condition

Good overall condition, consistent with age.
Signs of wear, authentic patina, and minor age-related imperfections are present and testify to originality.
Structurally sound.
Vienna cane in condition appropriate for the period.

Lot note

The seller owns a total of seven (7) identical chairs.
The chairs will be offered at auction in pairs and one single chair.
By following the active listings, you will be able to acquire the complete matching set.