J.&J. Kohn - Chair - Wood

Armchair Joseph & Jacob Kohn – Vienna, late 19th / early 20th century

Very rare original armchair with arms produced by the historic manufacturer Jacob & Josef Kohn, one of the most important makers of bentwood furniture active in Vienna between the late 19th century and the early decades of the 20th century, a leading competitor and protagonist alongside Thonet in the history of European design.

The chair is made of steamed-bent beech, with an elegant and sturdy frame, featuring contoured armrests, a wraparound back, and a circular solid-wood seat finely decorated with an incised floral motif, an element of great value and strong decorative significance.

Brand and authenticity

Under the seat is the original paper label 'J. & J. Kohn – Wien', with imperial crests, clearly visible and legible despite the natural wear of time.
The brand confirms authenticity and original Viennese production.

Epoca

Late 19th century / early 20th century (around 1895–1910).

Materials
• steam-bent beech wood
• Solid wood seat, carved
• Original tool

Dimensions (model standard)
• Total height: about 78–80 cm
Seated height: about 46 cm
• Width with armrests: about 56–58 cm
• Seat diameter: about 40 cm
Depth: approximately 50 cm.

(Indicative measurements, consistent with the original-era Kohn armchairs with arms.)

Instructions for use

Originally intended for executive offices, elegant cafés and representative environments, today perfect as:
• desk chair or table
• living room armchair
• a striking decorative piece
• museum collection item

Conditions

Very good condition for its age, with original patina and signs consistent with more than a century of life.
There are a few small woodworm holes, consistent with the period.
The chair has already been treated with an anti-termite spray as a preventive measure.
Structurally solid and stable.

Rarity

A very rare model, hard to come by on the market, especially in this condition and with the original label still attached.

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Description in English

Joseph & Jacob Kohn armchair – Vienna, late 19th / early 20th century

Very rare original bentwood armchair produced by the historic Viennese manufacturer Jacob & Josef Kohn, one of the most important bentwood furniture makers active between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and a key rival to Thonet in European design history.

The chair is crafted from steam-bent beechwood, featuring an elegant and solid structure with shaped armrests, a gently curved backrest, and a circular solid wood seat finely carved with a floral motif, a highly decorative and refined detail.

Mark and authenticity

The underside retains the original paper label “J. & J. Kohn – Wien”, complete with imperial emblems, still visible despite natural age wear.
The label confirms original Viennese production and authenticity.

Period

Late 19th century / early 20th century (circa 1895–1910).

Materials
• Steam-bent beechwood
• Solid wood carved seat
• Original hardware

Dimensions (standard model)
• Total height: approx. 78–80 cm
• Seat height: approx. 46 cm
• Width including armrests: approx. 56–58 cm
• Seat diameter: approx. 40 cm
Depth: approximately 50 cm

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

Intended use

Originally designed for executive offices, refined cafés, and representative interiors, today ideal as:
• desk or dining armchair
• accent chair for living spaces
• highly decorative statement piece
• collectible example of museum-quality bentwood design

Condition

Very good condition for its age, with original patina and age-related wear.
Some minor old woodworm holes are present, consistent with the period.
The chair has already been treated with anti-woodworm spray as a preventive measure.
Structurally sound and stable.

Rarity

A very rare model, seldom found on the market, especially in this well-preserved condition and with the original label still intact.