Design story
Hans J Wegner CH23 chair stands as an enduring testament to the Danish designer’s mastery of form and function. Crafted in 1950 for Carl Hansen & Son, this iconic piece remains a timeless example of Scandinavian design, blending simplicity, elegance, and functionality in perfect harmony.
First introduced in 1950, the CH23 dining chair was one of the first chairs Hans J. Wegner designed exclusively for Carl Hansen & Søn. The pieces he created at this time were not only unique but also set new standards for modern furniture design with their artistic expression and ergonomic form
His first masterpieces were not only unique but also set new standards in modern furniture design because of their lightness, artistic expression and ergonomic form. It may appear straightforward at first glance, but the CH23 chair incorporates many fine, sophisticated details, such as the elegant cruciform cover caps in the backrest, a unique hand-woven seat, and rear legs that arch backwards for maximum stability.
Hans J. Wegner is without a doubt one of the great masters of Danish design. Particularly known for his chairs that, according to Wegner, are not just pieces of furniture but art made to support the human form.
Wegner was born in Southern Denmark, son of a shoemaker and on track to follow in his fathers footstep. However, at the age of 14 Wegner entered into an apprenticeship with a local cabinet maker. It quickly became evident that he had an enormous talent designing chairs and working with wood. After the apprenticeship Wegner moved to Copenhagen and attended the School of Arts and Crafts from 1936 to 1938 before setting out as a furniture designer.
Throughout his career, Wegner had a fondness for integrating wood into his chairs, and he had a special talent for using the characteristics of the material to create surprising, sculptural lines.
Carl Hansen & Søn re-launched the CH23 in 2017, faithful to Wegner’s original working drawing, making it part of the collection once again.
