The Grandfather of Modernism
Kaare Klint
Kaare Klint (1888-1954) is celebrated as the “grandfather of modernism” for his monumental contribution to the development of twentieth-century Nordic design.
Klint’s design ethos showcased an exceptional grasp of spatial awareness and proportion. He pioneered a design approach that centered around the human experience, basing his designs on meticulous human body studies.
Beyond mere aesthetic appeal, Klint prioritized the practicality of his creations. He revolutionised Danish furniture design by seamlessly merging tradition with purpose-driven creativity.
To him, a design was not just about its look but how it resonated with its environment, aiming for a harmonious blend of form and functionality.
The Red Chair model 3949
Denmark, 1928.
The Red Chair is internationally regarded as an iconic Nordic dining chair. A minimalist silhouette contributes an elegant simplicity to the chair’s form. The wide backrests and seats are clad in rich leather and an expertly crafted frame by the leading furniture maker of the twentieth century, Rud Rasmussen, holds the design together.
Kaare Klint designed his first version of the Red Chair in 1927 for the distinguished Danish Museum of Decorative Arts. In the following years, Klint reproduced the models in different materials and sizes according to body shape.
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A set of twelve Red Chairs (model 3949) in mahogany and leather.
Manufactured in Denmark by the original manufacturer, Rud Rasmussen, in the 1960s.
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Modernity has dealt in a wide variety of the Red Chair models over the last twenty five years. Please see other available versions below or feel free to get in contact with a specialist to discuss sourcing a set - or a single chair - that suits you.
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Please email info@modernity.se or click here to enquire about this set or any of the products below.
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H: 85 cm / 2' 9 1/2''
W: 48 cm / 19''
D: 51 cm / 20''
SH: 47 cm / 18 1/2''
Model 3758 A
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A pair of Red Chairs (model ??) in oak, leather and brass.
Manufactured in Denmark by the original manufacturer, Rud Rasmussen, in the 1930s.
Stamped.
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H: 89 cm / 2' 11"
W: 57 m / 1' 10"
D:58 cm / 1' 11"
SH: 48 cm / 1' 7"
Model 3949
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A set of three Red Chairs (model 3949) in Cuban mahogany, original Niger leather and brass.
Manufactured in Denmark by the original manufacturer, Rud Rasmussen, in the 1930s.
Stamped.
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H: 84.5 cm / 2' 9 1/4''
W: 47.5 cm / 18 3/4''
D: 49 cm / 19 1/4''
SH: 46 cm / 18''
Model 3758 A
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A pair of Red Chairs (model 3758 A) in mahogany and leather.
Manufactured in Denmark by the original manufacturer, Rud Rasmussen, in the 1940s.
Stamped.
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H: 90 cm / 3'
W: 61 cm / 2' 1/2''
D: 57 cm / 17 23/32''
SH: 45 cm / 18 1/2''
Armrest height: 68.5 cm / 2' 3 1/2''
Dining table
Denmark, 1930s.
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This model is one of the rarest and finest dining tables by the Danish master Kaare Klint. Carefully chosen woodgrain textures frame each part of the table's mahogany surface. The elegant table has an efficient extension mechanism; Klint implemented the "Dutch pull-out" system that allows for practical leaf storage underneath the table's surface.
The leaf extensions are cleverly built into the frame and can be pulled out from each end when needed. With its exquisite woodwork and carved details on all four legs, this table perfectly matches Klint's Red Chairs.
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Mahogany
Manufactured in Denmark by the original manufacturer, Rud Rasmussen, in the 1930s.
Stamped.
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H: 75.5 cm / 2’ 5 3/4’’
L: 140 cm / 4’ 7’’
Extended: 266 cm / 8’ 8 3/4’’
W: 92 cm / 3’ 1/4’’
The Faaborg Chair
Denmark, 1914
Klint designed the Faaborg Chair in 1914 for visitors at the Faaborg Museum, Denmark, who wanted to take a seat to view the artwork on display. Since then, the chair has become a highly sought after Nordic design collectable for its function and structure.
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Mahogany, woven cane and leather.
Manufactured in Denmark by the original manufacturer, Rud Rasmussen, in the 1960s.
Click here to view Modernity’s Faaborg Chairs on our website.
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Signature Showcase:
Kaare Klint’s unique sofa
Denmark, 1916.
Klint designed this unique three-seater sofa in 1916. The sofa is among his very early designs and should thus be seen as a prime example of the first steps in the movement that would later evolve into the ‘golden age of Danish design’.
This sofa was commissioned by Chamberlain Valdemar Krieger for the Estruplund Estate in Djursland. Krieger was a close friend of King Christian X, who was a frequent guest at Estruplund. Krieger furnished special rooms for the royal family's visits; one of these was a drawing room for playing bridge. It was for this room that Klint designed this unique sofa.
The sofa is made of burl oak and has its original Niger leather cushions that show a deep patina without damage. While the piece has a sturdy base on elegant runners with a profiled finish, Klint achieved a sense of lightness by carving the feet and armrests and freeing up the area under the seat. The sofa has a boxy, geometric shape and shows Klint’s great interest in Neoclassicism.
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Manufactured in Denmark by NM Rasmussen Holbæk H in 1916.
Burl oak and orignal Niger leather.
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H: 73 cm / 2' 5 1/4"
W: 225 cm / 7' 2 5/8"
D: 85.5 cm / 2' 7 1/8"
Seat H: 42 cm / 17"
