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Early 'Bow-Wood No. 03' Side Chair by Hugues Steiner, France, late 1940s

$2,650
Description

This 'Bow Wood no 03' Side Chair, designed in the late 1940s/early 1950's, features a distinctive plywood construction with a curved bow-shaped design in steam bent solid oak. The chair was inspired on a sketch by Wilhelm von Bode. And this specific chair is a early edition manufactured by Hugues Steiner.


The chair is crafted from high-quality plywood, offering both durability and flexibility. It retains its exceptionally good original condition, showing minimal signs of wear despite its age. The design emphasizes functional simplicity with clean, streamlined lines typical of mid-century modern furniture. The chair’s structure is both sturdy and lightweight, making it practical for various settings. This piece reflects the design principles of bent wood chairs showing similarities to chairs from American designers such as Norman Cherner and the Pretzel chair by George Nelson focusing on practicality and efficient use of materials. 


Hugues Steiner was a French furniture company known for its innovative and modern designs, founded by Charles Steiner and later led by his son, Hugues. Under Hugues’ leadership, the company became famous for its ""Bow-wood"" series, using bentwood techniques to create stylish and affordable furniture. Steiner collaborated with top designers like Pierre Guariche, whose SK660 chair became an icon, and ARP (Pierre Guariche, Michel Mortier, and Joseph-André Motte), who helped shape the company’s mid-century aesthetic. Other notable partnerships included Michel Mortier’s SF 103 Triennale armchair and Kwok Hoi Chan’s avant-garde designs. Expanding into office furniture with Sedia Steiner in the 1960s, the company adapted to changing tastes but struggled with the 1970s oil crisis. In 1988, after decades of success, Hugues Steiner sold the company to Koval Industries, marking the end of an era.


Condition: The chair is in good original condition with a beautiful patina. The chair’s aesthetic appeal makes it more suitable as an accent piece or for spaces where it is less likely to endure heavy use. The construction of the chair is still very good.


We have consciously chosen to photograph all of our items in their current state to present the real original condition as completely as possible for transparency towards our clients.


In case you have any additional questions about the original condition, always feel free to reach out and ask us for additional images. We do also offer services such as restoration and re-upholstery in case this is wished for.

Measurements

W53 x D49 x H79 cm

W20.9 x D19.3 x H31.1 in

Seat Height: 44 cm / 17.3 in

Condition
Pre-owned
Color
Brown
Seller
erthouse

Welcome to erthouse, a place where you can be surprised by 20th century pieces. We firmly believe in the transformative power of human connection and the profound impact that thoughtfully chosen objects can have on our lives. Our vision is to enrich our customers by offering furniture that is not only visually captivating but also infused with history and significance. These objects are not mere decorations—they are vessels of memory, culture, and emotion that resonate with those who choose them, becoming a part of their living spaces. Our collection has been put together with sensitivity where we not only offer pieces from well-known makers but also anonymous objects with a distinctive character. We both truly enjoy the thrill of discovering the perfect mid-century design pieces from around the world, often when we least expect it, those items that add a unique character to every space. Equally rewarding is our commitment to ensuring that our clients have the best possible experience, all the way through to far beyond the delivery. It’s this blend of passion for design and dedication to exceptional service that drives everything we do at erthouse. Together, Joost and Tessa bring nearly two decades of experience in the 20th century design industry, a powerful combination of expertise that shapes every challenge they take on.

  • Mid Century Modern
  • Vintage
  • 50s
  • 40s

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