Set of 4 Dining Chairs ‘Model 31’ by Kai Kristiansen
Set of 4 dining chairs ‘model 31’, designed by Kai Kristiansen and produced by Schou Andersen in Denmark since 1957. This elegant yet sturdy chair with a dark teak wooden frame and black skai upholstery makes a very comfortable seat, perfect for long dining evenings. In its first years of production the ’31’ was sold through Ikea, back then not a multinational furniture seller yet. It was destined for volume production and proved, together with his model 42, to be one one Kai Kristiansen’s most popular models. One of the chairs has a front leg that had a small repair on the top end, further this set is in very good condition as shown in the pictures.
Product / Model
Designer
Manufacturer
Country
Date
Product ID
Price
Dimensions:
W: 49,5 cm
D: 45 cm
H: 74 cm
Seating H: 44 cm
Weight: approx. 5 kilo
Material: Solid teak, black skai
Born in Hurup in northwestern Jutland in 1929, Kai Kristiansen grew up to the smell of freshly cut wood as both his father and grandfather were carpenters. His grandfather started with selling wooden coffins and, when Kai was 7 years old, his father built a furniture factory.
When he was only 14 years old, he started sweeping floors and assembling pieces as an apprentice for his father, who not only produced furniture but also built houses. His first internship was in an architect’s office in Aarhus. Afterwards Kristiansen applied for training at the furniture department of the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Kopenhagen after his first boss recognized his skills in designing interiors and furniture. Though he lacked an academic diploma, he was given a chance by the famous architect and designer Kaare Klint, director of the department at the time. After a move to Thisted, 30 km noth of Hurup, he and his brother helped their father after he impulsively bought another furniture factory. With the help of Kai, his patented ‘Treco’ table and a big project of producing interior cabinets, they successfully kept the business afloat and his father sold the factory shortly after. His first commercial success came after cooperating with Feldballes Mobelfabrik and designing the FM shelving unit system for them. From there things went fast and Kristiansen started working with other manufacturers from his villa with basement studio in Aarhus.
During his years in Aarhus, Kristiansen met and played cards regularly with other big designers like Niels Otto Moller and the sons of Carl Hansen. He also got to know Verner Panton, who was already a big name at that time.
Kristiansen’s collaboration with Magnus Olesen led to the creation of the sculptural N°121 lounge chair, the so called ‘paperknife chair’. His design philosophy “getting as much as possible out of as little as possible.” is reflected well in this chair. Also the 42 chair for the Schou Anderson Møbelfabrik, with it’s beautiful curves and high comfort, became a big hit, selling not only in Scandinavian countries, but also in North America and elsewhere.
Due to the difficulty of their creation, many of Kristiansen’s designs and models have gone out of production. In 2014 the Miyazaki chair company in Japan collaborated with Kristiansen to give his design classics like the Handy Chair, the 4110 chair and the paperknife a new image. Kristiansen now aged 95 continues to design and develop furniture.
His design objects carry great value among collectors, and Kristiansen is universally recognized as one of the most talented and important Scandinavian designers of the twentieth century.
We ship worldwide using trusted transport partners. Shipping costs depend on the item’s size, weight, value, and material. Each item is carefully packed using protective materials and, if needed, custom-made wooden crates. For overseas shipping, we always recommend crating.
Domestic Deliveries: In some areas we offer personal one man delivery at starting rates of 60 euro (Antwerp city and its districts). For other domestic destinations we work with Brenger at their rates, plus packing and handling fee. International Deliveries: We partner with trusted couriers like Magic Movers and Convelio. Once the item leaves our warehouse, the shipper bares full responsibility for any damage that may occur during handling or transport . We can offer shipping with full insurance. We kindly ask that you inspect your items upon delivery. Please check if your order is complete and unharmed. If you notice any issues, let us know right away so we can find a solution for you and any other party involved.
