Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen Sofa in Original Niger Leather and Mahogany

Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen, sofa, model ‘4118’, Niger leather, mahogany, brass, Denmark, design 1930, production mid-1960s

Kaare Klint originally designed the present three-seat sofa, known as 4118, for the office of the Prime Minister Throvald Stauning (1873-1942) in 1930 and was manufactured by Rud. Rasmussens Snedkerier. The two-seat sofa with loose cushions, known as 4118S, was designed for the Ny Carlsberg Foundation in the same year. This sofa embodies the quintessential essence of Danish design with its understated simplicity and elegant appearance. The construction is comprised of a considerably high back and armrests that are contrasted by the low-positioned seat, contributing to the unit’s grand and sophisticated look. The armrests have been contoured with smooth, rounded corners. The base consists of eight rectangular-shaped legs that are connected via cross-connections. This constructive feature brings more stability to the sofa and, subsequently, creates a dynamic rhythm. The frame showcases its authentic cognac leather, characterized by admirable patina that has gracefully evolved over the passage of time.

Kaare Klint (1888-1954), born in 1888 in Frederiksburg, Denmark, was a Danish architect and furniture designer. From a young age, Klint was immersed in architecture. His father was the well-known architect Peder Vilhelm Jensen-Klint (1853-1930), who is mainly known for designing the Grundtvigs church in Copenhagen. After studying at the P.S. Krøyer’s Art School from 1907, Klint made his debut as a designer. That year, the Association of Furniture Manufacturers in Copenhagen announced that they would hold a competition for furniture design. Klint submitted, together with Ivar Bentsen (1876-1943), under a code name and together they received first price. In 1924, Klint helped establish the Department of Furniture Design at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. As associate professor, and later professor, he inspired some of the greatest and most well-known Danish designers, including Hans J. Wegner (1914-2007) and Arne Jacobsen (1902-1971). Klint worked and thought along a few strong principles being the importance of former styles. He believed that the only way forward was to have a deep knowledge of craftsmanship. One of his other core principles was to research functionality and have an outstanding sense for proportion, space and the human body. Overall, Klint drew inspiration from the Shakers, Chippendale and Biedermeier. Kaare Klint's style from the 20s and 30s has had a lot of influence on other designers in both Europe and the United States. Amongst others Børge Mogensen (1914-1972), Finn Juhl (1912-1989) and Poul Kjærholm (1929-1980) have taken influence from Klint. Therefore, Kaare Klint can be seen as the father of Danish mid-century design.

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