China Chair 4283

Overview

The China Chair™ 4283 was designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1944. Fritz Hansen's page says it is inspired by the timeless aesthetic of ancient Chinese design in the 17th and 18th century, and describes it as epitomising Wegner's lifelong quest to understand the nature of wood and explore its possibilities.

Construction

• Frame: solid wood, in natural cherry or black coloured ash (fact sheet)
• Seat: a reversible seat cushion upholstered in leather with leather buttons (fact sheet)

Image source: Fritz Hansen — China Chair 4283 · © Fritz Hansen and the respective rights holders. Quoted to accompany INTEBEE's independent design commentary and research. · View official product page ↗ · Image use & copyright policy

Specifications

• H 82 × W 55 × D 55 cm
• Seat height 45 cm, armrest height 68 cm

Inspired by Chinese design

According to Fritz Hansen's page, Hans J. Wegner designed the China Chair in 1944 with the look of Chinese chairs of the 17th and 18th century in mind. In his modern interpretation, the page says, he unfolds his talent as a wood craftsman and his flair for expressive and sculptural functionalism.

One version in production

According to the fact sheet, Wegner used several years perfecting the design and made various designs with the same aesthetics and visual appearance; this version is the only one that went into production and is still being produced. The original was made of cherry wood, and cherry is still used today. Fritz Hansen has manufactured the chair since 1944 and introduced a black variety in 2008 (product data).