Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 19

Organic Modern "Rehtori" Armchair in Birch and Traditional Bark, Finland 1940s

$3,788.36
£2,830.20
€3,200
CA$5,275.11
A$5,667.81
CHF 3,040.77
MX$66,773.30

About the Item

A stunning organic modern armchair made of birch and birch bark from Finland, circa 1940s. The original Art Deco model of this form was introduced to Finland by Asko in the mid 1930s and became a major success. It was produced in two versions: one fully upholstered in fabric, called the Pormestari, and the other, called Pehtori, combining fabric upholstery with birch veneer arm rests—like this example. During the shortage years of the 1940s, Finland turned to nature and locally abundant materials, leading to remarkable hybrid forms of organic design. Here the seat fabric was substituted with woven birch bark, a material used in Finland for centuries in household objects and tools. The result is a modernistic armchair deeply rooted in nature, fully handmade, and uniquely Finnish. The bark weaving pattern is done in a chequered manner, adding beautiful rhythm and character. Perfect for living rooms, eclectic interiors, and spaces where personality, craftsmanship, and natural materiality are celebrated. At the moment we have another similar chair with slightly different bark and darker arm rests, in case you are looking for two. Please see last photo. The chair is in good structural condition and has been refinished to freshen the look. Gorgeous natural patina throughout.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 29.53 in (75 cm)Width: 27.17 in (69 cm)Depth: 31.5 in (80 cm)Seat Height: 13.78 in (35 cm)
  • Style:
    Organic Modern (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1940s
  • Condition:
    Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use. Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Helsinki, FI
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU6346247411852

More From This Seller

View All
Organic "Art Deco" Lounge Chair in Birch and Traditional Bark, Finland 1940s
Located in Helsinki, FI
A stunning organic modern armchair made of birch and birch bark from Finland, circa 1940s. The original Art Deco model of this form was introduced to Finland by Asko in the mid 1930s...
Category

Vintage 1940s Finnish Organic Modern Armchairs

Materials

Birch

Rare Alvar Aalto Chair of Our Times Aikaamme Tuote in Stained Birch, 1929
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
This minimalist functionalist chair known as "The product of our time", is a rare gem and is the first chair born of the Alvar Aalto - Otto Korhone...
Category

Vintage 1920s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Birch

Olof Ottelin Nordika Series Armchair in Pine and Linen, Stockmann 1960s
By Oy Stockmann AB, Olof Ottelin
Located in Helsinki, FI
This armchair is a masterpiece of design when one looks at how simple and elegant it really is. Pine was widely used by different furniture designers in furniture in 1930s-1970s, for...
Category

Vintage 1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Pine

Early Alvar Aalto Spring Chair Model 42, Silver Birch and Birch, Artek 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, FI
Rare version of one of the most iconic and finest furniture works from Alvar Aalto, the model 42 chair, also known as the spring chair, "Pikku Paimio" or Small Paimio in English. Th...
Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Birch, Plywood

Early Alvar Aalto Spring Chair Model 42, Bent Plywood and Birch, Artek 1940s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, FI
One of the most iconic and finest furniture works from Alvar Aalto, the model 42 chair, also known as spring chair, `Pikku Paimio` or Small Paimio in english. It is regarded as an i...
Category

Vintage 1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Birch, Plywood

Early Alvar Aalto Spring Chair Model 42, Bent Plywood and Birch, Artek 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, FI
One of the most iconic and finest furniture works from Alvar Aalto, the model 42 chair, also known as the spring chair, "Pikku Paimio" or Small Paimio in English. It is regarded as ...
Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Birch, Plywood

You May Also Like

G. A Berg Mid Century "Patron" Armchair in Birch Wood Produced in Sweden, 1940s
By Gustaf Axel Berg
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare and early mid century wooden "Patron" arm lounge chair in birch and hemp webbing by Gustav Axel Berg / G. A Berg produced in Sweden, 1940s. In good original condition. Di...
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Hemp, Birch

Bent Beechwood Armchair, Design Jan Vaněk, 1930 s.
By Jan Vanek
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of Fabric,Beechwood Two pieces in stock Good Original condition
Category

Vintage 1930s Czech Art Deco Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Beech

Sculptural Beech and Rattan Armchair with Footstool by ÚĽUV, 1960s
By ULUV Krásná jizba
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
A striking example of mid-century Czech craftsmanship, this sculptural beech and rattan armchair with matching footstool was produced by ÚĽUV (Ústředí lidové umělecké výroby) in the ...
Category

Vintage 1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Rattan, Beech

Rustic Mid-Century Armchair in Oak and Straw
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Armchair, oak, straw, Europe, 1950s Crafted in Europe in 1950, this charming armchair combines rustic authenticity with a modern design. Made from solid oak, the frame offers durabi...
Category

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Straw, Oak

G. A Berg Mid Century "Patron" Armchair in Birch Wood Produced in Sweden, 1940s
By Gustaf Axel Berg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A very rare and early Swedish mid century wooden "Patron" arm lounge chair in birch and hemp webbing seating by Gustav Axel Berg / G. A Berg produced in Sweden, 1940s. In good origin...
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Hemp, Birch

French Armchair with Teak Structure, France 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This mid-century French armchair combines a visually stunning structural body with expert caning technique and high-quality materials. From all sides, this chair’s angles...
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Teak