The Shanghai Chair designed by Rune Krøjgaard and Knut Bendik Humlevik is a modern interpretation of the ancient Chinese Horseshoe Chair. It is said that the inspiration for this iconic design goes back more than 700 years, for the armrest was found in a chair dating back to the Yuan Dynasty, a period where Marco Polo was still in China.
The Shanghai Chair features a steam bent solid ash wood frame and a seat of paper cord or leather. The back and the armrest play a central role in the chair’s construction, giving it an iconic shape and firm support. The high back provides comfortable support and the armrest effortlessly surrounds the body of the chair.
“It’s still one of the design I’m the most proudest of having designed. Not only by the looks, but the effort and work which we put in to the chair. From our drawings to the final chairs, damn, there was a lot of changes and modifications.” - Rune Krøjgaard
Materials: FSC certified ash with leather seat. Upholstered in Dunes leather. Dunes is a really soft leather that uses a special process involving sanding, buffing and applying a special type of leather oil to the surface gives it that almost velvety touch. At the same time, Dunes boasts a matt look that’s raw with a touch of understated elegance. Part of Dunes’ extra appeal are the subtle, natural markings which bring a unique personality to each hide. The leather boasts a patina that will appear over time as a result of the leather’s exposure to daylight, interior lighting and usage. In fact, the more you use Dunes, the more the leather becomes shinier and smoother.
Dimensions: Height - 79.5cm x Width - 58.5cm x Depth - 57.5cm (Seat Height - 45cm / Arm rest Height - 65cm)
Knut Bendik Humlevik was born in 1984 in Bergen, Norway and graduated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of the Copenhagen School of Architecture. Knut is deeply interested in the integrity and dynamics of his creations. Rune Krøjgaard was born in 1980 in Herning, Denmark. His works are particularly characterised by his great understanding of materials and their properties. A profound fascination for individual lines and pure lines, combined with a marked taste for current trends, forms the mark of his drawings. In 2007 they created KR, they design products characterized by their function and purity while maintaining a good understanding of everyday life. For Knut and Rune, aesthetics and comfort are the key elements of their creations. Their work has been exhibited in numerous Nordic and international exhibitions.