Yrjö Kukkapuro – Early edition “Karuselli” loungechair & ottoman – Haimi, Finland circa 1970 1970 - 1979

Yrjö Kukkapuro

GlassMetalGlass FibreLeatherLacquer
90 ⨯ 100 ⨯ 80 cm
ConditionVery good
Price on request

Van Kerkhoff Art

• About the artwork
  Early version of this Iconic chair with matching ottoman. Original upholstery.
  Kukkapuro began developing this fibreglass chair in the 1950s and, after years of experimentation, finally arrived at its final form in 1964.
  
  It perfectly embodies Kukkapuro’s commitment to ultimate seating comfort, seeking a harmonious combination of functionality, ergonomics and organic forms. In 1974, The New York Times proclaimed the “Karuselli” the most comfortable chair in the world.
  
  The chair was carefully shaped to mimic the contours of the human body, creating an ergonomically sound and comfortable seating experience. The inspiration for the Karuselli seems to have come while playing outside, where the designer made snow chairs with his daughter.
  
  The chair’s base and shell are made of fibreglass. The shell is connected to the base with a chromed steel support. The foot of ottoman is made of cast aluminium. Both the chair and ottoman still have the original upholstery and come with the original labels.
  
  
  About Yrjö Kukkapuro
  Yrjö Kukkapuro (1933 Viipuri, Finland – ) is a renowned contemporary Finnish designer and architect known worldwide for his pioneering contributions to modern furniture design.
  
  After studying architecture at the University of Helsinki, Kukkapuro began his career as a designer in the early 1950s. His interest in creating furniture that was not only aesthetically pleasing but also embraced comfort and ergonomics soon became evident in his work. In the 1950s, he began developing fibreglass furniture, a path that led to his iconic Karuselli Lounge Chair.
  
  The culmination of his creative work, the Karuselli, emerged from extensive experimental work and sculptural efforts over several years. The design, inspired by the human body, revolutionised the way people looked at chair designs and established his name as a visionary in the design world.
  
  Kukkapuro’s contributions to the Finnish and international design community are numerous. His work combines functionality with artistic expression, striving for the perfect balance between form and function. Besides the Karuselli, he has a wide range of other furniture designs and architectural projects to his credit.
  
  Throughout his career, Yrjö Kukkapuro has received numerous accolades for his contributions to design, including honorary doctorates and prestigious awards. His work has been exhibited in leading design museums around the world, and his influence on contemporary design continues to be felt.
  
  Marked
  Both chair and ottoman bear identical Haimi labels
  
  Execution
  Haimi Oy, Helsinki circa 1970
  
  Condition
  Beautiful all original condition. Original red leather upholstery.
  
  Dimensions
  Lounge Chair H. 90, B. 80, D. 100 cm
  Ottoman H. 40, B. 58, D. 58 cm
• About the artist

  Yrjö Kukkapuro, born on April 6, 1933, is a renowned Finnish interior architect and furniture designer celebrated for his innovative designs and ergonomic focus.

  Kukkapuro embarked on his design journey at the Institute of Industrial Arts in Helsinki during the late 1950s, earning his qualification as an interior architect in 1958. He later returned to the Institute in the 1970s, serving as a Professor and, for a period of two years, taking on the role of Rector.

  His academic contributions have been recognized internationally, earning him Honorary Professorships at esteemed institutions such as Jiangnan University in Wuxi and Nanjing University. Furthermore, he has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Art and Design Helsinki, which is now integrated into the Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture.

  Central to Kukkapuro's design philosophy is the principle of ergonomics, ensuring that his creations are not only aesthetically pleasing but also comfortable and functional.

  Among his numerous designs, the Karuselli chair, introduced in 1964, stands out as a hallmark of his career. This iconic easy chair is celebrated for its unparalleled comfort and innovative design, earning it a spot in the permanent collections of prestigious institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. In 1974, The New York Times lauded the Karuselli as the world's most comfortable chair, a sentiment echoed by renowned designer Sir Terence Conran, who praised it as his preferred seating option for its exceptional comfort.

  Kukkapuro's influence extends beyond the Karuselli chair, with his work being showcased in numerous solo and group exhibitions worldwide. Remarkably, even in his late 80s, as of 2020, Kukkapuro continues to inspire and innovate in the field of design.

  Yrjö Kukkapuro has shared his life with graphic artist Irmeli Kukkapuro, née Salminen, since 1954. Together, they have created a unique home studio in Kauniainen, a testament to their collaborative spirit and creative synergy. This personal and professional space was co-designed by Kukkapuro and his long-time collaborator, engineer Eero Paloheimo, reflecting their shared vision and dedication to design excellence.

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