Rare Eero Saarinen 'Grasshopper' Armchair in Laminated Birch, 1946
A rare and substantial Eero Saarinen 'Grasshopper' armchair designed in 1946. This piece retains its original--and very durable--oil cloth upholstery to seat and back, along with its original finish on wooden frame--overall the chair remains in excellent condition for its age.
Bent-laminated birch frame featuring signature 'grasshopper' arm rests give the chair a dynamic and inviting expression--armrests also provide strong support while sitting or standing up out of this chair. The frame also has an interesting construction detail where the back legs "double-up" as they're joined to the angled arms which rise from the legs, flanking the seat, to take their final position alongside the sitter's abdomen--a visually interesting and experimental application of bent-lamination technology.
Curved backrest is decorated with round metal studs on its backside--a humorous detail that adds playfulness to the piece. Great ergonomics, it's one of the more comfortable and relaxing chairs at this size--could be use as an easy or reading chair in a smaller library. This example remains in excellent vintage condition for its age--with no structural issues or damage to upholstery.
- Creator
- Eero Saarinen (Designer)
- Dimensions
- Height: 33.5 in. (85.09 cm)
- Width: 22.5 in. (57.15 cm)
- Depth: 22.5 in. (57.15 cm)
- Seat Height: 18 in. (45.72 cm)
- Style
- Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques
- Birch,
- Upholstery,
- Laminated
- Place of Origin
- United States
- Period
- 1940-1949
- Date of Manufacture
- 1946
- Condition
- Good
- Wear consistent with age and use. Exceptional condition for its age-- no breaks tears, rips, etc.
