Not long before he debuted both “The Chair” — the ingeniously, appropriately named piece that exemplifies his dedication to purified form — and the revered and now oft-imitated Wishbone chair, Danish furniture designer Hans Wegner (1914–2007) released the Peacock chair, a gracefully arching, high-backed seat produced for manufacturer Johannes Hansen in 1947.
Although certain elements of this Wegner design — a woven seat, shapely wooden frame, graceful form — would go on to become nearly synonymous with Danish mid-century furniture, the Peacock (official name: PP550) has roots in another design tradition: the Windsor chair. Recognized by its arched frame and spindle back, the Windsor has long been associated with Amish woodworking communities in the United States, though its origin can be traced back to England and Wales. English settlers brought the seats stateside and they quickly gained popularity in North America, enduring through colonial times and into 20th-century American style.
But back to Denmark: While Wegner was a young student at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen (where he enrolled in 1936), he became involved with the Carpenters’ Guild Furniture Exhibits, which showed experimental designs by Danish architects and sparked Wegner’s own interest in playing with traditional notions of design in furniture. He became fascinated with a process of “stripping the old chairs of their outer style and letting them appear in their pure construction,” a method that would inform much of his most important work. Soon after experimenting with traditional Ming chairs in his China chair series, Wegner set his sights on the Windsor, which he adapted in subtle yet significant ways that exemplify his modernist ethos.
First, the flattening of the spindles in an arc to follow the posture of the sitter, a nod to the modern notion of designing around the human body. Then, the paper-cord seat, a precursor to the Wishbone in a material designed as a replacement for jute, which was in short supply following World War II. Finally, rendering the frame in ash, a common species in Denmark and a favorite wood among Scandinavian mid-century designers.
Legend has it that it was actually Wegner contemporary Finn Juhl — a celebrated designer and Copenhagen native — who saw the seat and proclaimed its resemblance to the showy bird, with the flattened spindles making up an arc of wood plumage. In any case, the name stuck, and PP Møbler continues to produce the Peacock chair under the moniker to this day.
Peacock Chair by Hans Wegner for Johannes Hansen, Denmark, 1947
By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Peacock chair by Hans Wegner for Johannes Hansen 1947 Also known as PP550. Early 1960's production. Original cord seat. Branded manufacturer's mark to underside ‘Johannes Hansen Cope...
Papercord, Ash, Teak
H 31.89 in W 20.48 in D 16.54 in
Dining Chairs Designed by Hans Wegner for Johannes Hansen, Denmark, 1960s
By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Stockholm, SE
Dining chairs designed by Hans Wegner for Johannes Hansen, Denmark, 1960s. Wenge, steel, and leather. Set of six. Measurements: H: 81 cm/ 31 3/4'' W: 52 cm/ 20 1/2'' D: 42 cm/ 16 1...
Steel
H 30 in W 25 in D 21 in
Vintage Hans Wegner "The" Chair Johannes Hansen Teak Danish Patina
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A Classic "The" chair designed by Hans Wegner and executed by Johannes Hansen, Denmark, circa 1950s. Beautiful patina, reupholstered in cognac (orange/yellow/brown tone) leather. Thi...
Teak
H 30.12 in W 24.81 in D 19.69 in
Hans J. Wegner Pair of JH 503 “The Chair” Armchairs in Teak for Johannes Hansen
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen
Located in Kastrup, DK
Hans J. Wegner (1914–2007). Pair of JH 503 armchairs, also known as The Round Chair or The Chair, designed in 1949 and executed by cabinetmaker Johannes Hansen. Crafted in solid te...
Faux Leather, Teak
H 30.5 in W 25 in D 19.5 in
The Round Chair by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen, 1949
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A teak 'Round' chair with masterfully sculpted backrest and arms floating atop tapered dowel legs having a caned seat. This sublime chair became known a...
Teak, Cane
H 29.93 in W 24.81 in D 21.26 in
Hans J. Wegner Pair of Armchairs 'The Chair' for Johannes Hansen
By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Hans J. Wegner model JH503 in elm. Seat upholstered with leather. Executed by Johannes Hansen, Copenhagen, Denmark. Four chairs available.
Leather, Elm
H 30 in W 24.5 in D 20 in
8 Hans Wegner for Johannes Hansen JH-503 Chairs in Walnut and Leather
By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
We are excited to offer 8 early Hans Wegner JH-503 chairs designed in 1949 and Produced by Johannes Hansen. Fully restored solid Walnut construction. Stamped with the maker's mark. C...
Leather, Walnut
H 30.5 in W 25 in D 20.75 in
Vintage Hans Wegner Chair for Johannes Hansen, Made in Denmark
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Doraville, GA
A vintage solid oak armchair designed by Hans Wegner in 1948, model number JH-503 for Johannes Hansen in Copenhagen, Denmark. The chair became immensely popular and was dubbed "The C...
Fabric, Oak
H 29.93 in W 24.81 in D 27.96 in
Hans J. Wegner Folding Chair for Johannes Hansen
By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Hans J. Wegner folding chair of oak model JH-512, 1949. Executed by Johannes Hansen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Cane, Oak
H 30.5 in W 24.5 in D 24 in
Pair of Hans Wegner Lounge Chairs for Johannes Hansen
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Very rare and well-constructed pair of Wegner Model JH 812 lounge chairs in chrome-plated steel with original saddle leather, circa 1970. Documented in Hans J. Wegner's 100 Chairs...
Steel
H 30.71 in W 20.87 in D 17.72 in
Pair of Hans J. Wegner JH515 Armchairs for Johannes Hansen
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Pair of Hans J. Wegner armchairs in oak and cane. Model JH-515. Executed by Johannes Hansen. Stamped Johannes Hansen, COPENHAGEN, DENMARK.
Cane, Oak
H 30 in W 25 in D 20 in
Set of Six Classic Chairs by Hans Wegner Johannes Hansen, Denmark
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A great set of six (6) Hans Wegner JH-501 classic chairs. Teak and cane. Restored and recaned.
Cane, Teak
H 40.5 in W 30.5 in D 20 in
Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen Peacock Chair
By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Chicago, IL
Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen Peacock Chair made in Denmark, 1947 Ash frame with Teak arms and grass cord seatBranded manufacturer's mark to underside ‘Johannes Hansen Copenhage...
Rush, Ash, Teak
H 32 in W 18.5 in D 24.5 in
A Set of Four Stacking Arm Chairs by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A set of four stacking armchairs with cream webbed seats in beechwood.
Oak
H 31 in W 25 in D 21 in
Oak and Leather Armchair by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen
By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An oak armchair having an exposed frame with a gently curved seat and back wrapped in leather.
Leather, Oak
H 35.5 in W 26.25 in D 24 in
Conference Chair by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen, 1950s
By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A handcrafted and elegant armchair devoid of extraneous detailing, having an exposed solid teak frame and a gently curved seat and back in leather upholstery.
Leather, Teak
H 42.13 in W 30.32 in D 30.32 in
Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Peacock Chair by Hans J. Wegner
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Stockholm, SE
Hans J. Wegner's 1947 Peacock Chair (model PP550) exemplifies the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modernist design principles. Drawing inspiration from the classic English W...
Oak, Teak
H 42.5 in W 30 in D 21 in
Vintage Hans J. Wegner JH 550 “Peacock Chair, Denmark, 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Round Rock, TX
Hans J. Wegner Peacock Chair, a true testament to Danish craftsmanship and mid-century modern elegance. Designed in 1947 for Johannes Hansen, this sculptural lounge chair showcases ...
Rush, Oak
H 41.63 in W 30.25 in D 29.75 in
Clean PAIR of Mid Century Hans Wegner Ash Peacock Chairs for Johannes Hansen
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Here is a very nice pair of Peacock chairs designed by Hans Wegner for Johannes Hansen of Denmark. These chairs were purchased from a designer's estate where everything was immaculat...
Papercord, Ash
H 41.75 in W 27.5 in D 20.5 in
1960s Mid-Century Modern Pp550 Peacock Chair by Hans Wegner for Johannes Hans
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Las Vegas, NV
A Mid-Century Modern PP550 ‘Peacock’ chair designed by Hans Wegner in 1947 for Johannes Hansen. Modeled after a traditional American Windsor chair, Hans Wegner’s Peacock chair strip...
Oak
H 42.52 in W 30.32 in D 26.78 in
Hans Wegner for Johannes Hansen, Peacock Chair JH-550, Knoll International
By Hans J. Wegner, Knoll, Johannes Hansen
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Hans J Wegner, Peacock Chair, model JH-550, designed in 1947 and manufactured by Johannes Hansen in ash and teak, the seat woven in papercord. This example believed to date from lat...
Papercord, Ash, Teak
H 40.56 in W 29.93 in D 29.93 in
Hans J. Wegner Peacock Chair in Ash & Teakwood, Johannes Hansen, Denmark, 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen
Located in Odense, DK
Early Hans J. Wegner Peacock Chair in Ash & Teakwood executed by Cabinetmaker Johannes Hansen in the 1960s. This beautiful example of the iconic Windsor style chair by Hans J. Wegner...
Papercord, Ash, Teak
H 43 in W 30 in D 23 in
Mid Century Modern Peacock Chair by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen, c1990s
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen
Located in Chino Hills, CA
We are delighted to present this iconic vintage Peacock Chair, an emblem of mid-century modern design by the renowned Danish designer, Hans J. W...
Papercord, Oak, Teak
H 28.35 in W 55.12 in D 35.44 in
Hans J. Wegner large Dinner Table Model AT 312 from Andreas Tuck 1955
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Oirlo, LI
Hans J. Wegner Dining table from Andreas Tuck Extending dining table designed by Hans J. Wegner for Andreas Tuck in Denmark circa 1950. This iconic AT-312 model features a solid te...
Teak
H 41.5 in W 27.5 in D 19.75 in
Peacock Chair by Hans J. Wegner for PP Møbler, in Ash PP550
By Hans J. Wegner, PP Møbler
Located in San Diego, CA
Peacock Chair designed by Hans J. Wegner for PP Møbler is an easy chair with a natural papercord seat. The Peacock Chair is historically anchored in the classic British Windsor Chair...
Papercord, Ash, Teak
H 41.75 in W 27.5 in D 20.5 in
Hans Wegner Danish Modern Peacock Chair for Johannes Hansen
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen
Located in San Diego, CA
Modeled after a traditional American Windsor chair, Hans Wegner’s Peacock chair strips the form to reveal its construction while retaining aesthetic, decorative impact. The chair rev...
Papercord, Wood
H 41.25 in W 30 in D 29.75 in
Hans J. Wegner Peacock Chair for Johannes Hansen
By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed in 1947, this fully restored Hans Wegner peacock chair features Windsor chair styling and characteristic attention to detail. The solid oak and teak frame has a high, arched...
Papercord, Oak, Teak
H 41.5 in W 30 in D 28 in
Early Hans J. Wegner JH-550 Peacock Chair for Johannes Hansen, 1950's Denmark
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans Wegner JH-550 Peacock chair for Johannes Hansen Iconic 'Peacock' Chair Model JH-550 produced by furniture maker Johannes Hansen in Denmark. Insp...
Papercord, Ash, Teak
H 42 in W 30.5 in D 27 in
Hans J. Wegner JH-550 Peacock Chair for Johannes Hansen, 1960 Denmark
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen
Located in Hanover, MA
Hans J. Wegner model JH-550 Peacock chair for Johannes Hansen, designed in 1947, produced circa 1960, Denmark. Stamped by maker. Outstanding original condition with no splits or repa...
Papercord, Ash, Teak
H 42.5 in W 30 in D 25 in
Hans J. Wegner Peacock Lounge Chair
By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Minneapolis, MN
An iconic lounge chair designed by Hans J. Wegner known as the Peacock lounge. Wegner’s post modern idea of a classic British Windsor chair. Its larger proportioned backrest and upwa...
Papercord, Oak, Teak
H 42.13 in W 30.32 in D 22.84 in
Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen Peacock Chair, 1960s
By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Rochester, England
Originally designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1947, the Peacock chair was manufactured by Johannes Hansen until the 1970s. Inspired by the traditional ...
Papercord, Wood
