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a black chair sitting in a white room next to a white walla black chair sitting on top of a cement floor next to a white walla black chair sitting on top of a cement floor next to a white walla black chair sitting on top of a cement floor next to a white wall
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92 - J.A. van ’t Leven
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Estimate €1,700 - €2,200
Sale commission
Description
J.A. van ’t Leven Armchair Black-stained moulded plywood One-off prototype Netherlands, 2009 H80 W66 D50 cm; seat height 45 cm In good original condition, showing visible signs of use and some surface wear consistent with its experimental nature and age. A unique and striking prototype armchair, designed by the Dutch interior architect and furniture designer J.A. van ’t Leven in 2009. The armchair is made entirely of black-stained plywood, with the laminated edges and the wood’s subtle grain remaining visible beneath the dark finish. Its most distinctive feature is the continuous curved shell that envelops the user to form the backrest, sides and armrests. This fluid, almost ribbon-like profile contrasts with the sharply angled legs, giving the armchair a strong sculptural and architectural presence. Viewed from different angles, the construction reveals a skilfully crafted interplay of curves, cut-outs and intersecting planes. The raised centre of the backrest and the delicately undulating armrests lend this rigorous, monochrome design a surprisingly softened silhouette. J.A. van ’t Leven (1948–2018) was a Dutch interior architect, furniture designer and environmental designer. He studied architectural design at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in The Hague, graduating in 1978, before obtaining a degree in environmental design with distinction in 1980. From 1981 to 2013, he taught at the same academy whilst working as a freelance designer from 1983 onwards. In 1991, one of his dining chairs was awarded the prize for the best classic Dutch furniture design at the Utrecht Furniture Fair. Created as an experimental prototype in 2009, this armchair has remained a one-off piece and has never been commercially produced. A striking example of independent Dutch design, combining a technically ambitious plywood construction with a powerful, sculptural silhouette.
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About the sale Sculptural furniture and functional art
Auction location
Auction time 09/27/2026 at 2:30 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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