The history of chair design is a microcosm of the entire history of design.


Each era has its iconic chairs that represent it, and even today, these chairs remain globally popular, standing as timeless classics.


1. Egg Chair: Designed by Danish architect Arne Jacobsen in 1958, the Egg Chair originated when he was commissioned to design the Royal Hotel in Copenhagen.


In addition to the hotel's lobby and VIP lounge, Jacobsen created this iconic "Egg Chair." The chair's three-dimensional and distinctive design features a breakthrough in aesthetic appeal. Its enveloping design creates a comfortable, intimate space with a sense of security.


Despite being over 60 years old, it remains a favorite among many collectors and frequently appears in movies and TV shows such as "Men in Black". Rumor has it that Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt owns four original Egg Chairs, and the second-hand market value has reportedly soared to 2.2 million yuan per chair.


2. Swan Chair: The Swan Chair is a cousin to the Egg Chair, named for its appearance resembling a swan with wings gracefully outstretched.


Also designed by Jacobsen in the same year for the same hotel, the original models are not only retained in the Royal Hotel in Copenhagen but are also placed in the National Bank of Denmark.


The entire chair consists of curves without a single straight line. Its smooth and graceful lines possess a sculptural beauty that stands out, not inferior even when compared to a human body model. The curvature of the chair back, calculated with ergonomics in mind, provides optimal support, and the "wings" on each side serve as armrests, ensuring a remarkably comfortable seating experience.


Jacobsen's works represent the Nordic design style, also known as organic modernism. This style, an extension of modernism with a focus on functionality, incorporates streamlined forms and a touch of lifestyle aesthetics. Just like this bright Swan Chair, featuring a retro signature, generous arms, and a low back, it is particularly suitable as a marvelous side or lounge chair.


3. Diamond Chair: The Diamond Chair, a work by Italian designer Harry Bertoia in 1952, boasts a simple yet intricate design. Crafted by welding individual steel rods and bending a metal mesh into a flowing and curved form, it appears as delicate as a diamond set in the chair frame. This chair, seemingly composed of air, exudes a sculptural modernity, creating an ambiance where the entire space can be both penetrated and captivated by its presence, showcasing the charm of the design.


The designer drew inspiration from his experience in jewelry design. Harry Bertoia had previously designed wedding rings for Ray Eames and Edmund Bacon's wives. The techniques he mastered in jewelry design, including streamlined aesthetics and impeccable welding, were later applied to furniture and sculpture design.


4. Barcelona Chair: Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the third director of the Bauhaus, in 1929 for the German Pavilion at the Barcelona International Exposition. The unique architectural concept of the pavilion prompted Mies van der Rohe to create the Barcelona Chair specifically for this setting. This chair pays homage not only to the "X" legs of the ancient Greek Klismos chair but also embodies Mies van der Rohe's "less is more" philosophy to the fullest.


If there's one product that truly represents the spirit of modernist design, it's undoubtedly the Barcelona Chair! Suitable for living rooms, studies, and lounge areas, this chair often appears in the offices of lawyers or psychotherapists due to its rational and calm aesthetic.


5. Wassily Chair: Designed in 1925 by another architectural master from the Bauhaus, Marcel Breuer. This chair originated from the framework of a bicycle and extended the technique of bending tubular steel. It is named after Wassily Kandinsky, Breuer's mentor during his time at the Bauhaus. The Wassily Chair pioneered tubular steel furniture at the time and remains a classic in modern chair design, even as it transitioned from canvas to leather seats.


These chairs are not just furniture, they are a combination of design and art, representing the aesthetic trends and design concepts of different periods.