Set of 4 Spirit dining chairs by Hajime Oonishi for Houtoku/Artifort, 1970s.

A rare set of four Spirit dining chairs, designed by Japanese designer Hajime Oonishi and produced by Houtoku, the Japanese licensee of Artifort, in the 1970s. The Spirit is characterised by its elegantly curved fibreglass shell and slim chrome steel base. For this set, I chose not to simply replicate the original upholstery. Instead, each shell has been newly upholstered at the front and back in softly marbled Maharam wool. Originally, the outer fibreglass shells were left visible. However, over time, the material had developed colour differences due to sun exposure. Rather than painting or trying to conceal this ageing, I made it the starting point for a new intervention: the shells are now fully upholstered, while the original characteristic cream-coloured edge remains visible. This continuous wool surface gives the chairs an exceptionally soft and resolved appearance from all angles. This makes them particularly suitable around a standalone dining table, where the backs remain fully visible. The subtle marbling of the wool beautifully follows the rounded shape, while the slight edge and polished chrome frames preserve the graphic character of the original design. Note: The upholstery is a thoughtful contemporary intervention and is therefore not presented as historically original. It gives this rare Japanese-Dutch design a renewed identity while respecting its recognisable form and construction. The chairs are sold exclusively as a set of four. Designer: Hajime Oonishi. Manufacturer: Houtoku, Japanese licensee of Artifort. Period: 1970s. Origin: Japan. Materials: fibreglass, chrome steel, Maharam wool. Condition: newly upholstered; vintage frames may show slight age-related traces. Quantity: set of four. Viewing is possible by appointment at my studio in Maastricht.