Model FD 137/1 Japan Lounge Chairs by Finn Juhl for France & Søn, Set of 2

The FD 137/1 armchair was designed in 1953 by renowned Danish designer Finn Juhl for the France & Daverkosen manufacturer, which changed its name to France & Søn in 1957. This armchair is distinguished by its minimalist form and proportions, which reflect the influence of Japanese architecture, particularly horizontal elements and temple structures, contributing to the armchair's balanced character. As a result, the "Japan" armchairs are today perceived as a classic example of modernist design based on a clear combination of simple lines and craftsmanship. Minimalist in tone, with a natural teak frame, brass stops, and expressive, open profiles, they fit well into the Scandinavian design canon of the mid-20th century. Finn Juhl (1912–1989) was a Danish architect and designer, one of the key founders of Danish Modern. His work contributed to the development of modern furniture design in Denmark and beyond. Juhl studied architecture and in the 1940s began designing furniture that combined organic forms with a subtle lightness of detail. A characteristic feature of his work is the idea of separating load-bearing elements from the seating area—a concept also evident in the "Japan" design. Over the years, he collaborated with various manufacturers, and his work was featured in international exhibitions and design catalogs. France & Son is a Danish furniture company operating in the mid-20th century that partnered with many designers from the Danish Modern movement. In the 1950s and 1960s, the company produced a wide variety of furniture models, both in limited series and on a larger scale, realizing designs by architects and designers such as Finn Juhl. The company, initially known as France & Daverkosen and from around 1957 as France & Son, contributed to the popularization of Scandinavian design through exports and catalog publications. The production of the "Japan" series models, including the FD 137/1, dates back to this period of France & Son's existence. This p.