PK22 Lounge Chair

Name: PK22 Lounge Chair
Brand: Lizzeny
Availability: LimitedAvailability

Poul Kjærholm PK22 Lounge Chair in black leather with steel frame in a modern living room

Estimated value

$2,000 - $6,000

Rarity

Uncommon(5/10)

PK22 LOUNGE CHAIR: IDENTIFICATION

This appears to be a PK22 lounge chair, designed by Poul Kjærholm in 1956. It's a classic example of Danish Modern design, characterized by its minimalist profile and careful balance of materials. The chair features a sprung matt chrome-plated steel frame and what looks to be black leather upholstery, stretched taut over the frame to form the seat and backrest.

Compare with other interior pieces in the archive: Art Deco Club Chair, Art Deco Demi-Lune Club Chair by Studio G. B. Wernicke, Paolo Rizzatto - 265 Wall Lamp (Flos, 1973) White.

PRODUCTION PERIOD

The PK22 is a seminal work in the oeuvre of Poul Kjærholm, an esteemed Danish furniture designer. His work is for its precise execution, use of industrial materials like steel, and sophisticated blending of form and function. Designed early in his career, the PK22 quickly gained global recognition, earning the Grand Prix at the Milan Triennale in 1957. It exemplifies the understated elegance and functionalist principles of mid-century Scandinavian design.

SCARCITY

Uncommon70-80%

CommonLegendary

Genuine antiques with fewer examples on the market. Named makers, documented provenance, or early production examples.

Rarity 5/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 3 interior items at rarity 5 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

Limited production
Named makers
Growing collector demand

Confidence Factors

The popularity of the PK22 has led to many reproductions, some of which are very convincing.
Without detailed imagery of any potential maker's marks or the underside construction, positive identification of an authentic Fritz Hansen piece from vintage production is challenging.
Frame construction and upholstery attachment methods are key indicators that are not visible in general images.

How does authenticity detection work?

DESIGN HISTORIAN'S TAKE

Furniture Historian & Restoration Specialist

Furniture Expert

The chair's visible design elements – profile, frame shape, and upholstery style – strongly align with the PK22 Lounge Chair. My confidence is high regarding the model recognition, but moderate for absolute authenticity without further inspection of construction details and potential markings.

KEY EVIDENCE

1Distinctive low-slung profile and minimalist form characteristic of the PK22 chair.
2Sprung steel frame construction with the characteristic 'runners' for feet.
3Taut black leather upholstery with stitched 'X' detail on the backrest, consistent with the original design.
4Overall aesthetic aligns with Mid-Century Danish Modern design principles.

UNCERTAINTIES

•Limited visible detail of upholstery joins or underside of the frame.
•Lack of visible maker's marks or labels.
•Prevalence of reproductions in the market for this design.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

→Inspect the underside of the seat for any labels or stamps (e.g., 'Fritz Hansen' or 'Kjærholm').
→Examine the construction joints of the steel frame, particularly the welds, for signs of original manufacture vs. reproduction.
→Close-up photographs of the leather stitching and how the leather attaches to the frame.
→Check the type of screws (if any) used to attach components to the frame, as period-appropriate fasteners can be an indicator.

CONDITION & GRADE

Condition

From the images, the chair appears to be in very good condition with no visible tears or significant wear to the leather. The steel frame seems clean and free of obvious rust or pitting. As a Furniture Historian, I'd want to inspect the attachment points of the leather and the integrity of the frame welds for any signs of age or stress.