This is a pair of Mid-Century Modern dining chairs designed by the renowned Czech furniture designer Antonin Suman in the 1960s and produced by TON Furniture Company in former Czechoslovakia.
As a result of Europe splitting the West and East after the war, TON was founded in 1953 as a direct evolution of the Thonet Company. TON continued using some of Thonet's factories, technologies, as well as owning some of their original furniture patent rights. Shortly after, by collaborating with various Czech designers and architects, they developed their own distinctive style.
These chairs date back to the so-called Czech Brussel style (the name given to the unique Czech Mid-Century Modern aesthetic movement of the late 50s and early 60s), but you can also clearly see a Scandinavian influence. The main design features, apart from the honey-brown color of the beechwood, are the tapered cylinder legs, the oval-shaped seat, and the two angled rods at the back which support a nicely curved backrest.
This chair type was also produced in different finishes and colors, mainly with a formica top in pastel shades, which were very popular and typical for the Czech Mid-Century style. These particular chairs were produced in 1987. After all the years that have passed since they were originally designed, they still seem as contemporary and modern as ever.
Both chairs are in good vintage condition with only minimal wear but with a patina mainly on the seat and backrest acquired over the years.
Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsBrownMaterialWoodNumber of items2BrandTONHeight80 cmWidth40 cmDepth43 cmSeat height45 cmSigns of usageDiscoloring, Scratches, Stains