Pair of Ilmari Tapiovaara Pirkka chairs, Laukaan Puu, Finland 1950s

The iconic Pirkka chair was designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara in the mid-1950s and produced by Laukaan Puu and later by Asko. It quickly became a favourite among modern furniture enthusiasts for its sculptural form and timeless design. This pair was manufactured by Laukaan Puu and features the darker stained pine seat and backrest with black legs, a striking contrast that highlights the elegant and sculptural design. Both chairs are stamped underneath with the manufacturer’s logo and Tapiovaara Design. Beautiful gems from the golden era of Finnish design.

Ilmari Tapiovaara devoted his career to simplicity and functionality, always with an eye for detail. Educated at the Central School for Applied Arts in Helsinki between 1933 and 1937, he was brought to prominence early on at the Home Exhibition of 1939, where Asko presented his designs focused on the challenges of small and medium-sized homes. The exhibition closed shortly after due to the war, and Tapiovaara went on to design and oversee furniture and buildings for the Finnish army. He saw the designer as a socially responsible figure — a “physician” of everyday surroundings whose work should improve daily life. In his article A Chair is Not Just a Seat, Tapiovaara wrote that furniture must fulfil its function while also harmonizing with the space and objects around it. This philosophy is clearly reflected in the Pirkka chair, where practicality and beauty meet in perfect balance.