Egg Chair: Jacobsen's Shell and Its Replicas
Sculpted in 1958 for the SAS Royal Hotel, produced by Fritz Hansen. Mechanism, stitching, base: where the replicas give themselves away.
1 MIN · 5 OBJECTS IDENTIFIEDArne Jacobsen sculpted the Egg in his garage, in clay, for the lobby of the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, 1958. Produced ever since by Fritz Hansen, it is one of the most expensive chairs in current design — and one of the most copied.
The shell
A rigid foam moulded over a fibreglass shell, upholstered in a single piece: on the original, fabric or leather follows the curve with neither pleats nor breaks, and the central seam runs perfectly straight. The replicas pucker at the ears and break the line of the shoulder.
The mechanism and the base
The Egg reclines and swivels: the tilt mechanism, adjustable beneath the seat, is fluid and silent. A four-star base in satin aluminium, slim, almost discreet — the copies make it shiny, thick, often with five prongs. Under the seat, Fritz Hansen applies a label and a serial number.
The prices
Reckon on €6,000–9,000 in fabric, up to €15,000 in premium leather. Authenticated vintage holds its value, especially the early editions. Replicas run from €500 to €1,500 — a chair with presence, without the drape or the mechanics.
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The pieces, at your budget.
Every piece mentioned, with its alternatives — from vintage to dupe.
Where to find Fritz Hansen
At the house itself, or at the retailer that stocks it.
Gallery
4 images
