Seagrass Chair by Erich Dieckmann

An unusual 1950's seagrass chair by Erich Dieckmann with steam-ben beechwood frames

Erich Dieckmann, a prominent furniture designer associated with the Bauhaus movement, shared similarities with Marcel Breuer in his exploration of steel tubing, standardization, and geometric forms during the 1920s and 1930s. The chairs showcased here emerged from one of Dieckmann's experimental phases.

Crafted from beech and cord, this exceptional pair of armchairs pays homage to the Bauhaus aesthetic. Dieckmann's furniture designs are frequently distinguished by the use of quality hardwoods, cane matting, and geometric frameworks that intricately connect the armrests and legs, forming a distinctive runner construction. This particular model exemplifies Dieckmann's signature style, featuring a gracefully curved beech wood frame that beautifully captures the designer's avant-garde yet minimalist approach and craftsmanship.

A noteworthy technical innovation of its time, the wooden structure is achieved through steam bending, a process where wood is exposed to steam, rendering it pliable. The combination of heat and moisture allows the wood fibers to be bent and stretched, and upon cooling, they retain their newly formed shape. This technique is prominently displayed in the gracefully curved armrests, seamlessly flowing down to shape the front legs—a continuous piece that stands as the focal point of the entire design. The beech frames harmonize with the elegant cord seats and backs tightly woven around the wood.

These chairs are defined by their materials—steam-bent beech and woven cord. The execution of both techniques demands a high level of expertise, a testament to the skill possessed by both Erich Dieckmann and the manufacturer. As one of the Bauhaus movement's most influential furniture designers, Dieckmann's legacy endures through this iconic representation of Bauhaus-inspired seating.