Jens Risrom 652 reclining armchairs 1941, in mahogany and leather, made by Knoll Associates in East Greenville, Pennsylvania USA in the late 1940’s.
Designed in 1941 as part of Hans Knoll’s inaugural collection, the Model 652 armchair represents a foundational milestone in American modernism. This early post-war example is a rare variant executed in solid mahogany, distinguishing it from standard production models typically crafted in maple or birch. Notably, the frames feature prominent, exposed interlocking finger joints at the arm terminals—a complex, structural detail showcasing the regional Pennsylvania craftsmanship utilized by Knoll during the late 1940s. The webbed leather straps are anchored directly to the interior rails with traditional upholstery tacks. The pair stands as a highly unique, structurally original document of early mid-century design.
The frames have been carefully cleaned and refinished with hardwax oil and the joints thoroughly checked to ensure structural integrity. Select leather straps have been thoughtfully replaced, preserving the chairs’ original character while restoring comfort and longevity.
Jens Risom (1916–2016) was a central figure in shaping American mid-century modernism. After moving from Denmark to New York, he designed Hans Knoll’s first major furniture line in 1941. His designs seamlessly combined honest Scandinavian proportions with American manufacturing, establishing a lasting legacy of understated, wood-centric furniture that remains highly prized by design historians and collectors.
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