House of Finn Juhl Japan Chair Designed by Finn Juhl

The Japan armchair, designed by Finn Juhl in 1957 and today produced by House of Finn Juhl, embodies the essence of traditional Japanese architecture. The horizontal backrest, supported by slightly tapered legs, recalls the proportions of temple gates, while the circular detail at the ends introduces a sense of balance to the composition.

In this design, Juhl applies the principle of distinction between supporting and supported elements: the backrest, deliberately detached from the base, conveys visual lightness while ensuring stability. The linear structure reflects a measured approach, yet it reveals character through subtle variations, in keeping with the designer’s idea that “the deviation lies in the detail.”

The Japan armchair is part of a series that also includes a sofa, a pouf, and a three-seater version, developed during Juhl’s collaboration with the Danish manufacturer France & Son to create an industrially feasible design without sacrificing aesthetics. Made of oak and available with Watercolour fabric upholstery, the Japan armchair is suited to both domestic interiors and representative spaces.