Developed in 1965 as part of a series of 13 unique designs for manufacturer Carl Hansen & Son, the CH45 Rocking Chair embodies Hans J. Wegner’s brand of Shaker-inspired Nordic minimalism. Sharing a simple aesthetic and a strong functionalist expression, the collection is emblematic of the Shaker’s stripped-back style and includes the CH44, CH46, CH47, and CH53. With the addition of the CH45, Carl Hansen & Son has added another piece of Wegner’s astounding legacy to their catalog.
Wegner had a lifelong fascination with rocking chairs, exploring the functionality of the design with his trademark methodical precision. The CH45 is a perfectly proportioned example of Wegner’s craft, allowing the sitter to sit, rock, and effortlessly rise. The reclining backrest adds dynamism to the piece, while the shaped bars of the backrest tie it to the other pieces in the series. The talented artisans at Carl Hansen & Son have hand-polished every surface. The seat is hand-woven out of 213 metres of paper cord, a time-consuming and meticulous process that takes around an hour and a half.
With his love of natural materials and his deep understanding of the need for furniture to be functional as well as beautiful, Hans J. Wegner (1914-2007) made mid-century Danish design popular on an international scale. He began his career as a cabinetmaker in 1931 and subsequently entered the Copenhagen School of Arts & Crafts. After receiving his architectural degree in 1938, he worked as a designer in Arne Jacobsen and Erik Muller's architectural office before establishing his own office in 1943.
Discover more about Hans J. Wegner's most famous chair design in our CH24 Wishbone chair article.
