Japan Sofa | Two Seater | Finn Juhl | 1957
Despite the Japan Sofa's simple construction, Finn Juhl remained true to his concept of emphasizing the distinction between the carried and carrying elements by separating the backrest from the supporting frame. The solid horizontal backrest, resting on slightly tapered legs, references a traditional Japanese temple door. The Japan Sofa Two Seater is available in oak or walnut with upholstery options in textile or leather.
Japan Sofa | Two Seater | Finn Juhl | 1957
Despite the Japan Sofa's simple construction, Finn Juhl remained true to his concept of emphasizing the distinction between the carried and carrying elements by separating the backrest from the supporting frame. The solid horizontal backrest, resting on slightly tapered legs, references a traditional Japanese temple door. The Japan Sofa Two Seater is available in oak or walnut with upholstery options in textile or leather.
Please note that the versions shown here represent only a selection of the many available options. For a complete overview of colors and materials, please explore the material page.
Wood Type
-
Walnut
-
Oak Dark Oil
-
Oak Clear Oil
Upholstery
Hallingdal
-
376 / 227
-
457 / 100
-
113 / 103
-
764 / 110
-
960 / 980
Remix
-
123
-
163
-
183
-
242
-
412
-
443
-
612
-
762
-
823
-
933
Vidar
-
152
-
182
-
222
-
443
-
472
-
582
-
633
-
723
-
1062
-
1511
Watercolour
-
Butterscotch Yellow
-
Cast Iron
-
Dark Conifer
-
Fresh Sage
-
Golden Syrup
-
Peacock
-
Pumpkin Spice
-
Rose Quartz
-
Silver Azure
-
Soft Linen
Product information
- Design:
- Finn Juhl
- Year:
-
1957, relaunched in 2007
- Materials:
-
Frame: Oak or walnut
- Upholstery:
- Textile or leather
- Model and dimensions:
- FJ 5302
- W: 121 cm | D: 70 cm | H: 78 cm
- Seat height: 35 cm
The Japan Sofa with oak frame and sheepskin upholstery in the color 'Moonlight'.
The Collaboration with France & Søn
Simple, Functional, and Elegant
In the 1950s, Finn Juhl designed a series of furniture for the company France & Søn, meeting the era’s demand for simpler furniture types and pieces suitable for more industrial production. The best known of these are the pieces from the 1957 Japan series, which includes an armchair, a stool, a two-seat sofa, and a three-seat sofa.
A year after its launch, Gunnar Bratvold, editor of the design magazine Mobilia, wrote that the Japan series deserved an award of honor:
"It shows Finn Juhl at his best in its simplicity, functionality, and high quality. And when one also sees that refined elegance is preserved, it is easy to understand why Danish furniture is in demand all over the world."
The Japan Sofa with oak frame and sheepskin upholstery in the color 'Moonlight'.
As Precise as a Temple Gate
The Inspiration from Japan
The sublime simplicity and minimalist language of the Japan sofa stand in stark contrast to Finn Juhl's earlier furniture, drawing clear parallels to traditional Japanese architecture, which deeply inspired him in the 1950s. The horizontal, robust back rail, supported by the slightly tapered legs, evokes the image of a Japanese temple gate. The back rail is finished with a concave detail that adds a subtle yet striking visual refinement – a hallmark of Finn Juhl, who famously said that deviation is in the detail.
The Japan Sofa with walnut frame and 'Siksak' upholstery in the color '14-100' on the back and '14-140' on the seat.
The Japan Sofa with walnut frame and 'Siksak' upholstery in the color '14-100' on the back and '14-140' on the seat.
Finn Juhl's original drawing of the Japan Series. Photo credit: Pernille Klemp, Designmuseum Danmark
