Silva

The archetypal Norwegian “pinnestol” was common in all parts of the country a hundred years ago. It was made at home or produced locally in small workshops. With its turned parts, the chair was easy to make even with the help of simple foot powered lathes. The “pinnestol” is simple, functional, and honest.

Silva is made of birch, as the typical “pinnestol” often was. (Silva being the Latin word for forest or wood.) Silva is neither conspicuous nor bold, but seeks to be modest, thoughtfully made, and well proportioned. The seat is a mere 39 cm in diameter, rather small, turned with an asymmetrical edge, wider at the back where the back spindles are inserted. The addition of a soft sheepskin cushion adds to the genuine and natural feel of the chair.

The prototype is produced by Johannes Rieber, master woodturner and recipient of the Norwegian Jacob Prize in 1983.