Early modernist LaWo1 Armchair by Han Pieck for Lawo Ommen, the Netherlands 1946

An exceptionally rare early modernist LaWo1 armchair, designed in 1946 by Han Pieck for Lawo Ommen, the Netherlands. Produced in the immediate post-war years, the LaWo1 stands as a pioneering example of European modernist furniture design, reflecting a period defined by material scarcity, experimentation, and functional clarity.

Pieck’s design is distinguished by its sculptural, one-piece molded plywood construction, seamlessly forming seat, backrest, and armrests into a continuous organic silhouette. The chair’s bold yet restrained form anticipates later developments in bentwood and molded plywood furniture, positioning the LaWo1 as an important precursor within the modernist canon. Production was extremely limited, with approximately 1,200 examples manufactured, making surviving chairs highly sought after by collectors and institutions alike. The present example clearly reflects a long and demanding life, bearing visible traces of use and age. 

These marks are consistent with its early experimental construction and contribute to its historical authenticity. Due to its early molded plywood technique and age, the LaWo1 should be regarded as a highly fragile object. The material structure requires careful handling and respectful use, underscoring its status not merely as furniture, but as a rare design artifact from the formative years of post-war modernism. The LaWo1 embodies the optimism and ingenuity of Dutch design in the immediate aftermath of World War II. A rare opportunity to acquire a museum-worthy piece by Han Pieck, whose work remains underrepresented yet increasingly recognized within the history of modern furniture.