Erik Gunnar Asplund for Cassina Set of Eight 'Göteborg' Dining Chairs in Walnut

Erik Gunnar Asplund for Cassina, set of eight 'Göteborg 1', model '501', walnut, leather, Italy, design 1935-1937, made 1983

Designed by Erik Gunnar Asplund between 1935 and 1937, the ‘Göteborg 1’, model 501, was conceived for the interior of the Public Room in the extension of Göteborg Town Hall. The chair belongs to a crucial period in Asplund’s career, during which his work increasingly reflected the principles of Scandinavian functionalism. As a leading advocate of this movement, Asplund promoted an industrially rational design language.

The chair’s restrained construction is balanced by the expressive curvature of its backrest, which continues into the rear supports and gives the design an organic silhouette. The use of walnut introduces visual warmth, while the black leather seat and backrest provide a refined contrast and reinforce the chair’s functional character. Although conceived for a civic interior, the design avoids institutional severity, combining structural economy with comfort, elegance and careful craftsmanship.

This set of eight chairs was manufactured by Cassina in Italy in 1983, demonstrating the continued relevance of Asplund’s work within the history of twentieth-century furniture design. All eight examples retain their original Cassina producer stamps and carved serial numbers.