MCM Karpen of California Horn Chair

Wow! Just wow! This chair is the epitome of Atomic….Biomorphic…..Mid-Century Modern design. Produced by Karpen of California furniture manufacturers and touted as the Karpen Chair-of-Tomorrow from the Chair-Foam Collection. One of the vintage print ads for this chair states “These new chairs aren’t actually built…they’re poured”. Another says “The Karpen Chair-of-Tomorrow is made in a revolutionary new way!” And yet another states “You’re suspended in, supported by, surrounded by Pure Foam….never before, such comfort!” These revolutionary chairs were made by pouring and molding pure foam around an all steel frame. A period newspaper article titled Test Tube Chair, states that the new manufacturing technique was developed for Karpen, a division of Schnadig Corp, by The General Tire and Rubber Company, a pioneer in polyurethane cushioning field. However, how the chair is made and feels, is NOT what has made it the Mid-Century Modern icon that it is, but how that process has allowed the fantastic biomorphic shape with its soft edges, curves, and rounded corners, that seem to float on the splayed conical legs comprised of gorgeous walnut and adorned with silver-tone sabots. All the details combine to make this modern design spectacular. Don’t hesitate to make this rare Mid-Century Modern icon part of your collection.