Ebonised & Beech Rocking Chair by Yrjö Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, (1950s) Finland

Designer: Yrjö Ilmari Tapiovaara
Manufacturer: Asko, Finland

A striking mid-century rocking chair designed by renowned Finnish designer Yrjö Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko in the 1950s. The chair features gently tapered spindles, a wide curved backrest, and minimalist sled-style rockers, combining traditional Nordic craftsmanship with a refined, modernist sensibility.

Crafted from beech with an ebonised finish, this piece exemplifies Tapiovaara’s ability to fuse comfort, utility, and aesthetic clarity. The sculptural silhouette, sympathetic to the natural materials, makes it equally suited to pared-back interiors or more eclectic, layered spaces.

About the Designer
Yrjö Tapiovaara (1914–1999) was a pioneer of Scandinavian modern design, best known for his democratic approach to furniture, creating practical, beautiful pieces that were accessible and suited to modern life. Deeply influenced by Alvar Aalto and the Finnish tradition of working with wood, he designed for schools, public buildings, and the home—often in collaboration with his wife, interior architect Helena Tapiovaara.

His work with Asko, one of Finland’s leading post-war furniture manufacturers, produced many of his most recognisable designs—always with a focus on tactility, structure, and human scale.

Condition
Very good vintage condition. The frame is structurally sound with some light signs of wear appropriate to age. Original ebonised finish retained.

Dimensions
Measures approx. 105cm x 58cm x 83cm.