An exceptionally rare and highly sculptural Kone chair designed by pioneering Australian designer Roger McLay, retaining its original maker’s mark decal and presented in beautifully untouched unrestored condition.
Designed in Sydney in 1948, the Kone chair is regarded as one of the most significant achievements in early Australian modernist furniture design. Its radical biomorphic form — a deeply sculpted conical plywood shell balanced delicately on slender steel rod legs — reflects the post-war fascination with aerospace forms, moulded plywood experimentation and sculptural minimalism emerging internationally during the period.
The dramatic central aperture and sweeping organic silhouette give the chair a striking architectural presence from every angle, while the moulded shell naturally cradles the body despite its visually minimal construction.
This example retains its original warm-toned finish with an honest aged patina throughout, showcasing decades of natural wear that enhance the chair’s authenticity and character. Importantly, the original “Kone Design by Roger McLay” maker’s mark remains intact to the underside — a highly desirable and increasingly scarce detail among surviving examples.
Produced by Descon in Sydney, the Kone chair has become an icon of Australian post-war design and is represented in major institutional collections including the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney. Today, it remains highly sought after for its rarity, sculptural purity and historical importance within twentieth-century modernist design.
This particular example was produced in the early 1950s and is in original unrestored condition which holds far more desirability than restored examples. It displays the appropriate patina of age and two small cracks which have been professionally stabilised. The patina has been preserved with a hard wax finish, providing future value of this rare and special design piece. Overall this is the finest example we have seen of an early production Kone chair and suitable for a collector or someone who would like to appreciate the height of post-war Australian furniture design.
Details
Designer: Roger McLay
Model: Kone Chair
Produced by Descon
Moulded plywood shell
Steel rod base
Original manufacturer’s decal present
Original unrestored condition with patina
Australia, designed 1948
Approximate Dimensions
Width: 84 cm
Depth: 72 cm
Height: 68 cm
Seat Height: 34 cm
An iconic and exceptionally rare example of Australian modernist furniture design with remarkable sculptural presence.
Vintage Condition Disclaimer
All vintage and second-hand items are sold as-is. Due to their age and prior use, these pieces may display signs of wear such as minor marks, patina, surface imperfections, or variations consistent with their history. These characteristics are considered part of the item’s authenticity and charm.
While we take care to accurately describe and photograph each piece, variations and imperfections should be expected. By purchasing a vintage item, the buyer acknowledges and accepts its pre-owned condition. All sales of vintage items are final.
An exceptionally rare and highly sculptural Kone chair designed by pioneering Australian designer Roger McLay, retaining its original maker’s mark decal and presented in beautifully untouched unrestored condition.
Designed in Sydney in 1948, the Kone chair is regarded as one of the most significant achievements in early Australian modernist furniture design. Its radical biomorphic form — a deeply sculpted conical plywood shell balanced delicately on slender steel rod legs — reflects the post-war fascination with aerospace forms, moulded plywood experimentation and sculptural minimalism emerging internationally during the period.
The dramatic central aperture and sweeping organic silhouette give the chair a striking architectural presence from every angle, while the moulded shell naturally cradles the body despite its visually minimal construction.
This example retains its original warm-toned finish with an honest aged patina throughout, showcasing decades of natural wear that enhance the chair’s authenticity and character. Importantly, the original “Kone Design by Roger McLay” maker’s mark remains intact to the underside — a highly desirable and increasingly scarce detail among surviving examples.
Produced by Descon in Sydney, the Kone chair has become an icon of Australian post-war design and is represented in major institutional collections including the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney. Today, it remains highly sought after for its rarity, sculptural purity and historical importance within twentieth-century modernist design.
This particular example was produced in the early 1950s and is in original unrestored condition which holds far more desirability than restored examples. It displays the appropriate patina of age and two small cracks which have been professionally stabilised. The patina has been preserved with a hard wax finish, providing future value of this rare and special design piece. Overall this is the finest example we have seen of an early production Kone chair and suitable for a collector or someone who would like to appreciate the height of post-war Australian furniture design.
Details
Designer: Roger McLay
Model: Kone Chair
Produced by Descon
Moulded plywood shell
Steel rod base
Original manufacturer’s decal present
Original unrestored condition with patina
Australia, designed 1948
Approximate Dimensions
Width: 84 cm
Depth: 72 cm
Height: 68 cm
Seat Height: 34 cm
An iconic and exceptionally rare example of Australian modernist furniture design with remarkable sculptural presence.
Vintage Condition Disclaimer
All vintage and second-hand items are sold as-is. Due to their age and prior use, these pieces may display signs of wear such as minor marks, patina, surface imperfections, or variations consistent with their history. These characteristics are considered part of the item’s authenticity and charm.
While we take care to accurately describe and photograph each piece, variations and imperfections should be expected. By purchasing a vintage item, the buyer acknowledges and accepts its pre-owned condition. All sales of vintage items are final.
