Scandinavian Design 
8 May 2014
Scandinavian Design 
249

Kay Bojesen

Large monkey

Denmark, c. 1951
stained teak, teak, ebony 18 h × 15½ w × 4¾ d in (46 × 39 × 12 cm)
estimate: $2,000–3,000
result: $875
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Signed with branded manufacturer's mark to underside: [Kay Bojesen Denmark ©].

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Kay and Erna Bojesen with a chimpanzee at the Copenhagen Zoo. Danske Designere: Kay Bojesen, Olsen, pg. 75

Lines Should Smile

Kay Bojesen and Danish Design

Danish silversmith and designer, Kay Bojesen (1886-1958) is best known for his wooden toys. He designed a variety of playful animal forms, but the most popular was the monkey which was produced in a variety of sizes. From American television to exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the monkey is renowned worldwide.

But Bojesen's contribution to design was not limited to the wood toys he made; he apprenticed with Georg Jensen, was artistic director for Bing and Grøndal and crafted bowls for Finn Juhl. Bojesen was also a founding member of Den Permanente, a gallery and retail shop dedicated to exhibiting the best of Danish design.

A Den Permanente advertisement. Danske Designere: Kay Bojesen, pg. 75
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