Scandinavian Design 
23 November 2021
Scandinavian Design 
194

Alvar Aalto, attribution

Rare daybed

Embru-Werke A.G.
Finland, c. 1935
laminated birch, beech, enameled steel, chrome-plated steel, upholstery 19 h × 39¾ w × 83¼ l in (48 × 101 × 211 cm)
estimate: $3,000–5,000
result: $3,500
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Daybed features one trundle drawer. Applied decal manufacturer's label to frame ‘Embru’.

This work will ship from Wright in Chicago, Illinois.

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This rare daybed features distinct bentwood end pieces reminiscent of many of Alvar Aalto’s iconic forms. Specifically, the gauge and radius of the corners relate in both size and construction to the frame of Aalto’s 1931 lounge chair designed for the Paimio Sanatorium. Interestingly, the daybed utilizes a steel frame consistent with Alfred Roth’s 1935 design for the Bed 58 manufactured by Embru and features a similar bentwood trundle drawer. Both men provided designs for the Swiss company in the 1930s, and it is possible that Aalto adapted elements of Roth’s bed for this rare design. 

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