This rare pair of H-353 chairs was designed by Jindřich Halabala and produced by UP Brno during the 1930s, a period widely regarded as the golden age of Czech modern furniture design.

Although less well known than Halabala's celebrated H-221 armchair or the iconic H-269 lounge chair, the H-353 demonstrates many of the qualities that made his work so influential.

What makes the H-353 particularly remarkable is the way its generously shaped seat appears to float within the frame. The softly curved wooden shell is supported by an elegant cross-shaped construction that simultaneously forms the chair's front and rear legs before extending upwards to carry the backrest. This ingenious arrangement creates a sense of lightness and movement while relying on remarkably few elements. It is a design that feels both rational and sculptural - a hallmark of Halabala's best work.

Viewed from different angles, the chair reveals an engaging interplay of lines and volumes. The broad seat introduces comfort and visual weight, while the slender frame creates an almost architectural rhythm. The result is a chair that is not only highly functional but also expressive, demonstrating Halabala's ability to transform everyday furniture into objects of enduring aesthetic value.

Designed during the interwar years, the H-353 embodies the progressive spirit of modernism while remaining deeply rooted in traditional woodworking craftsmanship. Halabala's furniture was intended for practical use and large-scale production, making modern design accessible to a wider audience.

The chairs are crafted from beech wood, finished in a rich dark-brown stain that highlights the natural grain and texture of the wood. Their warm materiality is balanced by the clarity of the design, resulting in pieces that feel every bit as contemporary today as they did nearly ninety years ago.

Today, the H-353 remains one of Halabala's less frequently encountered designs. While often compared to the better-known H-59 model due to their related silhouette and construction, the H-353 features a more compact backrest and is considerably rarer on today's market, making surviving examples especially desirable among collectors of early Czech modernist furniture.

Both chairs are in great vintage condition. They have recently undergone a careful restoration using traditional techniques and materials appropriate to the period. The work was carried out with great respect for their original character, preserving the authenticity, proportions and distinctive charm that have made Halabala's designs enduring classics of twentieth-century furniture design.

About Jindřich Halabala and UP Brno

Jindřich Halabala (1903–1978) was one of the most important figures in the history of Czech furniture design. As chief designer for UP Závody in Brno, he helped transform the company into one of the leading manufacturers of modern furniture in Central Europe. Drawing inspiration from contemporary European movements while maintaining a strong emphasis on comfort, functionality and affordability, Halabala created designs that brought modern living to a broad public.

Founded in the early twentieth century, UP Brno became synonymous with progressive furniture production in Czechoslovakia. Through its collaboration with Halabala and other leading designers, the company produced some of the most iconic furniture of the interwar period, many of which remain highly sought after by collectors and design enthusiasts today.

Quantity: 1 pair

Period: 1930s

Designer: Jindrich Halabala

Manufacturer: UP Brno, Czechoslovakia

Dimensions: w 44 cm, d 49 cm, h 84 cm, seat 45 h

Materials: Beech

Delivery & Shipping Your order will be carefully packed and safely shipped from our studio in Brno, Czechia using trusted international couriers. Every piece is original, fully checked, and handled with expert care. We are always personally available to assist before and after purchase.

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