With a silhouette that seems to defy gravity, these MR10 chairs by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe reflect the optimism and boldness of early modernism. Designed in 1927 for the Weissenhof Estate exhibition in Stuttgart, the MR10 became one of the most enduring expressions of Bauhaus design.

Design

This set of four features chromed tubular steel frames and black leather slings, configured in the iconic cantilever form that eliminated rear legs altogether. Mies, drawing from Mart Stam’s pioneering concepts, refined the design by introducing a continuous curved frame, offering both comfort and elegance. The steel loops under tension provide resilience, while the leather seat and backrest conform to the body with balanced support. An exposed spring system secures the backrest, an element typical of early production and seldom seen in later editions. The reverse of each chair reveals this construction in full, a detail often removed or hidden in post-war manufacturing.

While the design itself is unmistakably Mies van der Rohe, the precise production date of this set is uncertain. There are no visible maker’s marks, and although construction details and patina suggest an earlier German manufacture, possibly from the 1940s or 1950s, definitive dating is not confirmed.

Condition

These chairs retain their sculptural clarity and lightness of form. Each shows wear consistent with age. Chrome has a soft patina, and the original leather is intact but shows surface wear and creasing, particularly at the back.