Jacob & Josef Kohn was a renowned furniture manufacturing company that operated from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century. Founded by the Austrian brothers Jacob Kohn and Josef Kohn, the company became famous for its innovative bentwood furniture, contributing significantly to the development of modern furniture design.
The Kohn brothers opened their first workshop in Vienna, Austria, in 1849, initially focusing on producing traditional furniture. However, in the 1850s, they started experimenting with steam-bending techniques, which allowed them to shape wood into curved and intricate forms. This breakthrough led to the creation of their signature bentwood furniture, which gained widespread acclaim and established their reputation as pioneers in the field.
Jacob & Josef Kohn’s bentwood furniture designs were characterized by their elegance, durability, and lightness. They utilized a process that involved steaming beechwood, which made it pliable enough to be shaped into graceful curves. The company’s products often featured intricate patterns, detailed ornamentation, and fine craftsmanship, reflecting the influence of the Art Nouveau and Vienna Secession movements.
One of the most iconic designs by Jacob & Josef Kohn was the famous Thonet chair, also known as the “Vienna coffee house chair.” Although the Thonet family is typically associated with this design, Jacob & Josef Kohn were licensed manufacturers for Thonet, producing and distributing their furniture in Austria and Hungary.
Jacob & Josef Kohn’s success extended beyond Europe, with their furniture gaining popularity worldwide. They participated in various international exhibitions, including the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1900, where they received numerous accolades for their designs.
The company’s success led to the expansion of its operations, with manufacturing facilities established in Moravia (present-day Czech Republic) and Radomsko (present-day Poland). Jacob & Josef Kohn’s furniture was favored by prominent individuals, and their designs adorned prestigious establishments such as hotels, cafés, and residences.
Unfortunately, the outbreak of World War I and the subsequent dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918 had a significant impact on the company. The political and economic changes in the region, coupled with the decline in demand for luxury furniture, led to the decline of Jacob & Josef Kohn. The company experienced financial difficulties and eventually ceased its operations in the early 1930s.
Despite its closure, Jacob & Josef Kohn’s legacy continues to be celebrated, and their bentwood furniture designs remain highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. The company’s innovative techniques and elegant designs had a lasting impact on the evolution of modern furniture, and their contributions to the field are still appreciated today.