Kay Bojesen

KAY BOJESEN (Copenhagen, 1886 - Gentofte, 1958)
"Monkey".
Wood (teak, walnut, oak, ash, maple).
Special edition for the 70th anniversary.
Produced by Kay Bojesen Denmark.
Manufacturer's signature engraved on the foot.
Measurements: 19 x 19 x 6,5 cm.

Designed in 1951, Kay Bojesen's famous "Monkey" has become one of the absolute icons of 20th century Danish design. This special edition combines different hardwoods underlining the handcrafted character and Scandinavian cabinetmaking tradition. Produced by Kay Bojesen Denmark, official supplier to the Danish Royal House, the model stands out for its articulated construction and formal balance, combining functionality, humor and modern refinement.

Kay Bojesen trained with the famous Georg Jensen, under whose influence he developed his first works in Art Nouveau style. From the 1920s onwards he devoted himself to the design of articulated wooden toys, among which his iconic "Monkey" (1951) stands out, today considered a design classic and exhibited in museums such as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. He also created animal figures and the popular soldiers of the Danish Royal Guard.

In addition to toys, he designed children's furniture, jewelry and household objects. His Grand Prix cutlery (1938) won the Grand Prix at the 1951 Milan Triennale and became a benchmark of Danish design.

He was co-founder of the design collective Den Permanente and received important awards, such as the title of Knight of the Order of Dannebrog (1955). Today his original pieces are highly valued and considered collector's and museum objects.