Pair of modernist stools by Ladislav Bartoníček for Krásná Jizba, 1940s

Designed by Czech architect Ladislav Bartoníček for Krásná jizba in former Czechoslovakia, 1946. Krásná jizba, a branch of the Družstevní práce publishing house, was the leading institution for the sale, production, and promotion of home furnishings and education in living culture in Czechoslovakia during the 1930s and 1940s. Its mission was to offer a wide range of customers aesthetically valuable and high-quality products created by renowned designers, thereby enhancing the quality of everyday living environments. Under the artistic direction of Ladislav Sutnar, Krásná jizba became a prominent platform for applying the principles of functionalism, initially focusing on industrially produced goods. From the mid-1930s, however, it also began to recognize the value of quality craftsmanship and included handmade items in its collection. Among its most popular offerings were drinking glasses by Ladislav Sutnar, Alois Metelák, and Ludvika Smrčková, textiles by Antonín Kybal, and wooden furniture by Jan Vaněk, Ladislav Bartoníček, and Jiří Rathouský. Both stools feature new strapping. The wood retains its original polished condition with a beautiful patina and is structurally sound.

Dimensions: height 45 cm, width 60 cm, depth 38 cm.