Who knew that a furnishing possessing the somewhat unlikely silhouette of a bothersome pest could become one of the most beloved icons of modern design? In addition to designer Arne Jacobsen and original specifier Novo Nordisk (a Danish pharmaceutical firm), I'd wager that manufacturer Fritz Hansen had a premonition of the Ant Chair's potential.

Some 60 Years After Its Debut, Arne Jacobsen's Ant Chair Is As Modern As Ever

If the somewhat laden notion of "Modern Design" can be loosely summarized as minimalistic, supremely functional, versatile, and light, then Jacobsen's Ant Chair surely fits the bill. Light, stable, easy to stack, easy to manufacture, and sleek, svelte, and stylish to boot, Ant possesses all the best qualities of its namesake.

Of course, this Ant will never ruin anybody's picnic. To the contrary, Ant remains as versatile and vivacious as it was when Fritz Hansen began manufacturing back in 1954.

The passage of time has brought intriguing variations-today, Fritz Hansen offers Ant in three- or four-leg models; a plenitude of colors and finishes, including hard plastic laminate and wood veneer; and office, healthcare, and education-friendly options like tablet arms and rolling casters.

For specifying information in the U.S., contact Fritz Hansen's New York showroom at 212.219.3226.

See this classic of modern design on Designer Pages:

Ant 3100.

About the Manufacturer: Manufacturer Fritz Hansen has parlayed the under-pinnings of modern design into one of the most visible and renowned furniture brands worldwide. The roster of past Fritz Hansen designers includes such luminaries as Hans Wegner, Arne Jacobsen, and Verner Panton. Today, count on products designed by Kasper Salto, Morten Voss, and Jamie Hayón to bear the Fritz Hansen name.