On the way to the dog park yesterday my over-the-top sunglasses seemed like the proper impulse grab for my worn out winter look. While they’re not what I’d normally throw on for a day of muddy dog chasing, nothing said “I’m a middle-America stereotype” like my stretch pants and boots.In our homes, the same rules apply: we try our hand at IKEA and Target for all we can manage to replace year after year, but well-designed – and ideally limited edition – pieces should be applied here and there to avoid a dull palette. One way to accomplish an original interior is to step out of your comfort zone, get onto eBay, and grab one of two limited edition J49 chairs by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Furniture that celebrate the collection’s re-release with the Danish furniture manufacturer we adore.

J49 chair, hand-painted by Mister Wim. Designed by Børge Mogensen. Manufactured by Fredericia Furniture.

Hand-painted J49 Chairs are being Auctioned Off to Benefit Japanese Charities

Two hand-painted, limited edition J49 chairs – one by Shin Azumi and another by Mister Wim – will benefit both the Japan Red Cross and the Benefit for Nippon upon their auctions ending this Sunday, March 11th. Since each is deserving of its own accolades, the chairs must be described as separate works of glorious art.

While the man we know as Mister Wim – also known by his given name, Wim van den Bogaert – resides in London, he is recognized internationally for his playful designs. With a predominant following coming right out of Japan, Wim’s most recent trip allowed him time to stop by the Toranoko club in Shibuya, Tokyo to paint one of the Special Edition J9 chairs by Børge Mogensen for charity. Without a sketch or plan in mind (which is apparently how the man operates best) Wim went to work on behalf of the Benefit for Nippon charity and created what he calls “Mister Wim’s Electric Chair“.

J49 chair, hand-painted by Shin Azumi. Designed by Børge Mogensen. Manufactured by Fredericia Furniture.

The second, limited edition J49 chair was painted by the famous Japanese designer, Shin Azumi. As the mind behind the Nara series for Fredericia Furniture, his pieces have always found their connection not only with the function, but also with nature’s flawless design. As was quoted with the end result of his clover-inspired J49 chair, a “clover is a wild and strong plant, it represents the strength and beauty of life”. With each brush stroke, the words come to life in remembrance of the first anniversary of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. All proceeds from Azumi’s vibrant green chair will go towards the Japan Red Cross.

The J49 chair was originally created in 1944 by Mogensen for the FDB’s concept shop in Copenhagen. This April 2012, Fredericia will reintroduce the J49 using beech wood in its modern, familiar structure. It will be finished with either a clear, white or black lacquer finish… or they’ll even leave it untreated, enabling your creativity to find its place on a signature piece of your own.

About the Designer: Børge Mogensen is a Danish furniture designer who lived from 1914- 1972. His work in the field was picked up mainly by FDB, the Danish co-operative chain that allowed Danes to get a good deal on high-quality furnishings for the home. Creating classics throughout the 50s and 60s, Mogensen is well-known for creating his pieces on a whim of an idea – similar to the way Mister Wim arrived and started painting on the J49 chair. Consistently constructing timeless pieces, their simplistic side was matched by a high quality found in universal Scandinavian – and particularly Danish – furniture design.