A pair of Stendig bentwood beech Thonet B9 armchairs with cane seats. Late 1950s/1960s production, Czechoslovakia. One with Stendig paper label. "Made in Czechoslovakia" branded into the seat at underside. 30.5 x 21.5 x 20 inches. Originally designed in 1870 by Thonet. In 1957, Charles Stendig negotiated a formal government invitation to travel to Communist Czechoslovakia, where one of the centenary Thonet bentwood furniture factories was located. This trip yielded him the right to import the model B9 armchair, used by Le Corbusier in the 1925 Pavillon de l’Esprit Nouveau, and for which they found a signed mold at the Czech factory. He also secured the model 811 side chair, often attributed to Josef Hoffmann, along with four other models, which ultimately contributed to a widespread appreciation of these designs in the American market. Provenance: from the estate of Leon and Jane Arkus. Leon was the Director of the Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh, from 1969 to 1980. Abrasions throughout, some finish wear and scratches, one with old repair where arm attaches to the seat at right. Merchandise will be packed and transported by the purchaser at their own risk and expense. A list of recommended shippers is on our website: https://www.conceptgallery.com/auctions/shipping/ .