Fabricius and Kastholm FK87 "Grasshopper" for Alfred Kill, Denmark, 1960's

Fabricius and Kastholm FK87 "Grasshopper" for Alfred Kill, Denmark, 1960's

This is a classic “Grasshopper” lounge chair, model FK87, designed by Preben Fabricius and Jørgen Kastholm in 1965. It was produced by Kill International in Germany and stands out for its distinctive curved profile and low-slung stance, which give it a relaxed but purposeful character.

The frame is made of flat bar chromed steel, slightly patinated. The seat and backrest are made of canvas fabric, to which a loose, leather cushion is attached tightly. This version is upholstered in brown leather, which is still in very good condition, no rips or tears or anything. The leather pillow is suspended with straps and can be adjusted along the canvas backing.

A nice detail is that the armrests are wrapped in very nicely patinated cognac leather, adding a tactile element and subtle contrast to the steel frame. They offer just the right amount of grip and warmth to contrast the steel frame.

The chair's shape invites you to lean back and stretch out. It’s clearly influenced by the functional minimalism of Danish modernism, but also carries hints of Mies van der Rohe’s steel furniture. Like many of Kastholm and Fabricius’ pieces, it merges industrial materials with natural elements without compromising comfort.

This particular example retains all its original elements and is in very good condition, with signs of age on the canvas and slight wear on the leather, especially at stress points near the cushion edges—visible in the detailed shots. Overall, it’s a strong example of post-war European design that still feels relevant, and it holds a place in several museum collections, including MoMA and the Vitra Design Museum.

A collector’s piece, a very good investment and also an item to be used.

Dimensions
Width: 72 cm
Height: 82 cm