The “Mama Bear Chair” belongs to Hans J. Wegner’s series of easy chairs designed in the 1950s. As its name suggests, the form has a gentle, enveloping presence—much like a mother bear embracing her cub. Often seen as the softer and more approachable counterpart to the iconic Papa Bear Chair (AP19), the Mama Bear family offers a warm silhouette paired with exceptional ergonomic comfort. Its rounded back, generous curves, and supportive structure exemplify Wegner’s pursuit of “continuous purification and simplification,” resulting in furniture that feels reassuring, calm, and deeply human.
The series includes several variations—the upholstered AP27, the wingback AP28, and the contemporary reissue CH78—each offering its own interpretation of the chair’s signature embrace. Despite differences in construction and period, all three models reflect Wegner’s core design philosophy: honest materials, thoughtful ergonomics, and sculptural clarity. The affectionate nickname “Mama Bear Chair” speaks to its welcoming form, linking it to its siblings, the Papa Bear (AP19) and the Mini Bear (AP20), all beloved icons of Danish design.
AP27 | Vintage: The Early Non-Wingback Model
Designed in 1954, the AP27 is the earliest version of the Mama Bear Chair. Its clean, wingless silhouette gives it a quiet, understated presence. The model was produced in two types—one with fully upholstered arms and one featuring exposed wooden arms. Made in oak or teak, it typically measures W750 × D800 × H1030 mm with a seat height of 400 mm. Manufactured by AP-Stolen throughout the 1950s and 1960s, it is now found only as a vintage piece due to the company’s closure.
AP28 | Vintage: The Rare Wingback Version
Also designed in 1954, the AP28 adds distinctive “wing” extensions to the backrest, creating a more enveloping and protective shape. Like the AP27, it features Wegner’s recognizable wooden “bear paws,” with subtle variations across production. Measuring W860 × D800 × H1080 mm, the AP28 has a more generous scale and a striking sculptural presence. Production numbers were limited, making it significantly rarer and more sought after today.
CH78 | Current Production: The Modern Revival (2020–Present)
Originally designed in 1954, the CH78 was faithfully reintroduced by Carl Hansen & Søn in 2020. The reissue captures the light, graceful silhouette of the original while offering modern comfort and material choices. Buyers can opt for an additional neck pillow, and the frame is crafted from FSC-certified oak or walnut. Upholstery options include premium textiles and leather from Kvadrat. Although inspired by the original drawings and prototypes, its structure and comfort differ notably from the vintage AP28.
AP-Stolen vs. Carl Hansen & Søn | Vintage and Contemporary Compared
Authenticity and Reissue Approach
AP-Stolen
The AP28 produced by AP-Stolen is considered the original Mama Bear Chair and remains highly valued in the vintage market. AP-Stolen specialized in complex upholstered furniture for Wegner, crafting each piece with traditional techniques that give surviving chairs their rare, distinctive character. Most AP-Stolen chairs carry little or no factory stamping.
Carl Hansen & Søn
Reissued in 2020, the CH78 is based on Wegner’s archival drawings and surviving prototypes. While modern materials and streamlined processes are used, the company maintains strong fidelity to Wegner’s intentions. The chair includes an official Carl Hansen & Søn maker’s plate.
Internal Structure and Seating Feel
AP-Stolen
The AP28 uses traditional natural fillings such as horsehair, cotton, and jute, resulting in a deep, resilient, and gently yielding seat. The lumbar area includes a hollow structure supported by jute webbing, giving the chair both firmness and an inviting softness.
Carl Hansen & Søn
The CH78 employs polyurethane foam and a simplified structure, producing a different seating character. Vintage pieces offer a “luxurious, sinking comfort,” while the contemporary CH78 provides a “more consistent, slightly firmer support.”
Dimensions, Details, and Materials
AP-Stolen
W860 × D800 × H1080 mm
Crafted in oak or teak, with the iconic wooden “bear paws” defining the arms. Upholstery commonly used wool or cotton, and the hand-built upholstery method results in a fuller, softer visual expression.
Carl Hansen & Søn
W840 × D800 × H1060 mm
Frames are crafted from FSC-certified solid oak or walnut, with upholstery options from Kvadrat or leather. Details such as stitching and joinery reflect modern precision and craftsmanship.
Price and Market Value
AP-Stolen
Approx. ¥1.5–2.0 million (as of June 2025)
Pricing varies widely depending on condition, materials, and provenance. Values continue to rise as availability decreases.
Carl Hansen & Søn
¥713,900–722,700 (as of June 2025)
More accessible than the vintage model, with customization options and modern after-sales support.
Choosing a Chair That Reflects One’s Values and Lifestyle
Each of the three Mama Bear Chairs captures Wegner’s timeless design philosophy in a distinct way. The vintage AP27 and AP28 carry decades of character, patina, and narrative, offering a sense of history and individuality. The CH78 brings Wegner’s spirit into the present with contemporary reliability and refined craftsmanship.
Selecting one of these chairs is more than choosing a piece of furniture—it is an expression of aesthetic values, lifestyle priorities, and the desire for meaningful, long-lasting design. The Mama Bear Chair is not simply an object for sitting but a cultural artifact shaped by the ideals of 20th-century Danish craftsmanship. Whichever model one chooses, it becomes a companion in daily life, enriching the quality of time spent with it.