Maarten van Severen LL04 lounge chair Pastoe Netherlands 2004

This exceptionally rare LL04 lounge chair by Maarten Van Severen is created in 2004 and produced in a strictly limited edition of just 250 examples by Dutch manufacturer Pastoe. The earliest units, immediately acquired by leading design museums worldwide, cemented the LL04’s place in the canon of collectible contemporary design, leaving only a small number available to private collectors and connoisseurs.

This chair, marked no. 062, is an early example of the highly sought-after cognac saddle leather version and has been beautifully preserved. Over time, it has developed a rich, organic patina, reflecting Van Severen’s intention that the leather evolve with use, bearing the subtle traces of daily life. Scratches, stains, and surface variations were not only anticipated, they were encouraged. In Van Severen’s view, these elements imbue the piece with authenticity, character, and intimacy, forming a visual narrative of human interaction.

Constructed with a hand-welded solid stainless steel frame, the LL04 embodies Van Severen’s uncompromising precision in form and materiality. The seat and backrest are clad in natural, untreated saddle leather, a material chosen for its tactile honesty and sculptural potential. One of the most distinctive features of the chair is its asymmetrical silhouette, marked by a single armrest that can also serve as a minimal side table. The clean geometry of the frame contrasts beautifully with the meticulously hand-stitched leather, showcasing a rare harmony between artisanal tradition and contemporary minimalism.

The LL04 is not only a visual statement but an exceptionally comfortable and inviting lounge piece—ideal for reading, contemplation, or simply as an architectural object within a curated interior. Its bold profile and refined material palette make it equally suited for private collections, high-end residential spaces, or sophisticated hospitality environments.

Maarten Van Severen (1956–2005), trained as an architect, developed a design language rooted in reduction, precision, and the honest use of materials. His work occupies a unique space between architecture and furniture design, celebrated for its intellectual rigor and quiet emotional resonance. The LL04 is among his most personal and enduring designs, reflecting both his rigorous methodology and poetic sensibility.

Literature; Pastoe, 100 jaar vernieuwing in vormgeving. Gert Staal en Anne van der Zwaag, page 178/179.

Given its rarity, museum-grade provenance, and conceptual depth, this LL04 chair represents a significant opportunity for collectors of important contemporary design.

• Very good condition, gentle patina to the leather