Hans J. Wegner is one of the leading representatives of traditional Danish furniture design. His work has a sound basis, namely a thorough training as a carpenter, and is rooted in a family tradition of craftsmen. He had already learned how to handle shapes and tools in his father’s shoe-making shop. During his studies in Copenhagen he became familiar with masters of the Danish art of furniture-making. Wegner takes ideas from artistic joinery the world over and makes them specifically Danish. The models for his Y Chair stem from China. The Y that is the backrest resembles the natural forking of a branch. The plaited seat is a reference to the grass along the shallow shores of the Danish landscape, and is in the tradition of northwest European utilitarian chairs.

The Vitra Miniatures Collection presents the most important classics of modern furniture history in miniature. The construction, materials and colours correspond to the historical Vitra Design Museum collection original, right down to the last detail. Because they are so true to the originals, the miniatures are not only valuable collector’s items, but also ideal illustrative material for universities, colleges of design and architects. The Miniatures Collection is unique worldwide. For each miniature there is a licence agreement with the designer or his estate. Many designers collaborate with Vitra to develop the miniatures of their own designs and offer their assistance by supplying information on the objects. In return, Vitra honour the designer’s copyright by paying royalties.