The Wishbone Chair is a dining chair designed by the Danish furniture designer Hans J. Wegner in 1949 and produced by the firm of Carl Hansen and Søn since 1950. Officially known as the CH24 and also called the Y chair, it takes its popular name from the Y-shaped back splat that supports the curved top rail, resembling the wishbone of a bird.
The design was one of a series inspired by Wegner's study of Chinese chairs of the Ming dynasty, reinterpreted in the spirit of Danish modern design. The steam-bent top rail forms both backrest and arms, and the seat is hand-woven from strong paper cord, a material used extensively in post-war Scandinavian furniture. It has been made in oak, beech, ash, walnut and cherry, in natural, soaped, oiled, lacquered and painted finishes. It has remained in continuous production and is one of the best known chairs of the twentieth century. Collectors of vintage examples look for early labels or stamps, original paper cord in good condition and a pleasing patina, while new examples are widely available. Re-weaving a worn seat is a routine specialist job and does not greatly affect value.
