Optimist and Pessimist by Hans Bølling show the duality in each of us: yin and yang, happy or sad.
Their bodies differ only in their behavior, revealing Hans Bølling's power of expression. You can also see their difference in posture by putting their backs together. Optimist and Pessimist embody the balance and reality of life.
Handcrafted from the finest teak wood, their soft hair and inset maple and wenge wood eyes add playfulness to their character. Their rope arms are bendable and the head can be twisted or removed to raise the arms as well.
Material teak and synthetic fiber
Optimist H12 x 6 cm
Pessimist H11,5 x 6 cm
Optimist
Pessimist
Hans Bølling
Hans Bølling's (born in 1931) work is known for its play, humor and wit. A passionate spirit whose practice and products are inspired by creative diversity, Bølling’s interest in architecture drew him back to school for a secondary degree after training as an advertising designer, growing his practice beyond objects to include villas, living complexes and town halls.
Early in his career he began to craft small figures from botanicals as gifts for family and friends. The precision and personality in his objects paved the way for success as he quickly began to sell the wooden figures to stores.
As luck would have it, Bølling shortly thereafter won an award for the designs and invested the winnings into his own carpentry machine. The access to the means of production kick-started the production of Bølling’s now-famous Duck and Duckling in the 1950’s.
Today, Hans still stops by the Architectmade office, checking in on his beloved products.