In 1859, it was designed by German carpenter Michael Thonet. After nearly 20 years of research and development, Thonet perfected a technique for steam-bending solid wood, softening beech wood and shaping it into smooth curves, thereby achieving a harmonious blend of elegant design and industrial mass production. Between 1859 and 1930, global sales exceeded 50 million units, making it the world’s first chair to achieve true large-scale industrial production. A pioneer of modern industrial design, it directly influenced modern design movements such as the Bauhaus school and laid the groundwork for the mass production of subsequent steel-tube and plastic chairs. Still produced and reissued worldwide today, it is widely used in homes, cafés, and restaurants, standing as a timeless design icon that transcends eras.