"Janne" Cow-bench

Referred to as a memento mori (reminder of death) for cows, the Cow Bench is a reminder of the animal origin of leather furniture. Frames made of wood and foam mimic the ribs and spine of a cow’s torso. They are covered with a hide from a single cow, positioned exactly as it was on the animal. The benches do not feature heads or legs because these are the first parts removed in the slaughterhouse. As opposed to the unmarred leather used for most furniture, Lohmann’s benches bear the unique marks—such as scars and wrinkles—of the cow used to produce them. Creating an even deeper connection with the viewer, each bench has its own name—this one is called Janne.