John Risley | Duyan Lounge Chair (ca. 1960)

Duyan Lounge Chair by John Risley, ca. 1960

John Risley (1919–2001) was an American artist, designer, and educator whose work bridged fine art, sculpture, and functional design. A graduate of Cranbrook Academy of Art, Risley was part of the postwar American crafts movement, embracing the idea that everyday objects could be works of art. His furniture designs reflect a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, natural materials, and traditional techniques, shaped by his experiences working with local artisans in the Philippines and Taiwan. He later designed for Raymor, the influential American design company, and taught at Wesleyan University for over three decades.