Influenced by fellow Bauhaus master Marcel Breuer, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe quickly recognized the merits of tubular steel. Pairing the modern material with the classic form of nineteenth-century iron rocking chairs, he created the MR Chair in 1927. With its graceful curves and cantilevered structure, the chair takes a striking form that flexes to comfortably support the movements of the sitter. In 1948, Mies granted Knoll exclusive rights to produce his furniture, including the MR Series.