Pair of Mid-Century Lounge Chairs with Metal Legs by Nino Zoncada, Italy 1950s (sold)
Pair of Mid-Century Lounge Chairs with Metal Legs by Nino Zoncada, Italy 1950s (sold)
The postwar boom years of the 1950s through to the 1960s were one of the periods of greatest influence by Italian designers. Design in the 50s paved the way to a more aesthetic approach to products as opposed to its utilitarian predecessors, resulting in exceptional pieces like these lounge chairs.
Giovanni “Nino” Zoncada was an Italian furniture designer who worked extensively designing furniture and interiors for luxury ships. In the late 1940s, Zoncada collaborated with Gio Ponti in the interior design of the cruise liners Conte Biancamano and Conte Grande. Among his most famous furniture designs are his iconic and richly upholstered lounge chairs with relatively high and curved armrests, including these models. These lounge chairs combine a luxurious fabric with a metal, brass plated base structure. The resulting look expresses Italian modernism at its core, preserving the timeless elegance that defines the country’s design. The newly available production techniques and materials like plastic and metal introduced vibrant, colourful effects instead of the traditional wood and fabrics combination used before. As such, these armchairs have a sculptural, “free” look dictated by the shape of the backs and arms. The characteristic shape of the arms set the tone of the overall look, creating dynamism. The interesting angles are also present on the seats and backs, ensuring great sitting and lounging comfort. The lower, brass plated steel structures contrast beautifully with the rich texture of the upholstery, with the stretchers following the curves of the seats. The thin, splayed legs are straight and so are the stretchers connecting the sides. This result is a greatly balanced design that utilizes straight lines just as much as it does the curved ones.
From all angles, these lounge chairs offer beautiful textures and eye-catching forms, combining Italian elegance and modern aesthetics resulting in a timeless look which is full of modern energy that will endure for generations. This is also thanks to their exceptional visual quality and uncompromising level of craftsmanship.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some stains on the metal legs. The chairs have been reupholstered recently in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
27.16 in W x 31.69 in D x 32.67 in H; Seat height 16.92 in; Arm height 21.25 in
69 cm W x 80.5 cm D x 83 cm H; Seat height 43 cm; Arm height 54 cm
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 15,000 - 20,000 usd / eur
Italian Modern furniture is defined by unique design, precise execution and a strong relationship with Italy’s tradition of craftsmanship. This pair of “Bergamo” lounge chairs with matching ottomans by Paolo Buffa is a testament to the distinctive character of mid-century modernism in Italy. Buffa’s design language remains coherent with contemporary developments while retaining a clear connection to traditional furniture making, combining measured proportions, refined decorative details and carefully worked wooden structures.
This pair is focused on elegant proportions, balanced compositions and a rich interplay between geometric and flowing lines. The solid wooden frames are shaped with curved upper edges, slender tapered legs and open sides. The front legs rise effortlessly to form the sweeping armrests, creating a continuous line around the upholstered seats. Two crosses on each side introduce a sharper geometric rhythm, while the backs are formed from a sequence of slender vertical and diagonal wooden elements that give the chairs a striking open appearance both when viewed from behind and from the side. Thick upholstered seat cushions are paired with distinctive round back pillows, leaving much of the wooden back structure visible and enhancing the airy character of the design. The warm, light fabric contrasts with the darker wood and softens the architectural quality of the frames. Each chair is accompanied by a matching ottoman, constructed with the same tapered legs, shaped wooden frame and generously upholstered cushion. Placed together, the ottomans extend the composition of the chairs and reinforce the dialogue between solid upholstery and finely worked wood. The crossed panels, curved armrests, slender back elements and rounded cushions gives the set a dynamic appearance while retaining the elegance inherent in Buffa’s work.
Paolo Buffa was passionate about furniture and product design, an area in which he remained faithful to a figurative repertoire rooted in classicism while embracing impulses of modernity. He was highly active within the Milanese design scene, where traditional craftsmanship and modern ideas were continually brought into dialogue. The “Bergamo” chairs capture that combination particularly well, and the presence of their matching ottomans makes the pair especially complete, creating two inviting lounge settings with a strong decorative presence from every angle.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The set has recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the items have marks, scratches, dents and discolouration. The chair and ottoman have been reupholstered recently in premium lambswool. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
Chair
25.59 in W x 33.66 in D x 31.10 in H; Seat height 16.73 in; Seat depth 18.11 in; Arm height 22.83 in
65 cm W x 85.5 cm D x 79 cm H; Seat height 42.5 cm; Seat depth 46 cm; Arm height 58 cm
Footstool
20.66 in W x 16.92 in D x 16.53 in H
52.5 cm W x 43 cm D x 42 cm H