Set of Six Italian Wrought Iron Armchairs, Attributed to Mario Papperzini, 1960s

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Set of Six Italian Wrought Iron Armchairs, Attributed to Mario Papperzini, circa 1960s

A sculptural and rare matched set of … Read more Set of Six Italian Wrought Iron Armchairs, Attributed to Mario Papperzini, circa 1960s

A sculptural and rare matched set of six wrought iron armchairs, attributed to Roman designer Mario Papperzini, Italy, circa 1960s. Papperzini—who designed for Salterini and is known for his Italian Modernist garden and patio furnishings—infused classical ornament with a modern architectural sensibility, as seen in the dynamic form and decorative detailing of this set.

The chairs are gracefully composed in wrought iron, featuring high, linear backs crowned by boldly graphic oval “O-ring” medallions and stylized butterfly-wing scrolls. The lattice-form seats and ball-finial accents reflect a deliberate neoclassical influence, while the squared proportions and crisp silhouette place the design firmly in the postwar Italian design canon. X-form stretchers provide additional structural rhythm and a sense of geometric balance.

Rendered in matte black with an attractively worn patina, the chairs bear surface weathering and age-appropriate oxidation consistent with well-preserved outdoor use. The forged elements retain their sculptural clarity, and each chair reads as both decorative and architectural—suitable for garden, veranda, or interior installation. With new seat cushions, they could transition into dining or salon seating for a Hollywood Regency, Brutalist, or Mediterranean Modern setting.

Dimensions (each chair):
40" high x 22" wide x 20" deep
Seat height: 16.5"
Arm height: 29" See less