Black Stained Ash Superleggera Chair by Gio Ponti for Cassina

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Gio ponti frassino tinto nero aswood superleggera chair for cassina

manufactured since 1957, the 699 superleggera wood chair is the … Read more Gio ponti frassino tinto nero aswood superleggera chair for cassina

manufactured since 1957, the 699 superleggera wood chair is the rare combination of the architect’s innovative quest and the cutting-edge experimentation by the meda-based company, becoming the indisputable icon and masterpiece of modernity and extreme artisanal elegance.

a chair that took gio ponti years to perfect, paring down the triangular section of the legs to only 18 millimeters to reach the actual minimum weight of just 1,700 grams.

structure
structure in solid ash.

legs
with triangular tube of only 18 millimeters and minimum weight of 1,700 grams.

seat
upholstered or in rattan.

a highlight of cassina’s catalogue since 1957, the 699 superleggera represents the perfect outcome between the creative imagination of the architect gio ponti, and cassina’s manufacturing excellence, an undisputed icon that is both of- the-moment and pays tribute to traditional artisanal skills. Superleggera demonstrates the constructive prowess of the medamade craftsmen: the challenge they faced, of making an extra-light chair, was overcome with the superleggera’s legs having a cross-section of just eighteen millimetres, the whole weighing a mere 1,700 grams! while the frame exploits the inherent lightness and flexibility of ashwood, the seat surround is in beech, which is more close-grained and stronger. The wood parts are created by machine, and hand-finished, glue being applied with a brush, the excess being wiped off, and the seat being hand-woven. Thus do crafts expertise and industrial innovation come together in what we could call a “prime object”, informed by the chair-making traditions of chiavari, in liguria, northern italy. The superleggera is available both in the classic version or with coloured legs, as well as with a padded seat.

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about the designer:
an architect, a designer and an artist, gio ponti (milano 1891-1979) graduated in milan in 1921 and initially entered into partnership with emilio lancia and mino fiocchi from 1927 to 1933. In 1927 he founded il labirinto with lancia, buzzi, marelli, venini and chiesa in order to produce high-quality furniture and objects. From 1923 to 1930 he has been richard ginori’s artistic director. Thanks to the creation of domus magazine in 1928 (which he presided over almost constantly until his death), ponti made an intensive contribution to the renewal of the italian production in the sector, giving it new impetus. Ponti has been a strong supporter of the monza biennale, then the milan triennale, of the compasso d’oro awards and of adi (association of industrial design). As an architect, he created the symbol of modern milan, the pirelli skyscraper, designed with fornaroli, rosselli and nervi in 1956. In 1951, he realised the second palazzo montecatini (his first office building dates back to 1938-39). In 1957 he designed the super-celebrated superleggera chair for cassina, the crowning achievement of a long and fruitful working association. To his planning activities, he added educational activities, teaching at the faculty of architecture in milan from 1936 to 1961.

about the manufacture:
established in 1927 by cesare and umberto cassina in meda, italy, cassina launched industrial design in italy in the 1950s, based on a totally innovative approach that marked the transition from artisan production to mass production. with a mindset focused on research and innovation, cassina combines technology and long-standing artisan craftsmanship.

memory, research, innovation. Cassina blends traditional skills and superior productivity, meticulous attention to detail and passion, uniqueness and experimentation, wellbeing and sustainability. Today, the company continues to address new lifestyles with the creation of complete, harmonious interior decor solutions that embody the best contemporary design for all areas of the home. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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