Wink Leather Chair by Toshiyuki Kita for Cassina, 1980s

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The Wink armchair, designed by Japanese designer Toshiyuki Kita for the Italian brand Cassina, is one of the most recognizable … Read more The Wink armchair, designed by Japanese designer Toshiyuki Kita for the Italian brand Cassina, is one of the most recognizable designs of the 1980s. First presented at the Salone del Mobile in Milan in 1980, it quickly attracted attention for its innovative approach to ergonomics and adaptable use. Thanks to its foldable base and adjustable backrest and headrest, the armchair transforms into a comfortable chaise longue in just a few simple steps, offering the user various seating and relaxation positions. The design remains in Cassina's collection to this day and is included in the collections of numerous design museums, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Vitra Design Museum.

The presented piece is upholstered in black genuine leather, which emphasizes the armchair's soft, organic form. The structure is based on a steel frame with a mechanism that allows the seat to recline into a chaise longue position, while the filling is made of polyurethane foam, providing adequate support and comfort. The armchair is in its original, good condition, with a few signs of age and use on the leather upholstery, including scratches and scuffs, as shown in the photos.

The Wink model perfectly aligns with the postmodernist movement and design of the 1980s, combining a bold, sculptural form with functionality. The distinctive, adjustable headrest, soft armrests, and distinctive silhouette give it a recognizable character, but they are not merely aesthetic – each element serves a specific ergonomic function. Inspired by Japanese culture, it meets Italian precision craftsmanship and modern technology.

The greatest advantage of this model is its versatility. In the armchair position, it serves as a comfortable place for reading or conversation, while when reclined, it becomes a comfortable chaise longue, perfect for relaxing. The adjustable headrest and backrest allow for individual adjustments, and the high-quality leather upholstery acquires a refined character over time. Despite the passage of more than four decades, the design remains modern in both function and form.

Toshiyuki Kita (born 1942) is one of Japan's most respected furniture and industrial designers. Since the 1970s, he has collaborated with leading Italian manufacturers such as Cassina, Moroso, and Zanotta, becoming one of the creators who combined Far Eastern aesthetics with European design. His designs are included in the collections of the world's most important museums, and the Wink model is considered one of his most important achievements.

Cassina was founded in 1927 in Italy and is one of the most important manufacturers of designer furniture in the world. The brand is renowned both for producing authorized reissues of modernist icons and for collaborating with the most distinguished contemporary designers. Cassina's hallmark is the combination of innovative technologies and high-quality craftsmanship, allowing its furniture to set the standard for global design for decades.

Dimensions:
- Height: 102 cm
- Seat height: 38 cm
- Width: 84 cm
- Depth: 85 cm

Dimensions when unfolded as a chaise longue:
- Height: 84 cm
- Seat height: 34 cm
- Width: 84 cm
- Depth: 158 cm I have official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs,
designer records,
or other literature sources and take full responsibility for any authenticity issues arising
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