Wassily B3 Lounge Chairs by Marcel Breuer for Knoll International, 1970s, Set of 2

Details

Description

A vintage pair of wassily b3 lounge chairs in black leather and chrome-plated tubular steel, designed by marcel breuer and … Read more A vintage pair of wassily b3 lounge chairs in black leather and chrome-plated tubular steel, designed by marcel breuer and manufactured in italy by knoll international / kiga s.p.a. During the 1970s. One of the defining bauhaus furniture designs of the 20th century, the wassily combines suspended leather planes with an architectural chrome frame, creating a remarkably light and graphic modernist lounge chair.

designer: marcel breuer
maker: knoll international / kiga s.p.a.
model: wassily / b3
origin: italy
period: 1970s
style: bauhaus / modernist
materials: chrome-plated tubular steel, leather
dimensions: 78 w × 72 d × 72 h cm (30.7 w × 28.3 d × 28.3 h in)
seat height: 40.5 cm (15.9 in)
marked: yes, original silver “knoll international – modello depositato – kiga s.p.a.” label on the frame
quantity: set of 2

the design is reduced almost entirely to line, tension and negative space. Continuous tubular steel elements form the open geometric frame, while wide black leather straps create the seat, back and armrests without obscuring the structure beneath. The contrast between reflective chrome and softly aged matte leather gives these examples a strong architectural presence, while the natural patina along the leather edges adds depth to the otherwise precise composition.

breuer conceived the original b3 chair in 1925 while at the bauhaus, drawing inspiration from bicycle construction and experimenting with bent tubular steel. The design was later produced by italian manufacturer gavina, whose breuer collection and manufacturing operations were acquired by knoll in 1968. The kiga label offers particularly useful dating evidence: following a 1971 merger, the italian company operated under the kiga s.p.a. Name until it was renamed knoll international italia s.p.a. In 1983, placing these marked examples within that production window. 

condition
good vintage condition with signs of age and use consistent with the period. The black leather retains a strong overall appearance with visible patina, light surface marks and wear along several edges and areas where the straps wrap around the tubular frame. Some localized abrasion and loss of the black surface finish can be seen, particularly around the armrests. The chrome remains bright overall with light scratches, marks and small areas of age-related oxidation or pitting visible on closer inspection. This piece has an attribution mark,
i am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
issues arising from misattribution See less