Mandarin Armchair by Ettore Sottsass for Knoll, 1980s

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The Mandarin chair, designed by Ettore Sottsass for Knoll International in 1986, is representative of the postmodern furniture developed by … Read more The Mandarin chair, designed by Ettore Sottsass for Knoll International in 1986, is representative of the postmodern furniture developed by the Italian designer in the 1980s.

This version combines a seat and back upholstered in blue fabric with a black metal frame. The design is dominated by two large, curved tubular armrests that trace a continuous curve on either side of the chair. Their sculptural lines contrast with the deliberately simple geometry of the seat, the rectangular back, and the four straight legs.

Created a few years after the founding of the Memphis Group, the Mandarin chair belongs to a period during which Sottsass continued his exploration of color, geometry, and the transformation of traditional furniture typologies. Knoll notably draws parallels between the design of its armrests and the forms of Thonet's bentwood furniture.

Seat height: 45 cm

Manufacturer: Knoll International, 1986 I have official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs,
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