Gio Ponti dining chairs

This is a very rare set of ten dining chairs, model 699, also known as Superleggera, designed by Gio Ponti and produced by Cassina in Italy during the 1950s. Designed in 1957, the Superleggera is a landmark in the history of modern furniture, embodying the principle of achieving maximum strength with minimal material.

Each chair is constructed from ash wood, a material selected for its combination of strength, elasticity, and light weight. The frames are elegantly slender, with sharply tapered legs and a subtle yet precise curvature in the backrest, which ensures ergonomic support. The seats are handwoven with natural cane, creating a lightweight and breathable surface that adds both texture and a sense of craftsmanship to the overall design. The contrast between the finely grained, honey-colored ash and the warm, slightly darker tone of the cane creates a harmonious and refined aesthetic.

Gio Ponti, one of Italy’s most important architects and designers of the 20th century, conceived the Superleggera after extensive experimentation to create a chair that was both structurally sound and incredibly light. The result is a chair that weighs just over 1.7 kilograms (approximately 3.7 pounds) yet remains sturdy and durable. Ponti’s collaboration with Cassina, one of the foremost Italian furniture manufacturers, brought this vision to life with exceptional precision and quality.

The condition of this set is excellent overall, with the frames remaining structurally solid and exhibiting only minor signs of use typical for pieces of this age. The cane seats show slight damage in places and some gentle wear, consistent with their original materials and vintage character, but they remain fully functional and visually pleasing.

The dimensions of each chair are as follows: width 40 cm (15.7 inches), depth 42 cm (16.5 inches), height 83 cm (32.7 inches), and seat height 45.5 cm (17.9 inches).

This set represents a rare and iconic example of Italian mid-century modern design, showcasing the innovative spirit and technical refinement that defined Gio Ponti’s work and the craftsmanship excellence of Cassina.