Gio Ponti dining chairs

This is a very rare and important set of ten model 699 chairs, better known as Superleggera, designed by Gio Ponti and produced by Cassina in Italy in 1957. The design is one of the most celebrated icons of 20th-century furniture, demonstrating Ponti’s vision of combining minimal material use with maximum strength and elegance. The Superleggera is an evolution of the traditional Ligurian Chiavari chair, refined and reduced to its most essential form.

The frames are executed in ash, chosen for its combination of strength and lightness, resulting in each chair weighing only around 1.7 kg. The seat is made of handwoven cane, providing a tactile and flexible surface that contributes to the chair’s overall lightness and comfort. The frame is characterized by its sharply tapered legs, gently curved backrest, and precise joinery, displaying Cassina’s exceptional craftsmanship and Gio Ponti’s pursuit of “the minimum of the minimum”.

The set remains in good vintage condition with a warm, consistent patina on the ash frames. The cane seats show signs of wear, with damages on four of the chairs, consistent with age and use. Despite this, the structural integrity of the chairs is preserved, and the set retains its sculptural presence.

This model represents a milestone in modern design and is included in the permanent collection of several major museums, including The Museum of Modern Art in New York.