Organic Modernist Armchair in Rattan and Cowhide, Italian Work, 1960s

This armchair illustrates the sculptural and organic approach of Italian furniture in the second half of the 20th century. The structural design relies on a frame of thick rattan poles. The main uprights extend to form the armrests and backrest in a continuous fluid movement. The architecture is punctuated on the lateral sides and front apron by imposing circular volutes. The mechanical joints are not hidden but aesthetically embraced through sturdy leather strap lashings. The trapezoidal seat and the vertical band forming the backrest are upholstered in natural cowhide, stretched and tacked directly onto the frame. During the 1960s and 1970s, Italian design heavily explored vernacular materials (rattan, wicker, raw leather). The goal was to marry bold modernist geometry with raw, natural materials, giving rise to the 'Safari chic' trend or organic modernism. Used condition with beautiful patina of time. The rattan structure is sound and stable. The cowhide upholstery shows normal signs of use that reinforce the 'wabi-sabi' and brutalist character of the piece.