Pair of Armchairs with Loop Arms, Italy, 1950s

Pair of Armchairs with Loop Arms in Walnut and Ochre Velvet, Italy, 1950

Like silhouettes drawn in a single fluid gesture, this pair of Italian armchairs captures the poetics of postwar design in motion. Their elliptical arms, sculpted in dark walnut, trace a continuous arc that cradles the sitter in both elegance and architectural clarity. Tapered legs anchor the composition with lightness, lifting the upholstered volume in a delicate ballet of line and mass. Echoing the expressive restraint of Carlo Enrico Rava and Gio Ponti, the chairs exemplify the refined dynamism that characterized Italian furniture in the 1950s. Ponti’s penchant for slender profiles and optimistic geometry finds resonance here, while Rava’s sensual pragmatism—shaped by rationalism and artistic intuition—manifests in the elliptical armrests and tilted posture.

The frames are constructed from stained walnut with a rich, warm grain that enhances their formal softness. The ochre velvet, likely a later but sensitive reupholstery, reinforces the original palette’s midcentury clarity while bringing a tactile richness and chromatic depth. Wear consistent with age and use. Meticulously preserved by Jada to maintain structural integrity while honoring the original patina and spirit of the piece.

Graceful yet assertive, these armchairs operate as both intimate seating and sculptural interventions—ideal in dialogue with minimalist architecture or lush vintage interiors. Available for private acquisition. Inquiries from discerning collectors are welcome.