Studio Tecnico Cassina Rocking chair made in Italy 1955

The rare Model 572 rocking chair, designed by Ufficio Tecnico Cassina and produced by the esteemed Italian company Cassina in 1955. It stands as a prime example of high-quality Italian furniture design from the 1950s. This chair is a masterclass in craftsmanship, with its sleek, ebonized black wood frame and exquisite detailing. The sculpted armrests, often referred to as “wings,” highlight the meticulous attention to detail that defines the piece. The quality of the finish is paramount, and the true essence of this chair lies in its refined design, where every curve and contour is carefully considered.

Functionally, the Model 572 offers both comfort and luxury, as its rocking motion and lounge seating position reflect a sense of relaxation and indulgence. The design subtly combines form and function, creating an inviting piece that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to sit in. Although never officially confirmed, the chair exhibits traits that strongly suggest involvement from master designer Gio Ponti. The story goes that Ponti had a known aversion to rocking chairs (a fact never officially documented, as he never designed one), and Cassina, possibly in response, created this rocking chair as a more refined alternative to his later Model 811 lounge chair, which was released two years after the Model 572.

The chair’s design is a testament to Cassina’s ingenuity, drawing on Ponti’s aesthetic without directly mimicking his work. The chair comes with original Cassina literature, which provides further provenance. In terms of condition, the chair is in exceptional, fully original state, with only the rubber belts being replaced. The original belts had become dried out and brittle over time, but they were replaced with new ones that match the original material and color to preserve the chair’s authenticity. The black ebonized wood structure remains untouched, as does the light grey suede leather cushion, which retains its original appearance.

This Model 572 rocking chair is an outstanding collector’s item, in near-museum-quality condition. Its rare design, historical significance, and impeccable craftsmanship make it an important piece in any serious collection of mid-century Italian furniture.