Gio Ponti Leggera 646 chairs by Cassina Italy 1957

Gio Ponti

Italy, 1891 – 1971
Architect, designer

The rare set of 8 original Leggera 646 chairs, designed by Gio Ponti and manufactured by Cassina in Italy in 1957, is a remarkable find. The 646 Leggera is an earlier iteration than the famed 699 Superleggera, showcasing Ponti’s mastery in combining modern aesthetics with traditional craftsmanship. This particular set stands out with its original lime green leatherette upholstery on both the seat and backrest, a striking feature that enhances its vintage charm.

Crafted from ashwood, the chair’s frame is both lightweight and flexible, while the leatherette surrounding the seat was a popular material choice during the period of its creation. The design of the Leggera 646 is deeply rooted in the chair-making traditions of Chiavari in northern Italy, seamlessly blending classical methods with contemporary innovation. In this version, the chairs exhibit their purest form, featuring black painted ash wood frames and handwoven cane seats. A notable design detail is the triangular-shaped feet, which add a unique elegance to their overall look. Finding a set of 8 in such condition is incredibly rare. The frames have been carefully restored and treated to maintain their integrity, while the green leatherette upholstery has been preserved in its original state to retain its authentic patina.

The design of the Leggera was inspired by the lightweight, ladder-back chairs with woven seats from Chiavari, originally conceived by artisan Giuseppe Gaetano Descalzi in 1807. Ponti’s 1951 interpretation sought to create a ‘chair of always,’ an archetype that stood the test of time. However, he aimed to make the Leggera even lighter, ultimately refining the design by replacing the rounded legs with thinner, tapered triangular legs to achieve an even more delicate and airy structure.

Priced and sold only as a set of 8, these chairs are not just pieces of furniture but collectible art, reflecting a significant moment in the history of design.

Literature: Gio Ponti, L’arte si innamora dell’industria, edited by Ugo La Pietra, pages 244-247.