Description
SOLD TO FLYNN in 2019 for $1295 for all 6 chairs. Today in 2022 I’d price this exact same set of 6 chairs at $1995.
Provenance and Background Information
(Written 2019. Some information (particularly values will be time sensitive.)
Value elsewhere for 6- approx. $3800. See the screenshots included.
A RARE set of 6 cantilever Cesca chairs imprinted with MADE IN ITALY in the timber underneath every chair. This design was created by Marcel Breuer, a leader of the Bauhaus movement, in 1928. It’s hard to believe the design is now almost 100 years old. They wouldn’t look out of place on the showroom floor of any furniture store today- that’s timelessness for you! The chairs on offer here are ORIGINALS produced under license by Knoll in the 1970’s as verified by the imprint under every chair. (Like all iconic designs there are replicas around- though I’ve only seen the copies with cane inserts.) The authentic Knoll Cesca chairs have Made in Italy imprinted under the chairs (or the chairs from the 1980’s onwards have white Made In Italy labels on them). Knoll is based in Pennsylvania, USA but the Cesca chairs have been produced in Italy for several decades and they’re still produced for Knoll in Italy today. They retail new for US $5808 for a set of 6 upholstered in Ultrasuede- see the screenshot provided. (AU $7893). There are various 2nd-hand sets currently listed on 1stdbis for around AU $3800 for a set of 6 but some sets are priced at much more than that. This set is upholstered in Ultrasuede from the 1970’s- this colour is no longer produced but would look great in many spaces.
The Cesca Chair is a marriage of traditional craftsmanship with industrial materials and methods. I love the lean, minimalist style that still pops. Normally when 6 chairs are combined in a small space the result is “busy”. The look here is still chic, refined and elegant but with a designer slant.
These chairs tick every box- stylish looks, DURABILITY, quality construction, great comfort and strong investment appeal. Most Cesca chairs are done with cane inserts. I like the look of the cane but this is not practical for many households- you always see the cane ones with holes in them. The expense and inconvenience of having to get the cane re-done is a disadvantage with those ones. These chairs are done in Ultrasuede. This allows padding under the upholstery for extra comfort but it’s also the more durable choice. This is the original covering and apart from some patchiness in the colour, the fabric presents extremely well for dining chairs that are almost 50 years old.
The investment appeal for these is obvious. Virtually everything I’ve sold over the past 17 years is worth more today than the day I sold it. This set will be no exception. These chairs are very hard to get, they’re a timeless ICONIC design and vintage ORIGINALS- but priced at basically what you’d get any dining chair for mass-produced in a developing country.
When chairs look like this after 50 years of use, you’re assured of the quality you’re getting. When a design is noticed for all the right reasons after almost 100 years, you’re assured of its timeless style. And when these elements are combined with practicality and comfort, you’re assured there are very few better ways to invest in your home and reduce landfill (if any).
(PRICE IS FOR ALL 6 CHAIRS!)
In the same league as- Eames, B & B Italia, Warren McArthur, Featherston, Bauhaus, Mart Stam, LaCividina. Exceeds Parker, FLER.
1812
