Set of Eight ‘Sail’ Dining Chairs by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Italia, 1973

A striking set of eight ‘Sail’ dining chairs, designed by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Italia in 1973. The model belongs to the highly distinctive body of work created during Offredi’s influential collaboration with Saporiti in the 1970s.
 
Each chair is built around a sculptural glossy black moulded structure. A broad, curved front support is balanced by two slender rear legs, while the exposed upper section of the frame forms an integrated handle above the backrest. The fully upholstered seat and back appear to be stretched around this architectural construction, giving the chair the taut, flowing character suggested by its name.
 
The deeply shaped seat rises organically at either side and curves around the body, combining a strong visual presence with considerable comfort. The rounded backrest continues the same fluid silhouette, creating a design that appears almost entirely composed of sweeping curves.
 
The chairs retain their period upholstery in a warm apricot to salmon tone, woven with a small contrasting pale blue-grey geometric motif. The original textile gives the set a particularly authentic and expressive appearance and forms a refined contrast with the glossy black frames.
 
Both the moulded Saporiti Italia mark on the frame and the repeatedly woven manufacturer’s name beneath the upholstery document the set’s origin.
 
An uncommon and highly sculptural set of eight Italian dining chairs, equally suited to a large dining room, gallery-like interior or distinctive hospitality setting.
 
Dxhxl: 60x76x60 cm
Seat height: 45 cm
 
Good vintage condition with visible signs of age and use. The original upholstery shows minor marks. The glossy black structures show age-related surface wear