Zanotta - Liisi Beckmann - Armchair - Karelia - faux leather, Polyurethane
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Karelia armchair designed by Liisi Beckmann for Zanotta, produced in Italy in the 1960s, with a red glossy similpelle upholstery and a polyurethane core, dimensions 74 cm W x 80 cm D x 60 cm H (seat height 35 cm), in excellent used condition.
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Description from the seller
Spirito Pop e Avanguardia: Karelia Armchair – Design Liisi Beckmann – Production Zanotta
We present at auction a symbol of rupture and expressive freedom in design, straddling the 1960s and 1970s: the Karelia chair, designed by Finnish designer Liisi Beckmann for Zanotta. Characterized by a sculptural, undulating silhouette and offered in a bold bright red faux-leather finish, this seat represents one of the first and most famous manifestos of Italian anthropomorphic and radical design.
Design and History: The Revolution of the Monobloc Polyurethane
The Karelia project, introduced in 1966, shattered the rules of traditional furniture construction:
Geometric Organic Form: The continuous wave shape is directly inspired by the jagged profile of the Gulf of Karelia, Beckmann’s birthplace. The curves erase the geometric distinction between backrest and seat, creating a fluid plane that follows the body.
Absence of Structure: Karelia is historically one of the very first seats entirely made in expanded polyurethane foam without an internal frame or load-bearing core. This technical innovation allowed for a light, flexible object that is fully deformable, anticipating the era of informal furnishings.
Pop Aesthetics: The pairing of the undulating form with the glossy red surface gives the chair a strong visual impact, turning it into a kinetic and playful work of art capable of defining the character of an entire environment on its own.
Lot Conditions: Conservational State and Authenticity
- The auctioned piece is in excellent used condition, rigorously preserved to maintain its plastic qualities:
- Compactness and Comfort: The monobloc polyurethane body retains its bearing and original structural compactness. The seat is stable, responsive, and offers the original elastic comfort.
- Glossy Red Upholstery: The glossy red vinyl has been carefully cleaned and sanitized. The surface is in excellent, shiny, and even condition, with minimal natural signs of use consistent with the age and material of the object.
- Authenticity Certification: The originality of the piece is guaranteed by the presence of Zanotta’s official brand label applied on the edge and under the seat, a crucial element for safeguarding value on the vintage-author market.
Dimensions
Width: 74 cm
Depth: 80 cm
Height: 60 cm
Seat height: 35 cm
The Designer: Liisi Beckmann
Finnish artist and designer (1913-1995), Liisi Beckmann found in Milan’s vibrant 1960s context the ideal space to experiment. Her work stands out for the singular ability to fuse the deep Scandinavian connection with nature and landscape with a technological and provocatively Italian vision. The Karelia chair, included in the collections of major international museums, remains her absolute masterpiece.
The Manufacturer: Zanotta
Founded in 1954 by Aurelio Zanotta, the Nova Milanese-based company was the cradle of avant-garde design and the culture of ironic and nonconformist furniture. Collaborating with the era’s greatest geniuses—from the Castiglioni brothers to Joe Colombo, up to Superstudio—Zanotta managed to industrialize utopia, turning artistic and technological insights into timeless Made in Italy icons.
Shipping and Insurance
Our company ORVETT includes insurance for transportation in the indicated shipping costs.
#dopamine
Seller's Story
ORVETT is your preferred destination to discover and acquire the best of Italian design, from iconic creations of the 1950s to the present day. We are passionate about both masterpieces recognized by the general public and the most sought-after rarities, selecting each piece with the utmost care.
With over thirty years of experience in the industry, our dedicated team meticulously prepares each item, ensuring it is presented at its best. Our mission goes beyond simply offering extraordinary design pieces: we are committed to providing excellent customer service.
Clear and timely communication, professional packaging, safe transportation, and efficient after-sales service are the pillars of our commitment. We aim to build lasting trust with our buyers worldwide, knowing that a satisfied customer is a customer who will return to choose ORVETT.
Translated by Google TranslateSpirito Pop e Avanguardia: Karelia Armchair – Design Liisi Beckmann – Production Zanotta
We present at auction a symbol of rupture and expressive freedom in design, straddling the 1960s and 1970s: the Karelia chair, designed by Finnish designer Liisi Beckmann for Zanotta. Characterized by a sculptural, undulating silhouette and offered in a bold bright red faux-leather finish, this seat represents one of the first and most famous manifestos of Italian anthropomorphic and radical design.
Design and History: The Revolution of the Monobloc Polyurethane
The Karelia project, introduced in 1966, shattered the rules of traditional furniture construction:
Geometric Organic Form: The continuous wave shape is directly inspired by the jagged profile of the Gulf of Karelia, Beckmann’s birthplace. The curves erase the geometric distinction between backrest and seat, creating a fluid plane that follows the body.
Absence of Structure: Karelia is historically one of the very first seats entirely made in expanded polyurethane foam without an internal frame or load-bearing core. This technical innovation allowed for a light, flexible object that is fully deformable, anticipating the era of informal furnishings.
Pop Aesthetics: The pairing of the undulating form with the glossy red surface gives the chair a strong visual impact, turning it into a kinetic and playful work of art capable of defining the character of an entire environment on its own.
Lot Conditions: Conservational State and Authenticity
- The auctioned piece is in excellent used condition, rigorously preserved to maintain its plastic qualities:
- Compactness and Comfort: The monobloc polyurethane body retains its bearing and original structural compactness. The seat is stable, responsive, and offers the original elastic comfort.
- Glossy Red Upholstery: The glossy red vinyl has been carefully cleaned and sanitized. The surface is in excellent, shiny, and even condition, with minimal natural signs of use consistent with the age and material of the object.
- Authenticity Certification: The originality of the piece is guaranteed by the presence of Zanotta’s official brand label applied on the edge and under the seat, a crucial element for safeguarding value on the vintage-author market.
Dimensions
Width: 74 cm
Depth: 80 cm
Height: 60 cm
Seat height: 35 cm
The Designer: Liisi Beckmann
Finnish artist and designer (1913-1995), Liisi Beckmann found in Milan’s vibrant 1960s context the ideal space to experiment. Her work stands out for the singular ability to fuse the deep Scandinavian connection with nature and landscape with a technological and provocatively Italian vision. The Karelia chair, included in the collections of major international museums, remains her absolute masterpiece.
The Manufacturer: Zanotta
Founded in 1954 by Aurelio Zanotta, the Nova Milanese-based company was the cradle of avant-garde design and the culture of ironic and nonconformist furniture. Collaborating with the era’s greatest geniuses—from the Castiglioni brothers to Joe Colombo, up to Superstudio—Zanotta managed to industrialize utopia, turning artistic and technological insights into timeless Made in Italy icons.
Shipping and Insurance
Our company ORVETT includes insurance for transportation in the indicated shipping costs.
#dopamine
Seller's Story
ORVETT is your preferred destination to discover and acquire the best of Italian design, from iconic creations of the 1950s to the present day. We are passionate about both masterpieces recognized by the general public and the most sought-after rarities, selecting each piece with the utmost care.
With over thirty years of experience in the industry, our dedicated team meticulously prepares each item, ensuring it is presented at its best. Our mission goes beyond simply offering extraordinary design pieces: we are committed to providing excellent customer service.
Clear and timely communication, professional packaging, safe transportation, and efficient after-sales service are the pillars of our commitment. We aim to build lasting trust with our buyers worldwide, knowing that a satisfied customer is a customer who will return to choose ORVETT.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Era
1900-2000
Country of origin
Italy
Manufacturer/brand
Zanotta
Model
Karelia
Designer/artist/maker
Liisi Beckmann
Material
faux leather, Polyurethane
Style
Design
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Height
60 cm
Width
74 cm
Depth
80 cm
Estimated period
1960-1970
Seating height
35 cm
