Gio Ponti 646 “Leggera” Dining Chairs for Cassina, 1952, Set of 12
Description
Gio Ponti 646 “Leggera” dining chairs for Cassina, black ash-wood and rope seat, Italy, 1952, set of twelve.
The Gio Ponti 646 “Leggera” dining chairs, designed in 1952 for Cassina, represent one of the most iconic chairs of the historical design. This chair features a solid ash wood frame with round-shaped legs and an elegantly tapered silhouette, in total black varnish, and a comfortable seat in natural rope. As the precursor to the iconic 699 “Superleggera,” the “Leggera” is distinguished by its lightness and structural innovation. Its slightly curved backrest and pointed supports give it a sleek yet refined appearance. Not a single nail is used in its assembly - each piece is joined with precise mortise and tenon techniques, held together with glue, all perfectly assembled. Unlike the later Superleggera, which has a triangular-shaped legs section, the 646 Leggera retains a round section and is slightly larger, offering enhanced comfort and structural solidity.
This early design paved the way for Ponti’s ultimate lightweight creation in 1958, the Superleggera, which became an icon of Italian culture through its structural ingenuity and memorable marketing campaigns that showcased its extraordinary durability and featherweight construction.
Gio Ponti collaborated with several notable designers and manufacturers, including Piero Fornasetti for decorative elements, Giovanni Gariboldi on various furniture projects, and Fontana Arte for glass works. The “Leggera” dining chair is part of the permanent collection at MoMA in New York City, NY.
Dimensions
Height: 32.68 in (83 cm)
Width: 16.93 in (43 cm)
Depth: 18.9 in (48 cm)
Seat Height: 18.12 in (46 cm)
Design
1952
Manufacture
1950-1959
Material
Ash, Rope