Mario Bellini "Cavallo" from "Gli Scacchi" Series for B&B Italy, 1971

Design
1971

Manufacture
1970-1979

Location
Lonigo, IT

Mario Bellini "Cavallo" modular element from "Gli Scacchi" series for B&B Italy, leather, Italy, 1971, set of one.

Playful in character and identity like its name suggests, the "Scacchi" series comprises three elements inspired by the chess game - specifically the "Regina" (Queen), "Cavallo" (Knight), and "Torre" (Rook). Every piece is light and effortless movable, embodeing a philosophy of unconstrained living, reimagining the parallelepiped form through ductile and soft structures. Mario Bellini meticulously calibrated their dimensions to harmonize with iconic "Camaleonda" seating collection: this reflects his signature interplay of organic fluidity and industrial rigor, a hallmark of his human-centric design ethos.
Debuting in 1971, "Scacchi" marked a technical breakthrough with pioneering self-skinning polyurethane upholstery, a method borrowed from automotive manufacturing, to achieve seamless sculptural surfaces. The supple texture contrasts with a slender metallic base, its geometric sharpness accentuating Bellini’s mastery of material contrasts. Minimalist lines and modular adaptability echo chess’s strategic duality, merging playful abstraction with functional pragmatism. Crafted as both seating and sculptural accents, the series transforms domestic spaces into dynamic landscapes rooted in avant-garde experimentation.