Monofilo Armchair by Grassi, Conti and Forlani for Emilio Paoli, 1959

The Monofilo armchair is a rare handcrafted creation made from the union of nylon and iron. Conceived in post-war Florence, it showcases the extraordinary visionary nature of the project designed by Luciano Grassi, Sergio Conti, and Marta Forlani. These chairs draw inspiration from soap bubbles and the shapes they take within a closed perimeter. The concept is rooted in the study of minimal surfaces, fundamental in the design of membranes and tensile structures—light structures with taut wires like monofilament. These objects are a unique interpretation of tensile architecture, which gained momentum between the late 1950s and early 1960s, thanks to influences such as the Institute for Lightweight Structures in Stuttgart. This armchair embodies a timeless design aesthetic from the renowned mid-century period. This piece was produced in 1959 in Italy and attributed to the designer/maker above, without any attribution marks. The armchair's current condition shows wear consistent with its age, including minor cracks in the nylon and patina on the iron, but it remains a design icon. Restoration options are available upon request, with additional charges. Product dimensions: Width: 80 cm, Depth: 93 cm, Height: 80 cm. Weight: Standard, between 40kg and 80kg. Please note: Items made of Rosewood are subject to a special export process, potentially extending delivery time by an additional 2–4 weeks.