Viscontea Armchair by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Simon International

Rare and extraordinary Viscontea armchair, designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Simon Gavina, an industrial reinterpretation of the Sanluca armchair from twenty years earlier and an authentic icon of Italian design of the 1980s. This armchair is often mistakenly attributed to the Tecnico Gavina studio; however, for this re-edition the Castiglioni brothers were directly involved, as clearly documented in the original Simon advertisements. Published in the leading design magazines of the period, this piece represents a perfect synthesis of formal experimentation and enveloping comfort. The bold and sculptural silhouette, defined by the celebrated "double curve" of the backrest—evoking the profile of a noble collar or the outline of a stylised pelican—makes the Viscontea immediately recognisable and highly theatrical. The fully upholstered structure, clad in bright green Alcantara, enhances the dramatic presence of the armchair and the refinement of its craftsmanship, while the enveloping volume invites the user into an almost protective dimension, achieving a perfect balance between art and function. Produced by Simon International under the direction of Dino Gavina, this armchair stands as one of the highest expressions of the collaboration between the Castiglioni brothers, brilliant interpreters of the radical and innovative thinking that brought Italian design to international prominence. The original upholstery, marked Simon beneath the shell, certifies the authenticity of the piece. A true collector’s object, increasingly rare on the market, it does not merely furnish a space but defines it: ideal for both contemporary interiors and pure collectible contexts, the Viscontea is a visionary homage to the great design of the twentieth century. Near-mint condition, with minimal signs of use limited to the base; otherwise it appears almost new.