The iconic 'Dr. Fauteuil Sonderbar by Philippe Starck for XO, France 1983.

The iconic chair "Dr. Sonderbar, " designed by Philippe Starck and produced by XO in France, was launched in 1983. It is one of Starck's most recognizable experimental seating creations from the early 1980s. Starck's archives confirm the production of the Dr. Sonderbar for XO, while auction catalogs verify the date of 1983. The chair features an exceptionally lightweight structure, almost schematic. Three slender tubular steel legs support a wide semi-circular backrest and armrests, while a second elegant curve below supports the suspended seat. The small seat made of perforated sheet metal follows the curvature of the frame, creating a fascinating tension between its minimal surface and the unusually generous width of the chair. Made of chrome-plated tubular steel and perforated steel sheet, the monochrome construction emphasizes the purity of its geometry. From the front, the intersection of the arcs gives the chair an almost graphic quality; in profile, its radical tripod structure is particularly clear. Period examples, featuring the same materials and dimensions, are listed by major auction houses. The Dr. Sonderbar is an important example of Starck's early postmodern works, combining rigorous reduction with a playful and deliberately unconventional functional approach. This model is part of the permanent collection of the Centre Pompidou in Paris. This particular example shows visible signs of age and use on its metal surface, including slight scratches, marks, and areas of oxidation, which give it a unique character without altering the clarity of the design.