Pair of Genni Armchairs and Footstool, by Gabriele Mucchi for Zanota

Pair of “Genni” Lounge Chairs and Matching Footstool by Gabriele Mucchi for Zanotta

Designed in 1935 by Gabriele Mucchi, the Genni chair is one of the earliest and most enduring examples of Italian modernist furniture design. Combining a lightweight tubular steel frame with suspended leather upholstery, Mucchi created a chair that embodied the functional ideals of the Modern Movement while remaining remarkably elegant and comfortable.

Originally conceived in the 1930s and later reissued by Zanotta, the design has become an icon of twentieth-century Italian furniture. The chairs feature two seating positions, allowing the sitter to adjust between a more upright and a more relaxed reclining posture.

This set comprises a pair of matching Genni lounge chairs together with the original matching footstool. Both chairs retain their original maker’s plaques to the underside.

The original black leather upholstery has developed a gentle patina over time and has been professionally cleaned and conditioned. It remains in very good overall condition, with no tears, splits or significant rubbing. There is a small area of compression to the leather at the base of one chair, though it is not particularly noticeable in use.

The chromed steel frames have been carefully cleaned and polished, with light surface corrosion sympathetically removed. The metalwork presents well overall, retaining the crisp architectural quality that defines the design. There is some minor age related pitting visible on close inspection, consistent with the age of the chairs.

A rare opportunity to acquire a complete Genni seating group, retaining its original leather upholstery and offering a beautifully balanced combination of comfort, craftsmanship and Italian modernist design.

Dimensions 
58cm wide x 48cm deep x 80cm high