Set of 2 Vintage Leather Arm Chairs by Paolo Piva for Wittmann, Austria 1980s
About the Item
- Creator:Paolo Piva (Designer),Wittmann (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 31.5 in (80 cm)Width: 41.34 in (105 cm)Depth: 39.38 in (100 cm)Seat Height: 16.54 in (42 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:1980-1989
- Date of Manufacture:1980
- Condition:Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:DE MEERN, NL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU8021232350232
Paolo Piva
Juxtaposing sleek curves with angular, geometric shapes, the sophisticated minimalism of Paolo Piva’s furniture made him one of the most significant mid-century modern designers. Using understated, classic materials such as patent leather and glass, he created furniture that is as timeless as the buildings he designed as an internationally renowned architect. Piva’s armchairs, floor lamps and other furniture pieces were built to withstand changing tastes.
Born in 1950 in Adria in northern Italy, Piva pursued his career in design and architecture at the International University of the Arts in Venice under renowned architect Carlo Scarpa. While a student, he also worked with the Akademie für Angewandte Kunst in Vienna and the Institute of History and Architecture in Venice to create a major exhibition on Viennese architecture during the socialist period.
Gaining notice during his graduate studies in Rome, Piva established himself as an up-and-coming architect. In 1980, he emerged on the international scene with an acclaimed design for the Kuwait Embassy in Qatar, which led to design commissions for buildings and factories across Western Europe. At the same time, Piva began designing furniture that reflected the clean lines and artful forms of his building style. His most popular piece was the Pyramid coffee table, with inverted pyramids supporting a glass top.
A lifelong academic, Piva began teaching at the Akademie für Angewandte Kunst in 1988, becoming a full professor in 1991. He also collaborated with top brands, including Poliform, de Sede, B&B Italia, Wittmann and Riva 1920, designing center tables, club chairs and other furniture items. He continued his design pursuits throughout his life, traveling to conferences and exhibitions internationally up until his death in 2017.
Piva gained a nomination for the Compasso d’Oro award in 1987 and was one of the architects selected to design the Science and Technology Park in Vienna in 1995. His work has been exhibited at Galerie Ulysses in Vienna and the Architekturgalerie München in Munich, as well as in the VI Mostra internazionale di Architettura della Biennale di Buenos Aires.
On 1stDibs, delve into the graceful simplicity and elegant geometry of Paolo Piva’s lighting, tables, seating, and other furniture and collectibles.
Wittmann
Wittmann has a long tradition of uncompromising commitment to producing furniture of the highest quality. From its beginning, the Austrian company’s seating and bedroom furniture, such as armchairs and daybeds, have been fashioned from the most durable woods, like teak and oak, and upholstered in fine leather and fabrics.
Wittmann started in 1896 as a saddlery. In the 1950s, under the direction of Franz Wittmann, it began creating upholstered furniture. The company quickly made a name for itself by manufacturing quality pieces, with a focus on seating and bedroom furnishings.
Wittmann has regularly worked with major designers, with many collaborations leading to long-term partnerships. Austrian architect Johannes Spalt, French architect Jean Nouvel and Italian architect Paolo Piva have all had successful partnerships with the company.
The company’s most enduring collaboration was with Austrian designer Josef Hoffmann, a central figure in the modern furniture movement of the mid-20th century. Hoffmann moved away from extravagant ornamentation and embellishment in favor of showcasing the beauty of construction that shows through with a simple, well-crafted design. Though its mid-century modern furniture was intentionally simplistic, Wittmann incorporated color and texture into its offerings, providing some added flair compared to the popular Scandinavian modern works coming out of Denmark.
Drawing on this rich heritage, Wittmann continues to hand-make furnishings. It has stores in Vienna, Hamburg and Seon in Switzerland, and exports over 15,000 pieces each year to over 50 countries worldwide.
On 1stDibs, explore Wittmann’s Austrian take on modern furniture with seating, tables, storage pieces and more.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: DE MEERN, Netherlands
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
- Set of 2 High Black Lacquered "Peggy" Arm Chairs by Umberto Asnago for GiorgettiBy Giorgetti S.p.A., Umberto AsnagoLocated in DE MEERN, NLSet of 2 high back lacquered lounge chairs "Peggy" by Umberto Asnago for Giorgetti, Italy 1990s Looking for a stylish and comfortable seating solution for your home or office? Look ...Category
1990s European Modern Armchairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Wood
- Lounge chair "F545" "BIG TULIP" by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, Netherlands 1980sBy Artifort, Pierre PaulinLocated in DE MEERN, NLSKAI LEATHER LOUNGE CHAIR "F545" BIG TULIP BY PIERRE PAULIN FOR ARTIFORT, NETHERLANDS 1980S Introducing the SKAI Leather Lounge Chair "F545" Big Tulip, a...Category
Vintage 1980s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsMetal
- Artifort "Winner" Lounge Chair by Floris van den Broecke, Netherlands 1980sBy ArtifortLocated in DE MEERN, NLBeautiful rare 760 Winner armchair by Floris van den Broecke. Looking for a standout piece of furniture to add to your home or office? Look no ...Category
Vintage 1980s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsMetal
- Set of Two Louis Van Teeffelen for Webe Lounge Chairs, Netherlands, 1960sBy Louis Van Teeffelen, WéBéLocated in DE MEERN, NLTeak lounge chairs with skai leather upholstery. High back model, designed by Louis Van Teeffelen for Webe. Louis Van Teeffelen was the most important designer at Wébé. His work was often influenced by Danish Mid-Century Modern. Like Danish designs of the same era, he mainly used teak...Category
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsFaux Leather, Teak
- "Oyster" Lounge Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, Netherlands 1970sBy Artifort, Pierre PaulinLocated in DE MEERN, NLArtifort F157 "OYSTER" chair designed by Pierre Paulin (1927-2009) for Artifort in 1970S. Introducing the Oyster Lounge Chair by Pierre Paulin...Category
Vintage 1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsChrome
- "Oyster" Lounge Chair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, Netherlands, 1970sBy Artifort, Pierre PaulinLocated in DE MEERN, NLArtifort F157 "Oyster" chair designed by Pierre Paulin (1927-2009) for Artifort in 1970S. Introducing the Oyster lounge chair by Pierre Paulin...Category
Vintage 1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsChrome
- Paolo Piva Pair of Leather Cocktail Armchair Model Aura for Wittmann 1980sBy Paolo Piva, WittmannLocated in Saint Ouen, FRPair of cocktail chairs model "Aura" designed by Paolo Piva in the 1980s for Wittmann. Seat and frame are upholstered in high quality light brown leather with beautiful saddle stitch...Category
Vintage 1980s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsLeather
- Paolo Piva, 4 Leather Armchairs, Edition Wittmann, circa 1980By Wittmann, Paolo PivaLocated in Saint-Ouen, FRPaolo Piva, 4 leather armchairs, Edition Wittmann, circa 1980.Category
Vintage 1980s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsMetal
- Paolo Piva, 1 armchair Edition WITTMANN circa 1980By Paolo Piva, WittmannLocated in Saint-Ouen, FRPaolo Piva, 1armchair, Edition WITTMANN circa 1980Category
Vintage 1980s French Modern Armchairs
MaterialsMetal
- Orange Armchair by Paolo Piva for Wittmann, Model AuraBy Paolo Piva, WittmannLocated in Schagen, NLCircular forms combined with straight, this elegant armchair was designed by Paolo Piva for Wittmann, Austria. The chair features an orange and yellow upholstery and black feet with a silver colored...Category
Late 20th Century Austrian Modern Armchairs
MaterialsFabric, Plastic
- Customizable Wittmann Aura Armchair Designed by Paolo PivaBy Wittmann, Paolo PivaLocated in New York, NYAura is inseparable from Wittmann. This compact armchair added a new chapter to the history of furniture design in 1983 following a partnership with Paolo Piva. An integral part of t...Category
2010s Austrian Armchairs
MaterialsLeather, Fabric
- Customizable Upholstery Wittmann Aura Sofa by Paolo PivaBy Paolo Piva, WittmannLocated in New York, NYAura is inseparable from Wittmann. This compact armchair added a new chapter to the history of furniture design in 1983 following a partnership with Paolo Piva. An integral part of t...Category
2010s Austrian Armchairs
MaterialsLeather, Fabric