Carimate Chairs, Design by Vico Magistretti, Cassina Italy 60s
About the Item
- Creator:Vico Magistretti (Designer),Cassina (Manufacturer)
- Design:
- Dimensions:Height: 29.53 in (75 cm)Width: 22.84 in (58 cm)Depth: 20.48 in (52 cm)Seat Height: 17.33 in (44 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Lucija, SI
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU8635235003642
Maralunga Sofa
While origin stories behind the world’s timeless designs vary widely, the story of the Maralunga sofa is one of the best in design lore: As legend has it, when Cassina founder Cesare Cassina first saw the prototype for the piece in the mid-1970s by Italian furniture designer Vico Magistretti (1920–2006), he was so disgusted by it that he punched it, breaking the back of the sofa, which crumbled over itself . . . into the shape the piece would eventually take. (“Right, great, it looks perfect to me like that,” Magistretti allegedly responded.)
Whether it was his accidental adjustment or further consideration of the design, Cassina clearly came around: His company debuted Magistretti’s design in 1973. The Maralunga is characterized by what looks like a slumped backrest but is really an adjustable-height headrest, moved by way of a bicycle chain that runs underneath its plush foam cushions.
The effect is a sofa that serves two functions: It’s both a backdrop for social conversation and a setting for solo relaxation. “My intention with Maralunga was to design an object that represented a whole range of interior architecture with a familiar feel,” Magistretti said of the design. “Two positions, two possible uses, two different ways to create your own personal space inside a room.”
While the Maralunga’s boxy shape is pure ’70s, the sofa holds its own in a range of interiors and remains popular today. Cassina now produces it in a variety of upholstery options and, in 2014, enlisted a slew of designers to reinterpret it in celebration of its 40th anniversary.
Vico Magistretti
As one of the founding fathers of modern Italian design, prolific architect and industrial designer Ludovico Magistretti (known by his nickname Vico) was guided by his philosophy, “There is no excuse for bad design.” His architectural projects are widely revered, and an ingenious meld of form and function can be found in his stylish and deceptively simple table lamps, sofas, armchairs and other mid-century furnishings.
Born in Milan, Magistretti followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather (both architects) to study architecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan. At the outbreak of World War II, he fled to Switzerland, and it was there he met his role model and mentor, renowned humanist architect Ernesto Nathan Rogers. Magistretti was inspired by Rogers’s vision to revive postwar Italy, and they collaborated on several reconstruction projects. Among Magistretti’s first architectural designs is a “poetic” round church, which he created for the QT8, an experimental Milanese neighborhood.
When Magistretti returned to Milan in 1945, he worked at his father’s architectural firm. It wasn’t until the early 1950s that he expanded his talents into design while working with furniture artisans.
In the 1960s, Magistretti began his 30-year working relationship with famed entrepreneur Cesare Cassina of the Cassina furniture manufacturing company. In their design approach, the two men shared a vision of the relationship between modernity and tradition and enjoyed a close bond (Magistretti designed Cassina’s luxurious villa in 1965). However, their friendship was not without contention.
Legend has it that upon seeing the prototype for Magistretti’s Maralunga sofa, Cassina hated it so much that he punched it, breaking the back of the sofa, which crumpled into itself.
“Right, great, it looks perfect to me like that,” an unfazed Magistretti allegedly responded, and the Maralunga’s slumped, adjustable-height backrest was born. Incidentally, the Maralunga sofa won Italy’s Compasso d’Oro award as did his Eclisse lamp for Artemide and his Atollo lamp for Oluce.
Magistretti died in 2006, but his designs live on in galleries, museums and private residences and offices around the world.
Find a range of vintage Vico Magistretti furniture and lighting on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Lucija, Slovenia
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- Mid Century Carimate Armchair, Design by Vico Magistretti, Cassina Italy 60sBy Vico Magistretti, CassinaLocated in Lucija, SIMid Century armchair Carimate designed by Vico Magistretti and produce by Cassina in the late 60s Made of solid wood and rope in good vintage condition with traces of use and age on ...Category
Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsRope, Wood
- Stackable Tables Demetrio 45 by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, Italy 60sBy Vico Magistretti, ArtemideLocated in Lucija, SISet of three stackable coffee table designed by Vico Magistretti for Artemide ItalyCategory
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Nesting Tables and Stacking Tables
MaterialsFiberglass
- Mid-Century Italian Bamboo Folding Chairs, Italy 60s, Set of 2Located in Lucija, SINice pair of folding bamboo chairs made in Italy in the 60sCategory
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsFabric, Bamboo
- Mid Century Coffee or Side Table, Design by Ico Parisi for Cassina, Italy 60sBy Ico Parisi, CassinaLocated in Lucija, SIMid Century coffee or side table with brass joints Designed by Ico Parisi for Cassina, one of the most renowned furnishing companies, founded in Meda in 1927 by the Cassina brothers....Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsBrass
- Set of 4 Italian Gaudi Chairs by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, Italy 70sBy Vico Magistretti, ArtemideLocated in Lucija, SIThis Italian armchair model Gaudi was designed by Vico Magistretti and produce by Artemide Milano in 1968 It is made from fiberglass. SPA Artemide Milano Modello Gaudi Design Vico ...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsFiberglass
- Mid Century Armchair by Anonima Castelli, Italy 60sBy Anonima CastelliLocated in Lucija, SIMid century modern armchair made by Anonima Castelli in the 60s. Armchair in solid beech. It was reupholstored Produced by Anonima Castelli in about 1960, see label in photo. Excel...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsFabric, Beech
- Carimate armchair 930 by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, Italy, 1963By Cassina, Vico MagistrettiLocated in Padova, ITModel 930 armchair for the Carimate Golf Club-House, Cassina production design Vico Magistretti year 1963. Structure in brown beech wood, seat and back in white bouclè upholstery. Manufacturing label under the frame. Cassina Spa is an Italian company operating in the contemporary furniture sector, founded in 1927 in Meda (Milan) by Cesare and Umberto Cassina. The main activity is woodworking, within the company, for the production of coffee tables. Over the years the company expands, especially after the war, also thanks to collaborations with external architects who bring their expertise and research. In the 1950s, Cassina switched from artisanal to serial production, adopting the logic of industrial design. A change also induced by the commission for furnishings for the interiors of large cruise ships. In addition, some of the company's best-known products took shape during this period: chair 646 and chair 699, known as the "Superleggera", both designed by Gio Ponti. In 1963 Vico Magistretti joins the company team of designers, creating the Carimate armchair...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsFabric, Wood
- Vico Magistretti for Cassina Italian 'Carimate' Wooden Dining ArmchairBy Cassina, Vico MagistrettiLocated in New York, NYItalian Mid-Century 'Carimate' dining armchair with a solid blonde wood frame, scooped arms, an open back, and a black woven fabric upholstered seat. (VICO MAGISTRETTI FOR CASSINA).Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsWood, Fabric, Upholstery
- Vico Magistretti Carimate Midcentury Italian Black Armchair Cassina 1960sBy Cassina, Vico MagistrettiLocated in Reggio Emilia, ITItalian armchair model '930 Carimate' designed by Vico Magistretti and produced by Cassina with painted wood frame and fabric cushions, Cassina adhesive l...Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsFabric, Wood
- 1960s "896" Vico Magistretti Cassina Italian Design ArmchairBy Cassina, Vico MagistrettiLocated in Brescia, ITIce white leatherette and wood legs Rare model Excellent condiction.Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsWood
- Vico Magistretti for Cassina Pair of Rush & Beech Carimate Armchairs Italy, 1963By Vico Magistretti, CassinaLocated in Chiavari, LiguriaPair of Carimate lounge chairs designed by Vico Magistretti for the ‘Carimate Golf Club’ and produced by Cassina in the 1963. Made of beech, w...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsRush, Beech
- Cassina walnut chair Mod. 122 by Vico Magistretti Italy 60s (six available)By Cassina, Vico MagistrettiLocated in Sacile, PNCassina walnut chair Mod. 122 by Vico Magistretti Italy 60s (six available) The Model 122 chairs are a creation of the famous Italian designer Vico Ma...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Walnut
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Billy Cotton Layers His Interiors with Lived-In Comfort
The Brooklyn-based designer is adept at styles ranging from austere to over-the-top, espousing an architectural, detail-oriented approach also evident in his line of furniture and lighting.