Set of 2 Vintage Leather Arm Chairs by Paolo Piva for Wittmann, Austria 1980s

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 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.