Midcentury White Lounge Chair "Moby Dick" by Alberto Rosselli for Saporiti, 1969

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Midcentury White Lounge Chair "Moby Dick" by Alberto Rosselli for Saporiti, 1969

About the Item

Alberto Rosselli "Mobi Dick" rare lounge chair manufactured by Saporiti in Besnate, Italy, circa 1969 Molded fiberglass-reinforced polyester, Sinuous lines like a white whale they follow one another softly between the backrest and the seat, creating a comfortable armchair, both for outdoor and indoor use. Alberto Rosselli, co-founder of the Association for Industrial Design, was an Italian architect and designer. He was considered the “innovator” of architecture, as Rosselli was the pioneer and one of the primary architects to emphasize the idea of industrial design. In 1947, Rosselli graduated from Milan Polytechnic University, with a degree in architecture. Soon after, Rosselli became the pioneer of Industrial Design, where he proposed new teaching and guided techniques about different methodological principles The concept and process of “decision-making” in design was identified by Roselli, which he later introduced to the faculty of architecture in the University of Milan. Alberto Rosselli was aware that his design actions were involved with the reconstruction of Italy. For that, he decided to design furniture pieces that could be modern, simple, and especially affordable. Rosselli was inspired by the work of Gio Ponti and considered Ponti his ‘father’, a role model, and a figure he found to follow and study. In the 1950’s, he began to work with him (Gio Ponti), and Antonio Fornaroli in Milan. Together they founded Ponti Fornaroli Rosselli (P.F.R) Studio, where he collaborated from 1951, until he passed away in March 7, 1976. During his time in P.F.R., precisely in 1954, he was involved in the planning of the Pirelli Tower; this was his first architectural project. Rosselli was considered a role model in the University of Milan for his constant drive for innovation and design. Unfortunately, in 1987, after he had passed away, Rosselli was awarded with his second Compasso d’Oro for his post-modern design. These designs where done between the 1950’s to the late 1970’s, and involved everyday items, such as furniture pieces, electrical appliances, and clocks. He lived to become the key figure of the Italian design industry of the twentieth century.

Creator:
Fratelli Saporiti (Manufacturer),Alberto Rosselli Saporiti (Designer)
Dimensions:
Height: 32.68 in (83 cm)Width: 24.02 in (61 cm)Depth: 58.27 in (148 cm)
Style:
Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Fiberglass,Polyester,Lacquered,Molded
Place of Origin:
Italy
Period:
1960-1969
Date of Manufacture:
1969
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Some very ight scratches easily removable with polish.
Seller Location:
Milano, IT
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU1689217523751

Shop All Fratelli Saporiti

Fratelli Saporiti

Established initially as Fratelli Saporiti in 1950, mid-century Italian furniture maker Saporiti Italia has a reputation for avant-garde and enduring designs. Vintage Fratelli Saporiti tables, chairs and cabinets inspire all who have had the pleasure of contemplating them.

Furniture designer Sergio Saporiti founded Fratelli Saporiti with a vision of creating pieces ahead of their time. By staying on top of the cultural shifts taking shape during the postwar era — and finding inspiration in the craftsmanship, durability and sensibility of Scandinavian design — Saporiti was able to tap into what the public wanted. His focus on using high-quality materials ensured that every welcoming chair and table could be used and enjoyed for decades to come.

In 1965, Saporiti collaborated with Italian designer Alberto Rosselli, a pioneer of the industrial design movement. They created such iconic pieces as the Confidential sofa, the Moby Dick chaise lounge and the Jumbo chair. In the 1970s, Saporiti initiated another collaboration with Italian designer Giovanni Offredi. The prolific partnership resulted in universally renowned designs like the Paracarro table and the Sail chair. Together, they also created the curving Wave sofa, which was popular in international markets.

The joint projects were a success, and the brand opened many international showrooms throughout the 1970s. This era also led to a partnership with Missoni — the celebrated Italian fashion brand worked closely with Giorgio Saporiti to create rugs and fabrics for its range of seating and more, and later, in 1983, Missoni expanded into home furnishings. At this time, the company officially rebranded as Saporiti Italia and released a line of customizable furniture, including the Avedon sofa, in collaboration with designer Mauro Lipparini.

Since then, Saporiti Italia has pivoted to furniture contracting and design management. To this day, the company remains under the ownership of the Saporiti family, and vintage Saporiti furniture continues to capture the imagination of collectors worldwide.

Find vintage Fratelli Saporiti lounge chairs, coffee tables and sofas on 1stDibs.