Pair of vintage "mandarin" chairs with armrests by Ettore Sottsass for Knoll, 1986

The Mandarin Chair was part of the ‘Spider and Mandarin collection’ designed in 1986 and was a particular favorite for corporate interiors, restaurants and libraries. Its flowing, sculptural arm invoked the turn-of-the-century bentwood designs of Thonet, and was available in a variety of different color finishes that afforded the design a level of adaptability. As the original press release noted, “The chair’s character changes with its finishes, from high-tech to traditional.” Spider was a glass tabletop with a metal bent frame to carry the glass. The Mandarin chairs with the beautiful curves could be shown perfectly through the glass. This set of two Mandarin chairs is in black high gloss painted armrest and have leather seating. Good condition consistent with age and use.