A pair of “Mandarin” armchairs designed by Ettore Sottsass for Knoll, produced in the 1980s. The design combines a continuous bentwood arm structure with a softly angled upholstered back and seat, creating a distinctive silhouette that balances sculptural form with everyday function. Black enameled metal legs provide a restrained contrast to the warm tone of the laminated wood arms.
These examples retain their original patterned upholstery, a graphic textile that complements the expressive geometry of the design while remaining characteristically restrained in palette. The curved armrests show the fluid, architectural line that defines the Mandarin series, wrapping continuously around the body of the chair in a single gesture.
Designer: Ettore Sottsass
Manufacturer: Knoll
Model: Mandarin
Period: 1980s
Country: Italy
Materials: Bent laminated wood, upholstery, enameled metal
Dimensions: 31.5” W x 23” D x 31” H
Seat Height: 18”
A pair of “Mandarin” armchairs designed by Ettore Sottsass for Knoll, produced in the 1980s. The design combines a continuous bentwood arm structure with a softly angled upholstered back and seat, creating a distinctive silhouette that balances sculptural form with everyday function. Black enameled metal legs provide a restrained contrast to the warm tone of the laminated wood arms.
These examples retain their original patterned upholstery, a graphic textile that complements the expressive geometry of the design while remaining characteristically restrained in palette. The curved armrests show the fluid, architectural line that defines the Mandarin series, wrapping continuously around the body of the chair in a single gesture.
Designer: Ettore Sottsass
Manufacturer: Knoll
Model: Mandarin
Period: 1980s
Country: Italy
Materials: Bent laminated wood, upholstery, enameled metal
Dimensions: 31.5” W x 23” D x 31” H
Seat Height: 18”
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