Brazilian Modern Set of 4 Chairs in Suede, Mario Bellini, 1970s - Lot 20A

Description

Manufactured by De Couro in Brazil, this set of four dining chairs reflects the experimental approach to leather and structure that defined late 20th-century design. Conceived as a continuous leather envelope over a metal frame, the model articulates a clear dialogue between material flexibility and structural precision.

Each chair is formed from a single expanse of white leather, manually cut, stitched, and tailored to fit snugly over an internal steel structure. The leather functions not merely as upholstery but as a load-bearing skin—stretched taut and secured with discreet zippers, emphasizing construction rather than concealing it. The result is a composition defined by structural clarity, where surface and frame exist in deliberate symbiosis.

The silhouette is restrained and geometric: a rectilinear seat supported by four straight legs, with a tall, slightly inclined backrest that introduces subtle curvature at its base. This small aperture at the lower back softens the vertical plane and relieves visual weight, reinforcing the balance between rigidity and organic contour.

The leather presents with minor age-related marks consistent with use, preserving the integrity of the original material. All chairs retain the De Couro manufacturing label beneath the seat, affirming provenance. They remain in excellent vintage condition, with the leather maintaining suppleness and the internal structure stable.

An incisive example of Brazilian modern production, this set distills the relationship between craft, engineering, and material intelligence—where leather is not applied to structure but becomes structure itself.