Dialogo Dessau chairs - Afra E Tobia Scarpa -C&B Italia

Very rare leather Dialogo Dessau Cantilever Armchairs
Afra and Tobia Scarpa for C and B Italia 1970s

Fully Leather Bodied Cantilever Armchairs on a Chromed Steel Frame

Designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa, the Dialogo Dessau chairs represent a refined Italian interpretation of the Bauhaus cantilever tradition. Named after Dessau, the historic center of the Bauhaus school, this model forms a conceptual bridge between early modernist rationalism and the tactile, material driven language that defines the Scarpa oeuvre. The design clearly references the structural logic of Mart Stam and Mies van der Rohe, while deliberately softening it through sculptural proportions and rich material expression.

What makes this full set exceptionally rare is its material execution. The Dialogo Dessau chair was almost exclusively produced with molded plastic shells. Fully leather upholstered versions were manufactured only in very early and extremely limited editions and were never part of standard production. Complete sets executed entirely in black leather are virtually unobtainable and belong to the highest collector tier within Scarpa seating designs.

The chairs feature a continuous chromed steel cantilever frame combined with a thick leather shell that functions as an architectural skin rather than conventional upholstery. The leather introduces visual weight and warmth while preserving the iconic floating stance of the cantilever structure. The contrast between reflective chrome and deep black leather results in a restrained yet powerful presence.

This set remains in beautiful original condition. The leather shows a deep and even patina with subtle wear that enhances character without compromising structure. The chrome frames retain a strong mirror finish with only light age appropriate traces. The balance between preservation and authentic aging is exemplary.

Produced during the transitional period when C & B Italia would later become B and B Italia, this set was manufactured under the original C & B Italia name.

Rarely does a complete matching set of Dialogo Dessau chairs in leather surface on the market. This example represents a museum level acquisition for collectors of Italian postwar design, Bauhaus reinterpretations, and important works by Afra and Tobia Scarpa.

Technical details
• Designer: Afra and Tobia Scarpa
• Manufacturer: C & B Italia Italy
• Period: 1970s early editions
• Materials: Black leather chromed steel
• Condition: Excellent vintage condition with original patina on chrome and leather.

Matching marble/leather dining table available.

• W 21.26 in · D 19.69 in · H 30.71 in · SH 17.32 in · SD 18.11 in · Armrest 24.02 in
• W 54 cm · D 50 cm · H 78 cm · SH 44 cm · SD 46 cm · Armrest 61 cm

Price :
Chairs (6) : € 8.400

Worldwide shipping available