Stringa Sofa - Gae Aulenti - Poltronova
BLACK LEATHER AND CHROME — AN EXCEPTIONALLY PRESERVED EXAMPLE OF GAE AULENTI’S 1963 STRINGA DESIGN
An exceptional two-seater Stringa sofa designed by Gae Aulenti in 1963 for Poltronova, preserved in a particularly striking combination of deep black leather and polished chrome.
Designed in 1963, the Stringa belongs to Gae Aulenti’s important early body of work for Poltronova. Its construction perfectly reflects Aulenti’s architectural approach to furniture: a continuous tubular metal frame defines the silhouette, while the generous upholstered seat and suspended back cushions appear almost to float within the structure. Interestingly, Aulenti herself used Stringa seating to furnish her own home, underlining the personal significance of the design within her early career.
This rare two-seater version is executed in what we consider one of the most compelling combinations for the Stringa: deep black leather against polished chrome. The monochrome upholstery gives the sofa an exceptionally graphic and architectural presence, while the reflective tubular frame visually lightens its generous proportions. The contrast between soft black leather and precise chrome construction beautifully expresses the balance between comfort and structure at the heart of the design.
This particular example is remarkable for its extraordinary state of preservation. It appears to remain entirely in its original configuration, including the black leather upholstery, chrome frame, leather suspension straps, felt elements and internal cushion construction. Even the foam interiors retain their characteristic period mesh coverings, a subtle construction detail rarely encountered in such untouched condition. The remarkable preservation of these elements suggests that the sofa has seen exceptionally little use throughout its life.
More than sixty years after its conception, the Stringa remains remarkably contemporary. Its exposed construction, generous proportions and almost industrial clarity anticipate ideas that would become increasingly important in Italian design later in the decade. An increasingly scarce early Aulenti design, this exceptionally preserved black leather example combines historical importance with an extraordinarily strong visual presence.
Condition
Exceptional vintage condition, with remarkably few traces of use. The black leather remains beautifully preserved, supple and clean, with only minimal signs of age. The chrome tubular frame presents exceptionally well, as do the leather straps and felt elements. The internal cushions retain their period foam with characteristic mesh coverings. Based on the consistency of its materials, construction and exceptional state of preservation, the sofa appears to remain entirely in its original configuration.
Technical details
Designer : Gae Aulenti
Model : Stringa
Manufacturer : Poltronova
Design year : 1963
Production period : 1960s
Country : Italy
Configuration : Two-seater sofa
Materials : Black leather, chromed tubular steel, felt, leather straps and polyurethane foam
Condition : Exceptional vintage condition with remarkably little evidence of use
Literature : Pier Carlo Santini, Facendo mobili con Poltronova, Poltronova Edizioni, 1977, p. 35
Historical reference : Archivio Gae Aulenti / Vitra Design Museum
Dimensions
Width : 133 cm
Depth : 90 cm
Height : 74 cm
Seat height : 45 cm
Seat depth : 58 cm
Pricing
€ 9.200
Worldwide shipping available
