Karelia Armchair by Liisi Beckmann for Zanotta

An icon of avant-garde design from the late 1960s, the Karelia armchair is presented in this auction in a particularly daring version, with a glossy red upholstery. This model, born from the creative genius of Finnish designer Liisi Beckmann, redefined the traditional concept of seating, anticipating the Pop aesthetic and the expressive freedom of the 1970s.

Design and history:

The distinctive feature of the Karelia armchair is its characteristic wave-like, degrading shape, a sinuous geometry inspired by the inlets of Karelia, the designer's homeland. This design, radical and pioneering for its time, eliminates the traditional boundaries between backrest and seat, enhancing the fluidity of lines and giving the environment timeless energy and elegance. This was one of the first armchairs made entirely of expanded polyurethane without an internal supporting structure.

The history of Karelia is closely linked to the non-conformist vision of Zanotta and Liisi Beckmann, who conceived furniture no longer as a static or monumental object, but as a sculptural, playful and flexible work of art, capable of adapting informally and dynamically to the body and space.

Lot conditions:

The armchair in the auction is in excellent condition.

Structure: the expanded polyurethane body maintains its original structural compactness, ensuring optimal comfort.

Upholstery: the glossy red faux leather upholstery has been cleaned and sanitized and is in excellent condition.

Authenticity: originality is guaranteed by the Zanotta brand label on the edge and under the seat.