Item Description
A bold, sculptural armchair from the “Sapporo” series designed by Mario Marenco for the Italian manufacturer Mobil Girgi, clearly identified by the maker’s mark branded into the walnut frame beneath the backrest. Marenco’s design is a striking exercise in solid geometry: thick, chunky walnut planks form the arms and legs, cut with wide, flat surfaces and softly rounded edges that give the chair a heavy, architectural presence quite unlike the slender, tapered forms typical of earlier mid-century seating. The wood frame is left almost entirely exposed at the sides and rear, with the cushions appearing to float within it — a construction that puts the beautifully grained walnut on full display and lends the piece real sculptural weight. The seat, back, and armrests are fitted with plump, richly textured off-white cushions in a nubby woven fabric, offering a soft, tactile contrast to the solidity of the wood. The overall effect is unmistakably 1970s Italian design: substantial, tactile, and confidently geometric, in the spirit of the era’s move toward heavier, more sculptural furniture forms. The chair presents in good vintage condition, with the walnut retaining a warm, lustrous finish and only light surface marks consistent with age; the upholstery shows some gentle discoloration to the underside consistent with honest use over the decades. A wonderfully characterful piece — substantial enough to anchor a seating group, and equally striking as a singular sculptural statement chair.
