Viscontea Armchair By Achille And Pier Giacomo Castiglioni For Simon International

Rare and extraordinary Viscontea armchair, designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Simon Gavina, an industrial transformation of the Sanluca armchair from 20 years earlier, and an authentic icon of Italian design of the 1980s.

This chair is often mistakenly attributed to the Gavina Technical Studio. The reissue was actually carried out by the Castiglioni Brothers, as described in the original Simon advertisements.

This piece, published in the main magazines of the time, represents a perfect synthesis between formal experimentation and enveloping comfort.

The bold, sculptural silhouette, characterised by the famous “double curve” of the backrest that recalls the profile of a noble collar or the shape of a stylised pelican, makes the Viscontea immediately recognisable and spectacular.

The structure, rigorously padded and upholstered in bright green Alcantara, underscores the seat's theatrical vocation and the refinement of its workmanship, while the enveloping volume invites you to sit in an almost protective dimension, in perfect balance between art and function.

Produced by Dino Gavina's Simon International, this armchair represents one of the pinnacles of the collaboration between the Castiglioni brothers, brilliant interpreters of the radical and innovative thinking that made Italian design famous throughout the world.

The original Simon-branded upholstery under the body certifies the piece's authenticity.

A collector's item, increasingly rare on the market, that not only furnishes but defines the space: ideal both in a contemporary interior and in a purely collectible context, the Viscontea is a visionary tribute to the great design of the twentieth century.

Almost perfect condition with minimal signs of use only on the base, otherwise it looks new.

Product Name: Viscontea Armchair by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Simon International
Designer: Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Design Year: 1980s (re-edition of the 1960s Sanluca)
Style: Postmodern, experimental, sculptural Italian design
Main Materials: Padded frame, original bright green Alcantara upholstery
Distinctive Design: Backrest with double curve with a sculptural profile, enveloping and theatrical shape, iconic and recognizable volume
Dimensions: Height 100cm | Width 90cm | Depth 90cm
Comfort: Enveloping and protective seat, designed for immersive and refined comfort
Typical Use: Ideal as a centerpiece in contemporary living rooms, design studios, or collectible environments
Design Icon: Famous reinterpretation of the Castiglionis for Simon Gavina; published in vintage magazines, with original Simon branding under the shell
Versatility: Perfect in modern or collectible environments, adds strong personality and historical value
Current Design Condition: Near mint condition; Original upholstery, minimal signs of use only on the base.
Additional Notes: Please note that this item is in excellent vintage condition. Minor signs of wear may be present, but these do not affect its functionality. Please consider these features before purchasing.

Simon International was founded in 1968 by Dino Gavina with the aim of transcending traditional industrial logic and restoring a cultural and poetic dimension to design, in which the furnishing object becomes a conceptual and intellectual expression. The name "Simon" was chosen to represent a new, abstract, and international identity. The brand has distinguished itself for its sophisticated, minimalist, and architectural furnishings, often bordering art and design, crafted with exquisite materials and meticulous craftsmanship. Simon has collaborated with great masters such as Carlo Scarpa, Kazuhide Takahama, Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Marcel Breuer, Man Ray, Tobia Scarpa, and Mario Ceroli, creating objects that have become true cult pieces of Italian design, often published and now highly sought after by collectors. In 2013, Cassina acquired the Simon collection, preserving its vision intact and relaunching its iconic pieces through the "SimonCollezione." Simon represents one of the most radical and visionary experiences of 20th-century Italian design.

Of course! Here's a single summary, without paragraphs or titles , as you requested, dedicated to Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni :

Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni were two of the most influential and innovative Italian designers of the 20th century, key figures in the golden age of Italian design, renowned for their ability to combine functionality, irony, and formal research in everyday objects transformed into true icons. Sons of sculptor Giannino Castiglioni, both graduated in architecture from the Milan Polytechnic and began working together in the 1950s, establishing a studio characterized by an experimental and profoundly interdisciplinary approach, blending architecture, art, engineering, and popular culture. They collaborated with leading Italian companies in the sector, including Flos, Zanotta, Cassina, Kartell, and Simon Gavina, creating iconic products such as the Arco lamp, the Toio lamp, the Mezzadro seat, the Sella chair, and the Brionvega radio. Their work stands out for its ingenious use of materials, formal clarity, attention to ergonomics, and above all, its ability to reinterpret existing objects in a new way, often with a touch of irony and lightness. Pier Giacomo died prematurely in 1968, but Achille continued his research, leading the studio with the same energy and design consistency until his death in 2002. Their projects are now held in the world's most important museums, such as the MoMA in New York, and represent an essential point of reference in the history of design.