Toshiyuki Kita ‘Wink’ Articulating Lounge Chair for Cassina, 1981

Description

An exciting and ambition postmodern seating deign, ‘Wink’ chair by Toshiyuki Kita is a completely novel approach to chair design. … more An exciting and ambition postmodern seating deign, ‘Wink’ chair by Toshiyuki Kita is a completely novel approach to chair design. Exploring anatomical and biomimetic formal motifs, this piece features five articulating joints, allowing the chair to recline, as well as convert from a lounge chair to a chaise lounge. Dynamic, humorous, and unique.

The color palette is tropical featuring a high contrast black, orange and yellow theme. Attention to detail with the upholstery is impressive. There are two slip covers that form tightly to the chair’s built in bolsters, as well as two headrest covers in yellow for the articulating, split headrest. Finally, there is an embroidered back and seat pad, providing supreme comfort and extra protection. The pragmatic approach means any one of these high contact surfaces can be washed easily in a washing machine or by hand.

Flanking the rear of the seat are two black plastic handles which incrementally control the angle of the chair’s recline. All floor contact points are supported by black plastic sabots for strength and longevity.

The comfort and adjustability of this chair is a joy to experience, the substantial seat and backrest bolsters which are reminiscent of race car seating design, provide a feeling of weightless support and cradling.

This iconic chair design is part of the permanent collection at the MOMA museum in New York, Pompidou Centre in Paris, and Vitra Design Museum in Germany.

Artist/Designer; Manufacturer: Toshiyuki Kita (Japanese, b. 1942); Cassina (Italy)
Marking(s); notes: no marking(s) apparent
Materials: metal, upholstery
Dimensions (H, W, D): 36"h, 57"w, 33"d; 14" seat height
Additional Information: Reference (form): Les Classiques Du Mobilier Contemporain, Charlotte and Peter Fiell, pg.153. Provenance: Alban de Clercq, Paris, France DeLorenzo50, New York, New York. less