Original B64 Chair by Marcel Breuer for Thonet, 1930s

Description

This particular Cesca chair, also known as the B64, was designed by Marcel Breuer and brought to life by the … more This particular Cesca chair, also known as the B64, was designed by Marcel Breuer and brought to life by the legendary Viennese furniture manufacturer Thonet in the early 1930s. As Thonet was the first company to produce the Cesca chair, this piece is a true gem in our collection and can be considered the grandparent of all Cesca chairs.

Thonet's expertise in bending materials found new expression in the Cesca Chair, where chrome-plated tubular steel replaced wood, showcasing the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of furniture design. The collaboration between Breuer and Thonet also led to the inspired use of Vienna Straw rattan for the seat and backrest. This natural, warm-colored rattan introduced a softer, more inviting aesthetic to the chair, beautifully contrasting with the industrial steel frame. It is believed that Thonet's influence was crucial in this material choice, lending the Cesca Chair its distinctive and timeless appeal.

In this chair, the seat and backrest are hand-woven. The rattan cane fibers pass through the wood from underneath in several places, confirming its early provenance. The Vienna straw has an amber hue that deepens into charming orange-brown-red tones. The carefully joined black lacquered beech wood frame plays a crucial role in both the aesthetic and structural integrity of the chair. with Thonet's long history of skilled woodworking and bentwood techniques, this chair was crafted with impressive precision.

The authenticity of the chair is confirmed by the Thonet metal badge attached to the back of the seat. As a piece of furniture that is nearly a century old, it bears the marks of the time it has lived through. All parts are original and there are natural marks of use are visible in the seat and wooden frame, as shown in the accompanying photos. Despite these signs of aging, or perhaps because of them, original Thonet-produced Cesca Chairs from the 1930s have become highly sought-after in the world of vintage furniture. Beautifully preserved, this piece is one of the few from Thonet’s limited production that has survived the passage of time.
We believe the seat was replaced using the same techniques as original in the 1950s-1960s, based on the colour and structure of cane material. It is a very rare piece.

seat height: 43 cm
armrests height: 67 cm

This piece has an attribution mark,
I am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
issues arising from misattribution less