Rare and extraordinary Viscontea armchair, designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Simon Gavina, an industrial reinterpretation of the Sanluca armchair from twenty years earlier and an authentic icon of Italian design of the 1980s.
This armchair is often mistakenly attributed to the Tecnico Gavina studio; however, for this re-edition the Castiglioni brothers were directly involved, as clearly documented in the original Simon advertisements.
Published in the leading design magazines of the period, this piece represents a perfect synthesis of formal experimentation and enveloping comfort.
The bold and sculptural silhouette, defined by the celebrated “double curve” of the backrest—evoking the profile of a noble collar or the outline of a stylised pelican—makes the Viscontea immediately recognisable and highly theatrical.
The fully upholstered structure, clad in bright green Alcantara, enhances the dramatic presence of the armchair and the refinement of its craftsmanship, while the enveloping volume invites the user into an almost protective dimension, achieving a perfect balance between art and function.
Produced by Simon International under the direction of Dino Gavina, this armchair stands as one of the highest expressions of the collaboration between the Castiglioni brothers, brilliant interpreters of the radical and innovative thinking that brought Italian design to international prominence.
The original upholstery, marked Simon beneath the shell, certifies the authenticity of the piece.
A true collector’s object, increasingly rare on the market, it does not merely furnish a space but defines it: ideal for both contemporary interiors and pure collectible contexts, the Viscontea is a visionary homage to the great design of the twentieth century.
Near-mint condition, with minimal signs of use limited to the base; otherwise it appears almost new.
Product Name: Viscontea Armchair by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Simon International
Designer: Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Year of Design: 1980s (re-edition of the Sanluca from the 1960s)
Style: Italian postmodern design, experimental and sculptural
Primary Materials: Upholstered structure, original bright green Alcantara upholstery
Distinctive Design: Sculptural double-curved backrest, enveloping and theatrical form, iconic and instantly recognisable volume
Dimensions: Height 100cm | Width 90cm | Depth 90cm
Comfort: Enveloping and protective seating, conceived for immersive and refined comfort
Typical Use: Ideal as a central statement piece in contemporary living spaces, design studios or collectible interiors
Design Icon: Celebrated reinterpretation by the Castiglioni brothers for Simon Gavina; published in period magazines, with original Simon marking beneath the shell
Versatility: Perfect for modern or collectible environments, adding strong personality and historical value
Current Condition: Near-perfect condition; original upholstery, minimal signs of use limited to the base
Additional Notes: Please note that this object is in excellent vintage condition. Minor signs of age may be present and do not affect its functionality.
Simon International is a company founded in 1968 by Dino Gavina with the aim of overcoming traditional industrial logics and restoring to design a cultural and poetic dimension, in which furniture becomes a conceptual and intellectual expression. The name “Simon” was chosen to represent a new, abstract and international identity. The brand distinguished itself through the production of sophisticated, minimalist and architectural furnishings, often positioned at the boundary between art and design, crafted with noble materials and exceptional artisanal care. Simon collaborated with major 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, widely published and now highly sought after by collectors. In 2013, Cassina acquired the Simon collection, preserving its original vision and relaunching its iconic pieces through the “SimonCollezione.” Simon represents one of the most radical and visionary experiences in twentieth-century Italian design.
Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni were among the most influential and innovative Italian designers of the twentieth century, absolute protagonists of 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 Politecnico di Milano and began working together in the 1950s, establishing a studio defined by an experimental and deeply interdisciplinary approach that merged architecture, art, engineering and popular culture. They collaborated with the most important Italian companies in the field, including Flos, Zanotta, Cassina, Kartell and Simon Gavina, creating historic products such as the Arco lamp, Toio lamp, Mezzadro seat, Sella chair and Brionvega radios. Their work is characterised by ingenious use of materials, formal clarity, attention to ergonomics and, above all, the ability to reinterpret existing objects in new ways, often with a touch of irony and lightness. Pier Giacomo passed away prematurely in 1968, but Achille continued the research with the same energy and conceptual coherence until his death in 2002. Their projects are now held in the world’s most important museums, including the MoMA in New York, and remain an essential reference in the history of design.