Heinz Witthoeft (Germany 1935-2021)

Pair of ‘Tail 4’ lounge chairs. 1959. Witthoeft Stuttgart 1960s.

Pine frames with slung leather/hide. 64.5 x 64.5 x 54cm high.

Radical modernist lounge chairs that are almost never to be found as a pair – the ‘Tail 4’ design has an architectural cube frame that each houses a low slung thick leather seat. The combination of a rigid external frame and flexible seat define and enhance the seating experience. (These chairs almost cross over into the realm of sculpture – and as sculptures they pre-date and anticipate some of the later minimalist art of Sol le Wit, Donald Judd or other minimalist artists of the 60s-70s).

Trained at the prestigious Ulm School of Design, Witthoeft embodies the functionalist and minimalist spirit characteristic of German modernism from that era. His varied output as a designer included furniture systems, drawings, photographs, and graphic designs all contributed to his utopian urban vision in Post-war Germany and are embodied in the design of these chairs.

Completely original condition with a distinctive warm patina commensurate with their age.

Price: 9.000 euro (pair)

http://www.merzbaufurniture.com

Angelo Lelli (Italy 1911-1979)

Metal structure body with lacquered base with oxidised steel magnetised lamp/ball. 61.5cm high

‘Cobra’ lamp for Arredoluce, Italy. 1962 by Italian light designer and founder of Arredoluce Angelo Lelli.
This table lamp/sculpture model ‘12919’ known as ‘il Cobra’ by the workers at Arredoluce for its association with the form of the snake has pivoting black oxide steel magnetized “eyeball” socket set into what is in effect a midcentury biomorphic standing sculpture.
The quality of manufacture of these lamps is outstanding – they have a good substantial feel and weight to them. This one is completely original and in superb condition (no deterioration of the original finish as is common with these lamps, and with original plug and bulb).

Price: 7.450 euro

http://www.merzbaufurniture.com

Ronald Willemsen (Nl.c20th-c.21st)

Sculptural little constructivist side table model RW1 side table. Metaform, Holland 1982. Despite its elegant light look it is actually quite a heavy set table (which like a cricket table is always balanced on any surface due to having three feet instead of four). These tables are a rare find and always sought after.

lacquered steel. 53 x 53 x 38cm

Price: 1.900 euro

http://www.merzbaufurniture.com

Mid-Century slatted lounge chair.

Dutch 1950s. beech wood connected with metal fittings.

A beautiful sculptural lounge chair in totally original condition with patina.

The chair was reputedly originally purchased from Bas van Pelt/My Home.

Price: 3.250 euro

Large carved sculpture. Circa 1970s.

Stone 45 x 15 x 69cm.

An impressive and beautifully designed Dutch sculpture of a male head. Its elongated vertical form shares stylistic qualities with the earlier art of the Amsterdam School or Bossche school works.

Good condition. No damages – some natural variations in colouring to the stone.

Price: 2.600 euro

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Abstract sculpture

1970s Brutalist abstract sculpture. Unsigned.

A large basalt stone sculpture composed of simple modernist/architectural forms. At some time this sculpture has stood in a garden which has resulted in a thin layer of moss on some parts.

It measures 36 x 12 x 45cm high.

Price: 1.500 euro

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Butterfly stool

Sori Yanagi (Jap.1915-2011)

Rosewood veneer/plywood with brass fittings

Classic ‘Butterfly’ stool. Manufactured by Tendo Mokko, circa 1970s.

It has production numbers stamped into the underside and the measurements conform to the slightly smaller Japanese scale.

42 x 30.5 x 39cm high.

Price: 1.800 euro

http://www.merzbaufurniture.com

Large Dogon scale. Circa 1930s-40s.

210cm high (mounted on steel plate base)

A superb example of an African Dogon tribal ladder/scale. This example is believed to have been made in Mali from the early to mid-twentieth century.
Traditionally the African Dogon ladder was used by the Dogon people to access the upper levels of granaries, climb onto the flat roofs of houses, and bridge clefts in cliffs.

Its repeated forms give it the aesthetic quality of a modernist sculpture.

Price: 2.400 euro

http://www.merzbaufurniture.com