Iconic “it” chairs in design history

Influenced by traditional Ming dynasty furniture, Shang Xia’s Da Tian Di Chair seamlessly infuses ancient artistry with minimalist modernity to create a lightweight yet rigid piece. Made exclusively with carbon fibre and delicately painted over with a traditional Chinese pineapple lacquer, this chair aptly doubles as an art installation.

Created by Hans J. Wegner 60 years ago, the elegant Wishbone Chair remains Carl Hansen & Søn’s most successful product. Known for its steam-bent back and Y-shaped spindle, the beech and oak wood piece effortlessly amalgamates Chinese design philosophies with rustic Nordic flair.

Case’s Loku Chair utilises 3D veneer technology to mould the seat and backrest to perfection. Lovingly crafted with heat-malleable plywood veneer, every curve is shaped with precision. Rounded out by a sturdy steel base and smooth finish, a focus on comfort and versatility makes it the perfect pick for any aesthetic.

Conceived in 1950, Knoll Studio’s Bertoia collection was mid-century modern design at its finest. Now, the vintage Bertoia Cowhide Leather Chair comes with an upholstered variation that exudes modest luxury. Slender, robust, and functional, this cowhide-wrapped iteration of the iconic silhouette tones down the industrialism and ups the ante on classiness.

Cassina’s Capitol Complex Chair was modelled closely after the most recognisable chair found in the Secretariat offices of Le Corbusier’s Capitol Complex building in Chandigarh, India. Its solid oak structure, Viennese cane, and inverted “V”-shaped sidebars all lend to the chair’s unique overlap between simplicity and sophistication.