'697’ Rattan + Cane Armchair by Raffaella Crespi for Vittorio Bonacina, 1964
The '697’ armchair was designed by Raffaella Crespi for Vittorio Bonacina in 1964. Constructed with a rattan frame and handwoven cane, this chair is a sculptural, collectible piece. Its open, lightweight design highlights the artisanal quality of Bonacina's approach, while the organic curves and woven details emphasize the material’s natural beauty.
Literature: Giuliana Gramigna Repertoire 1950-1980 Images and contributions for a history of Italian furniture Mondadori Milan 1985 p. 204.
Raffaella Crespi, born in Milan in 1929, was an accomplished architect and designer. She graduated from the Politecnico di Milano in 1955, during a transformative era for Italian design. Crespi embarked on an academic career, earning her teaching qualification in 1969 and eventually becoming a professor of Architectural Technology and later Industrial Design, roles she held until 2001. A pioneer in her field, she was the first woman to serve as president of the Order of Architects in Milan from 1973 to 1977.
As a co-founder of the Association of Industrial Design and other notable institutions, Crespi contributed significantly to Italian design culture. Her influence extended to curating major exhibitions and publishing extensively on architecture and design. Her works were showcased internationally, including at MoMA in New York, highlighting her enduring impact on 20th-century design.
DIMENSIONS: 32"W x 30"D x 31"H
SEAT HEIGHT: 16"
ORIGIN: Italy
PERIOD: 1960s
MATERIALS: Rattan,Cane
CONDITION:
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