Rare Italian Lounge Chair by Maurizio Tempestini, 1940s - 2 Available

A rare Italian lounge chair by Maurizio Tempestini from the 1940s, created specifically for a private Florentine home where furniture was conceived as an extension of the architecture it inhabited.

Angular walnut supports intersect in sculptural cross-bracing, while gently curved leather armrests soften the geometry, introducing a tactile contrast. Every line feels deliberate, revealing Tempestini's ability to merge modernist restraint with the warmth of traditional Italian craftsmanship.

The chair has been newly reupholstered in a richly textured linen-cotton blend, lending the silhouette a subtle softness without diminishing its architectural character. The muted fabric complements the warmth of the walnut frame, while the leather armrests develop a natural patina that speaks to both material honesty and enduring use.

Sold and priced individually.

Maurizio Tempestini (1908–1960) was an Italian architect and designer whose work spanned interiors, lighting, decorative arts, and furniture. Born in Florence, he studied Industrial Decoration at the Porta Romana Art Institute before establishing himself in the 1930s as an interior architect, furniture designer, and theatrical set designer. He also created designs for the historic ceramics manufacturer Cantagalli and Murano glassmakers Seguso and Cappellin, and in 1939 co-founded the pioneering Italian lighting company Arteluce with Gino Sarfatti.

Tempestini is best remembered for his elegant wrought-iron outdoor furniture designed for the John B. Salterini Company during the 1950s. His sculptural Clamshell collection and other garden furnishings combined organic curves with a distinctly modern sensibility, helping redefine outdoor living in America. Introduced through leading retailers such as Gimbels and Suniland Furniture, his designs remain highly sought after for their refined craftsmanship, sculptural forms, and enduring mid-century appeal.