Cesca chair | Without armrests

A timeless symbol of modern design, the Cesca chair embodies the heritage of the Bauhaus and the innovative vision of Marcel Breuer.

Knoll introduced the Cesca chair in 1968, after acquiring the Gavina Group, an Italian furniture manufacturer that represented the architect's legendary designs. Inspired by Bauhaus principles and revolutionary material innovations, the Cesca chair, with its simple yet striking design, remains as iconic as it was over ninety years ago.

The Cesca chair is distinguished by a rare, almost understated simplicity in its design: a linearity balanced by subtle curves; a wicker cane sublimated by a wooden frame; and a cantilevered structure that seems to float in the air. Present in many interiors around the world, it bears witness to radical design thinking.

Although Marcel Breuer created the Cesca chair shortly after leaving the Bauhaus in 1928, it remains intrinsically linked to the design principles and material innovation developed at this German design school. Looking for a material suitable for mass production, Breuer found inspiration in an unexpected place: the tubular steel construction of his bicycle. This light, robust and sufficiently malleable material enabled him to design modern, functional furniture, such as the Wassily chair and the Laccio table in 1925, followed by the Cesca chair in 1928.

Originally known as the B32, this chair was renamed ‘Cesca’ by Dino Gavina as a tribute to Marcel Breuer's daughter Francesca. With its tubular steel frame and cane seat, the Cesca chair became a symbol of the modernist movement, combining structure and ornament.

Today, the Cesca chair remains an icon of modern design, embodying the heritage of the Bauhaus while fitting perfectly into contemporary interiors.

Available finishes for the tubular frame:
- Chrome-plated steel: Adds a touch of shine and durability, true to the original 1920s design.
- Ultra-matt epoxy paint: Available in a range of colours, this contemporary finish gives a modern look while preserving the elegance of the original design.

Manufacturing process :
- Machine weaving: This process uses industrially woven rolls of cane. The weave is perfectly regular and homogenous. The sheet of cane is then fixed to the wooden frame through special holes, giving a uniform, neat finish. This technique allows us to produce chairs with a precise design, while ensuring great visual regularity.

- Hand caning: Hand caning is a craft where each strand of rattan is woven by hand through the holes in the chair frame. This demanding technique, which requires time and expertise, gives each piece a unique and authentic character. The subtle variations in hand-woven patterns reflect the richness of this tradition. It's a choice that enhances quality and originality, ideal for those who appreciate exceptional pieces.

Whichever option you choose, whether it's the choice of finish for the tubular structure (chromed steel or ultra-matt epoxy) or the type of caning (machine or manual), the Cesca chairs in the Breuer collection for Knoll International have a distinctive detail: the KnollStudio logo and Marcel Breuer's signature, engraved on the base. This guarantees the authenticity and quality of each piece.

Explore the Breuer collection for Knoll International and discover how the Cesca chair can bring a touch of timeless elegance to your home. Choose the finish that best suits your aesthetic preferences and your living space.

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