Rare set of four “Sistina” dining chairs designed by Tito Agnoli for Matteo Grassi, Italy, dating from the 1980s.
A particularly beautiful and uncommon set, distinguished by its deep forest green / bottle green genuine leather and exceptionally clean condition. Finding a complete set of four Sistina chairs in this unusual leather colour, with all four chairs retaining their original Matteo Grassi markings, is increasingly rare.
The Sistina is one of Tito Agnoli’s most recognizable seating designs. Rather than relying on a conventional upholstered shell, Agnoli created a remarkably refined construction in which the leather forms the entire visual body of the chair, wrapping around an internal metal structure.
The result is an elegant, almost sculptural silhouette: a gently curved backrest flows into the seat while the narrow, straight legs extend seamlessly from the frame. The open space beneath the backrest gives the chair a particularly light and architectural appearance.
The forest green leather is the highlight of this set. Its deep, sophisticated colour changes subtly with the light and beautifully emphasizes the clean geometry of the design. The leather has a natural, slightly lustrous surface characteristic of high-quality Italian furniture of the period.
Designer — Tito Agnoli
Tito Agnoli was an Italian architect and designer whose work became particularly influential during the second half of the 20th century. He collaborated with some of Italy’s most important furniture manufacturers, including Matteo Grassi, Arflex, Poltrona Frau, Bonacina and Molteni.
His designs are recognized for combining architectural simplicity, carefully considered proportions and innovative use of materials. The Sistina demonstrates this approach particularly well, reducing the chair to a small number of essential elements while allowing the leather itself to become an integral part of the structure.
Manufacturer — Matteo Grassi
Matteo Grassi was an important Italian manufacturer specializing in high-quality leather furniture and is particularly known for its sophisticated craftsmanship and use of premium leather.
These chairs are original Matteo Grassi production, not later reproductions, and each chair is stamped/marked on the rear, providing an important indication of their authenticity and provenance.
The combination of Tito Agnoli’s design + Matteo Grassi’s Italian craftsmanship + the rare forest green leather makes this a particularly desirable set for collectors of Italian modernist furniture.
Details
* Designer: Tito Agnoli
* Model: Sistina
* Manufacturer: Matteo Grassi
* Country: Italy
* Period: 1980s
* Style: Italian Modern / Mid-Century Modern
* Material: Genuine leather, metal internal structure
* Colour: Deep Forest Green / Bottle Green
* Set: 4 chairs
* Markings: Each chair stamped/marked by Matteo Grassi
* Original vintage production
Dimensions — Each Chair
* Height: 80 cm
* Width: 44 cm
* Depth: 47 cm
* Seat depth: 44 cm
* Seat height: 47 cm
Condition
Very good vintage condition.
The four chairs have been carefully preserved and present beautifully as a matching set. The genuine leather remains rich in colour with a beautiful natural surface and only minor signs of age and previous use consistent with vintage furniture.
All four chairs retain their Matteo Grassi markings, adding to their authenticity and collectibility.
A particularly rare opportunity to acquire a complete set of four original Tito Agnoli Sistina chairs in this exceptional forest green leather colour.
The chairs would work equally well around a dining table, in a sophisticated office, boutique, restaurant, hotel or as statement seating in a contemporary interior.
🌍 Worldwide shipping available
📍 Pick-up possible
Midagevintage
