An elegant set of four Pan Am chairs designed by influential Italian modernist Gastone Rinaldi for RIMA, showcasing the designer’s celebrated approach to sculptural metal furniture and post-war Italian innovation.
Constructed from polished chromed steel rod, the chairs feature a striking open-wire basket form suspended above a flowing circular cantilever base. The rhythmic geometry of the wirework references the iconic globe motif of the modernist Pan American Airways logo — a fitting inspiration for a design conceived during the height of the jet-age era, when aviation, futurism and technological optimism heavily influenced contemporary architecture and furniture design.
The curved steel lines create a remarkable sense of movement and transparency, giving the chairs a light architectural presence despite their sculptural form. Viewed from different angles, the layered wire construction produces shifting geometric patterns and shadow play, reinforcing the chairs’ distinctly Space Age character.
Designed during the late 1960s–1970s period of radical Italian experimentation, the Pan Am chairs embody the futuristic optimism that defined the era. Their balance of engineering precision and expressive form allows them to function equally as practical seating and sculptural collectible objects within contemporary interiors.
Under Gastone Rinaldi’s direction, RIMA became one of Italy’s most progressive furniture manufacturers, recognised for pushing the possibilities of tubular steel and chromed metal construction. Today, the Pan Am chairs remain among the designer’s most recognisable and sought-after works.
In excellent vintage condition, these chairs only display light patina to the chrome frames and still hold the original plastic glides. A very rare set of four in this condition.
Details
Approximate Dimensions (each)
Width: 73 cm
Depth: 62 cm
Height: 72 cm
Seat Height: 38 cm
A highly sculptural and collectible set of Italian modernist chairs capturing the elegance and optimism of the jet-age era.
Vintage Condition Disclaimer
All vintage and second-hand items are sold as-is. Due to their age and prior use, these pieces may display signs of wear such as minor marks, patina, surface imperfections, or variations consistent with their history. These characteristics are considered part of the item’s authenticity and charm.
While we take care to accurately describe and photograph each piece, variations and imperfections should be expected. By purchasing a vintage item, the buyer acknowledges and accepts its pre-owned condition. All sales of vintage items are final.
An elegant set of four Pan Am chairs designed by influential Italian modernist Gastone Rinaldi for RIMA, showcasing the designer’s celebrated approach to sculptural metal furniture and post-war Italian innovation.
Constructed from polished chromed steel rod, the chairs feature a striking open-wire basket form suspended above a flowing circular cantilever base. The rhythmic geometry of the wirework references the iconic globe motif of the modernist Pan American Airways logo — a fitting inspiration for a design conceived during the height of the jet-age era, when aviation, futurism and technological optimism heavily influenced contemporary architecture and furniture design.
The curved steel lines create a remarkable sense of movement and transparency, giving the chairs a light architectural presence despite their sculptural form. Viewed from different angles, the layered wire construction produces shifting geometric patterns and shadow play, reinforcing the chairs’ distinctly Space Age character.
Designed during the late 1960s–1970s period of radical Italian experimentation, the Pan Am chairs embody the futuristic optimism that defined the era. Their balance of engineering precision and expressive form allows them to function equally as practical seating and sculptural collectible objects within contemporary interiors.
Under Gastone Rinaldi’s direction, RIMA became one of Italy’s most progressive furniture manufacturers, recognised for pushing the possibilities of tubular steel and chromed metal construction. Today, the Pan Am chairs remain among the designer’s most recognisable and sought-after works.
In excellent vintage condition, these chairs only display light patina to the chrome frames and still hold the original plastic glides. A very rare set of four in this condition.
Details
Approximate Dimensions (each)
Width: 73 cm
Depth: 62 cm
Height: 72 cm
Seat Height: 38 cm
A highly sculptural and collectible set of Italian modernist chairs capturing the elegance and optimism of the jet-age era.
Vintage Condition Disclaimer
All vintage and second-hand items are sold as-is. Due to their age and prior use, these pieces may display signs of wear such as minor marks, patina, surface imperfections, or variations consistent with their history. These characteristics are considered part of the item’s authenticity and charm.
While we take care to accurately describe and photograph each piece, variations and imperfections should be expected. By purchasing a vintage item, the buyer acknowledges and accepts its pre-owned condition. All sales of vintage items are final.
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