The Rennie Chair is one of the most notable creations of Japanese architect and designer Kazuhide Takahama. It was developed in the 1960s for the Italian manufacturer Simon Gavina. These chairs exemplify Takahama’s unique ability to blend Eastern and Western design sensibilities, resulting in pieces that are both visually striking and functionally elegant.
The Rennie chair stands out for its minimalist yet impactful design, distinguished by its use of glossy lacquer. The chair’s black lacquered frame provides a sleek, mirror-like finish, while the seat, upholstered in honey-yellow corduroy, offers a warm contrast to the black lacquer, adding texture and comfort to the chair’s otherwise stark design.
The underside of the seat reveals another detail: a canvas lining with the “Simon” pattern. This subtle touch underscores the chair’s authenticity and connects it to the prestigious heritage of Simon Gavina, a manufacturer renowned for its collaborations with some of the most influential designers of the 20th century.
The hairs reflect the era’s embrace of new materials and forms. Takahama’s work, including these chairs, played a crucial role in defining the modernist movement in furniture design, merging functionalism with new production techniques and high art.
Both chairs are in excellent original condition, with absolutely minimal signs of wear. Remarkably well-preserved for their age, they showcase the enduring quality of mid-century design.