Armchair, model no. 4801
Like many of Joe Colombo’s early pieces of furniture, the "4801" Armchair is made from a relatively common material but creates a radically new aesthetic. Simple joints connect three bent plywood elements without screws or metal parts. The ergonomic form together with the relatively compact size and light weight of the chair make for easy handling and seamless integration into different living and working environments. Colombo’s design explores the striking possibilities of molded plywood seating furniture, and builds on experiments by predecessors such as Alvar Aalto, and Charles and Ray Eames.
Artwork Details
- Title: Armchair, model no. 4801
- Designer: Joe Colombo (Italian, Milan 1930–1971 Milan)
- Manufacturer: Kartell
- Date: ca. 1963–64
- Medium: Molded plywood, paint and synthetic leather
- Dimensions: 23 × 28 3/8 × 28 3/4 in., 28 lb. (58.4 × 72 × 73 cm, 12.7 kg)
- Classification: Furniture-Wood
- Credit Line: Gift of Daniel Wolf
- Object Number: 2023.491a–c
- Curatorial Department: Modern and Contemporary Art
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Multiple artists/makers
ca. 1962
Joe Colombo
1964
Joe Colombo
1964
Joe Colombo
1965
Joe Colombo
1966
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.