The Bertoia Asymmetric Chaise remained a prototypical form for 50 years, but in 2005 Knoll brought this masterpiece of mid-century experimental design into production.

With his iconic seating collection, Harry Bertoia transformed industrial wire rods into a new furniture form. The events that made this work possible began a decade earlier at Cranbrook Academy of Art when Bertoia met Florence Knoll Bassett (then Florence Schust). Years later, the Italian-born designer was invited to work for Florence and her husband Hans Knoll. The terms were favorable to the artist and Bertoia was given the freedom to work on whatever suited him, without being held to a strict design agenda. The result of this arrangement was the Bertoia Seating Collection (1952). Featuring a delicate filigreed appearance that's supremely strong, these airy seats are sculpted out of steel rods. In his art, Bertoia experimented with open forms and metal work, and these chairs were an extension of that work. "If you look at the chairs, they are mainly made of air, like sculpture," said Bertoia. "Space passes through them." Manufactured by Knoll® according to the original and exacting specifications of the designer. Chaise made in Italy, seat pads made in U.S.A.

• Full cover is stretched over wire seat basket and attached with hooks.
• Frame is scratch, chip and chemical resistant.
• The Knoll logo is stamped into the base of the chair and ottoman.
• Received I.D. Magazine Honorable Mention, 2006.

steel rods; polished chrome or bonded Rilsan® (white) finish; stainless steel or chrome connections; plastic glides; KnollTextiles Classic Bouclé: 57% nylon, 43% wool.