Pietro Costantini

PIETRO COSTANTINI (Italy, 20th century).
Set of four “Fan” chairs, Italy, c. 1980.
Black-lacquered wood.
In good condition considering its age.
Measurements: 106 x 46 x 49 cm (x4).
Set of four “Fan” dining chairs, made in Italy around 1980 and representative of the expressive style of Italian design from that decade. Crafted from black-lacquered wood, they stand out for the uniqueness of their silhouette and, especially, for their characteristic high backs, formed by a succession of vertical slats that gradually fan out.This design makes the backrest the piece’s primary sculptural element, creating an intriguing interplay of rhythm, geometry, and verticality. The repetition of the slats lends visual lightness to a structure with a strong presence, while the black finish emphasizes its architectural and refined character. When viewed together, the four chairs also produce a marked effect of repetition and continuity, reinforcing their decorative dimension within the space.
La Fan is rooted in the context of 1980s Italian postmodern design, a period in which furniture reclaimed the expressive value of form, silhouette, and ornamentation in contrast to the austerity of functionalism. In this piece, a seemingly simple formal gesture—the radial opening of the backrest—transforms a conventional dining chair into an object of remarkable sculptural presence.