1960s French Geometric Rocking Chair in Black Steel and Off-White Leather

Rocking chair / chaise longue, lacquered steel, leather, rubber rope, France, 1960s

Dating from the 1960s, this remarkable rocking chair carries with it a certain mystery. Its maker remains unknown, yet the model found its way into some of the most refined French interiors of the period. Willy Rizzo and his wife, actress Elsa Martinelli, chose the chair for the living room of their holiday home in Saint-Tropez, while architect Henri-Pierre Maillard also used the design in one of his projects in Sainte-Maxime. Its presence in these interiors gives the piece an evocative connection to the relaxed elegance of the French Riviera.

The chaise longue itself is almost as intriguing as its history. Its black-painted metal frame is drawn in a continuous play of sharp angles and generous curves, creating a silhouette that feels both architectural and surprisingly light. The distinctive zig-zag structure does more than define its graphic appearance: it also supports the body at a natural reclining angle, contributing to the chair’s sense of balance and comfort. The long rocking runners sweep beneath the seat like two fluid lines, giving the chair a sense of movement even when standing still. The pale upholstered cushion rests delicately within the graphic metal frame, bringing softness and comfort to its strong architectural lines. Its simple and pure exterior will come forward nicely in a calm atmosphere, like a patio or a studio space.