226 - Marcel Wanders (born in 1963)

Marcel Wanders (born in 1963) Flower Chair Chair Painted steel Moooi Edition Netherlands, 2001 H75 W52 D48 cm; seat height 47 cm In original vintage condition, showing surface wear, paint chips, and scattered areas of oxidation. Repainting or professional restoration is recommended. The chair is usable, but due to the inherently delicate construction of this model, careful use is advised. A rare early-period Flower Chair, designed by Dutch designer Marcel Wanders for Moooi in 2001. The chair is made entirely of painted steel. At the heart of its tubular structure, numerous individually shaped steel-wire flowers are assembled to form a delicate, lace-like seat and backrest. The openwork floral surface appears almost weightless and creates an intriguing contrast with the chair’s functional archetype. The Flower Chair was part of Moooi’s very first collection, presented at the company’s inaugural exhibition in Milan in 2001. Its romantic ornamentation and technically ambitious construction reflect Marcel Wanders’ signature blend of traditional decorative motifs and contemporary production methods. The model was produced for only a relatively short period and is rarely seen today. Its delicate construction is believed to have contributed to the discontinuation of its production. The chair remains functional but must be treated with appropriate care; it is equally captivating as a sculptural or decorative object. Marcel Wanders (born in 1963) is one of the most influential Dutch designers of his generation. He gained international recognition for his iconic Knotted Chair for Droog Design in 1996 and co-founded Moooi with Casper Vissers in 2001. His work is characterized by a playful reinterpretation of ornamentation, craftsmanship, and historical forms. A rare piece from Moooi’s early days and a vivid illustration of Marcel Wanders’ poetic approach to industrial design. Following the success of the Knotted Chair for Droog Design in 1996, Marcel Wanders co-founded Moooi with Casper Vissers in 2001. The Flower Chair is part of the brand’s very first collection, presented in Milan that year. Within a tubular steel frame, countless steel-wire flowers—each one unique—form an openwork seat and backrest that resemble lace. The contrast between the romantic ornamentation and the archetypal chair epitomizes Wanders’ approach. Produced for only a short time—largely due to its delicate construction—it is rarely seen today.