1970s Plia Folding Chair in Transparent Yellow by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli, Italy

An undisputed icon of 20th-century Italian design, the Plia chair (1967) by Giancarlo Piretti for Anonima Castelli revolutionized the concept of the folding chair.

Celebrated for its genius three-disc hinge mechanism, the Plia was the first chair to fold completely flat, a feat of engineering that secured its place in the permanent collection of the MoMA in New York.

This specific example features the vibrant Transparent Yellow seat and backrest — a quintessential 1970s hue that glows warmly when tailored with natural light. The combination of the sleek, mechanical chrome frame and the playful, translucent Cellidor plastic perfectly captures the space age aesthetic of the era. It is as much a piece of functional sculpture as it is a seating solution.

Condition: 

This piece is in good original vintage condition and wears its history openly. It displays honest signs of vintage patina commensurate with its age and use.

Plastic/Acrylic: The yellow transparency remains vibrant, though the surface shows minor scuffing and scratches typical of vintage acrylics that have been loved and used over decades. These marks do not compromise structural integrity but attest to its life as a functional object.

Chrome Frame: The steel structure is solid. The chrome finish shows age-appropriate wear, including minor surface marks.

Mechanism: The signature folding mechanism operates flawlessly and smoothly.

Measurements:

H: 75 x W: 47 x D: 50 cm

Seat Height: 44 cm