Set of 5 Tulip chairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll International

Eero Saarinen for Knoll International, set of 5 “Tulip” chairs, circa 1960.

• Original upholstery, firmness of seat totally preserved.
• Very nice condition, first owner.
• H 80 CM X D 51 CM X W 49 CM.
• H sitting 47 CM.
• Some fine marks of normal wear on some of the backs, two small stains on one of the cushions (see photos).

Set of 5 Tulip chairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll International

Designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll International, the Tulip chair is one of the most significant creations of post-war American design. Introduced in the late 1950s, this model featured a then-revolutionary principle: replacing the four traditional legs with a single central pedestal to achieve a more fluid and visually coherent silhouette.

This pursuit of formal simplicity gave birth to a seat that has become an icon of 20th-century furniture. The flared cast aluminum base seems to naturally extend the upper shell, creating a sculptural ensemble inspired by organic and botanical forms.

Early editions produced by Knoll are distinguished by the manufacturing quality of their molded fiberglass shells and the Rilsan coating applied to the base. This synthetic material gives the surface a uniform, slightly satin finish while improving its resistance to daily use.

The Tulip remains highly sought after for the balance it strikes between futuristic aesthetics and user comfort. Its enveloping backrest and carefully studied proportions allow it to maintain an elegant presence without excessive rigidity.

Still in production today, this Saarinen creation remains associated with the great classics of international design and 1960s modernist interiors. Authentic examples edited by Knoll International are particularly prized by collectors and vintage furniture enthusiasts.