Set of Four Artisanal French Iron Highback Chairs, 1980s

Forged with a sculptural rhythm, this set of four highback dining chairs captures a uniquely artisanal spirit rooted in French ironwork traditions.

Design
Each chair is crafted entirely from solid iron rods, hand-bent and tension-wrapped in a continuous wave pattern that defines both the seat and the elongated backrest. The open, linear design reveals a deep sense of material honesty; no embellishment, only the interplay between form, negative space and shadow. The wiry composition imparts a visual lightness while maintaining a solid, grounded presence. The height of the backrest is exaggerated, almost architectural, inviting comparisons with Italian Radical Design or the structural experiments of postmodernism. While the maker remains unidentified, the construction evokes the influence of late 20th-century sculptor-artisans working in Provence and the south of France, where iron was often explored as both utilitarian and expressive.

The warmth of the hand-applied patina softens the industrial feel, suggesting an approach closer to the atelier than the factory. Whether used around a dining table or as sculptural side chairs, they offer both presence and transparency.

Condition
The set is in very good condition, with minor signs of wear and oxidation appropriate for age. All welds are secure and the patinated finish is evenly preserved.