A Symbol of Ligurian Elegance for Design at the Italian Riviera:

The Chiavari chair is much more than a mere piece of furniture. It is a symbol of Design Italian Riviera and artisan mastery. It represents an authentic piece of Ligurian history and craftsmanship, with roots dating back to the golden age of the Republic of Genoa. It was in 1807 that the skilled cabinetmaker Giuseppe Gaetano Descalzi, known as “Campanino“, created the first prototype of this iconic chair. At the invitation of Marquess Stefano Rivarola, president of the Economic Society of Chiavari, Descalzi reinvented French chair models by simplifying their ornamentation and reducing the sections of their structural elements. This revolutionary new design achieved extraordinary success, leading to the establishment of numerous workshops not only in Chiavari but also in surrounding municipalities.

The Chiavarina caught the attention of illustrious figures such as Carlo Alberto of Savoy, Napoleon III, and the sculptor Antonio Canova. However, its supremacy was challenged by the arrival of Austrian Thonet chairs on the market, which were mass-produced at lower costs. The advent of industrial production in the second half of the 20th century also led to a decline in its popularity. Nevertheless, some workshops keep alive the ancient artisan tradition required to craft the Chiavari chair. Architect and designer Gio Ponti was deeply inspired by the structural system of the Chiavari chair, using it as the basis for his famous Superleggera chair in 1955. Materials and Characteristics Materials used for the Chiavari chair include fine woods such as wild cherry, walnut, poplar, beech, and occasionally ash, sourced from the woods of the Ligurian hinterland. The seat is made with strands of marsh willow, handwoven in a herringbone or fishbone pattern, directly warped onto the chair frame and knotted using Descalzi’s idealo system. This intricate work was traditionally executed by chair-makers, skilled artisans who sometimes inserted wool designs among the threads.

The weight of the Chiavari chair ranges from 1,600 to 1,700 kg, ensuring an ideal balance between sturdiness and manageability.

La Chiavarina at the Adults Only Boutique Hotel Villa Edera Moneglia:

At our Adults-Only Boutique Hotel Villa Edera and La Toretta and at the 1-star MICHELIN Restaurant Orto by Jorg Giubbani in Moneglia, you can immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of the Chiavari chair. This authentic piece of Ligurian history and craftsmanship enriches the atmosphere of our spaces with its unique charm and fascinating history. An Artisanal Method Handed Down Through Generations Careful wood selection and natural seasoning are fundamental pillars of this artisanal process. Wood is meticulously chosen from the woods of the Ligurian hinterland, considering details such as the seasonal period and lunar phase to ensure the highest quality of material. After the cutting phase, the wood undergoes rigorous natural seasoning, essential to guarantee durability over time and the quality of the material used. Artisanal Processing and Finishing Once the seasoning phase is complete, the wood is ready to be worked. Boards are transported to the workshop where they are shaped and finished by hand with great attention to detail, ensuring the highest quality of the finished product. Special attention is given to the weaving process, a handcrafted process that contributes to the robustness of the structure. Strands of Indonesian rush are woven onto the chair following a precise design, adding a touch of uniqueness to each piece. Finally, polishing completes the process, enhancing the natural beauty of the materials and protecting them from atmospheric agents.

Family Passion and Commitment the “Podestà Adriano chairs” was established in 1981 when Adriano continued the thirty-year legacy of the family business “Fratelli Podestà”. The company, already well-established in the production of Chiavari chairs, expanded its catalog to include folding chairs and tables in a marine style, thereby becoming a point of interest in this sector for those seeking a blend of elegance and quality. These characteristics have allowed them to collaborate with architects and designers worldwide, establishing the brand in the international market. The production’s strengths lie in tradition, technical skill, craftsmanship, the use of high-quality materials, and the pursuit of new and eco-friendly elements, ranging from classic Chiavari chairs to custom-designed pieces.

This chair represents a tradition rooted in the culture of the Ligurian region, embodying a heritage of craftsmanship and history dating back centuries. Its versatility makes it suitable not only for traditional environments but also for modern spaces. Thanks to its timeless elegance and refined design, it can harmoniously complement any style of décor, whether classic or contemporary.

The Chiavari chair is not just a piece of furniture but a symbol of Italian art and craftsmanship.

Discovering the History of Chiavari:

History, Culture, and Commitment in the Italian Risorgimento Chiavari is an ancient town located between Portofino and the Cinque Terre, offering a variety of cultural and historical attractions. Despite its small size, it is the third most populous city in the metropolitan area of Genoa, after the metropolis itself and Rapallo. Thanks to its coastal location, it is an increasingly popular tourist destination, with beaches, fresh seafood restaurants, and a rich cultural offering. Chiavari is a blend of history, culture, and commercial vibrancy, ideal for those wishing to explore the Ligurian coast. Its territory has roots dating back to the medieval period, when the village that we know today emerged. Before the first millennium, the territory was crossed by important communication routes, both coastal and direct towards the Ligurian hinterland and Emilia. During the Middle Ages, Chiavari was involved in power struggles between the Municipality of Genoa and the Counts of Lavagna, but by the end of the 12th century, the Chiavari castle was erected as a Genoese stronghold, marking the beginning of the village as an urban entity. The Fieschi and Ravaschieri families, descendants of the Counts of Lavagna, maintained a prominent role in the city until the modern age. In the 18th century, Chiavari and other locations in eastern Liguria experienced a period of economic and cultural growth, with the emergence of a new bourgeois class. The Economic Society was founded in 1791, a center for debate and cultural innovation reflecting the ferment of European Enlightenment. During the Napoleonic era, Chiavari became the capital of the Department of the Apennines, contributing to the infrastructural and cultural modernization of the region. It was a period of intense economic activity and urban renewal, with the creation of roads, land reclamation, and public works. In the 19th century, Chiavari was an important center for the Risorgimento movements, giving birth to figures such as Giuseppe Mazzini and Giuseppe Garibaldi. The Economic Society played a fundamental role in promoting national unity through political and cultural debate. After the Unification of Italy, Chiavari continued to be a center of political and cultural activity, producing prominent figures such as Minister Stefano Castagnola. The Historical Museum of the Economic Society preserves evidence of this rich historical and cultural heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into the life and events of the city’s past.

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Book your stay immediately and discover all the exclusive offers we have. We invite you to visit our website at the following link: Offers and Membership.

We look forward to welcoming you and giving you an unforgettable experience in the splendid setting of the Boutique Hotel Villa Edera,  Moneglia, nestled among the beauties of Portofino and the wonders of the Cinque Terre. … Be curious and follow our next Blog!