Set of 6 CAB Chairs by Mario Bellini for Cassina, Original Cognac Leather Patina

Designed by Mario Bellini and introduced by Cassina in 1977, the CAB collection remains one of the most influential seating designs of the twentieth century. Conceived as a structural exercise in simplicity, the chair was the first to employ a self-supporting saddle leather cover, tailored over a concealed steel frame like a finely crafted saddle.

This rare matching set comprises four CAB 412 dining chairs and two CAB 413 armchairs, all retaining their original cognac saddle leather. What makes this ensemble truly exceptional is not only its completeness, but the extraordinary quality of its untouched original patina.

The natural vegetable-tanned leather has matured beautifully, developing a deep, complex surface impossible to reproduce artificially. The subtle variations in tone, polished areas created by everyday use, softened edges and rich color transitions tell the story of the material itself. Rather than imperfections, these are the characteristics that discerning collectors actively seek—evidence of authenticity, age and honest use.

For this reason, we deliberately chose not to restore or recolor the leather. The chairs have only been professionally cleaned and nourished with natural wax, preserving every nuance of the original patina while enhancing the warmth, suppleness and depth of the hide. Nothing has been concealed or altered.

The photographs clearly document this remarkable surface: the naturally burnished seats, the beautifully aged backrests, the gentle darkening along the edges and the distinctive variations that make every chair subtly unique while maintaining a perfectly harmonious appearance as a set. This is the kind of genuine patina that can only develop over decades and simply cannot be recreated.

All six chairs retain their original leather upholstery and their original Cassina molded bases, clearly embossed with the manufacturer’s mark. The leather remains soft and structurally sound throughout, with no tears, repairs or missing sections. The internal steel frames are solid, the seats comfortable, and the bases are in excellent condition with no cracks or structural damage.

Finding a complete set of six CAB chairs is already increasingly uncommon; finding one preserved in its original cognac leather with such an honest, uniform and beautifully developed patina is considerably rarer. This is a set intended not for those seeking perfection, but for collectors who understand that true luxury lies in authentic materials that have aged gracefully.

Professionally cleaned and nourished exclusively with natural wax, preserving the original finish. No tears, no structural repairs and no broken components.