Set of 8 CAB 412 Chairs by Mario Bellini, Original Patinated Cognac Leather

Designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina and introduced in 1977, the CAB 412 remains one of the purest expressions of Italian design. It was the world’s first chair constructed from a self-supporting saddle leather skin, expertly tailored and tensioned over a concealed steel frame with the precision of fine leather craftsmanship. Nearly five decades later, it continues to define understated luxury through its remarkable simplicity and the way it celebrates the natural beauty of leather.

This exceptional matching set of eight CAB 412 dining chairs is preserved in its original cognac saddle leather, displaying the kind of authentic patina that collectors actively seek and that only decades of careful use can produce. Rather than appearing worn, the leather has matured beautifully, developing a rich landscape of tonal variations, burnished surfaces, softened edges and subtle markings that tell the story of the material itself.

For this reason, we deliberately chose not to restore or recolor the leather. Preserving this extraordinary patina was our priority. Each chair has been professionally cleaned and nourished exclusively with natural wax, allowing the leather to regain softness and protection while respecting its original finish and ensuring its beauty for many years to come. No pigments, fillers or modern coatings have been applied—the leather remains entirely honest and original.

The photographs beautifully illustrate the character of the set. Every chair displays its own unique evolution: softly polished seating surfaces, naturally darkened areas where the leather has been gently handled over time, delicate variations in tone and texture, and the unmistakable depth that only vegetable-tanned saddle leather can acquire through age. Together, these nuances create a remarkably cohesive ensemble whose charm could never be replicated by newly upholstered examples.

Structurally, the chairs are in excellent vintage condition. The internal steel frames remain perfectly solid, ensuring exceptional comfort and stability. All leather covers are original, supple and well preserved, with no tears, splits or repairs to report. The iconic Cassina molded bases are intact throughout, with no cracks or structural damage.

Finding a complete set of eight original CAB 412 chairs in matching cognac leather is increasingly uncommon. Finding one that has retained such an honest and beautifully developed patina is rarer still. This is a set intended for collectors, architects and discerning interiors that value authenticity over perfection, where every mark enriches the material rather than diminishes it.