Maui

Overview

Maui is a stackable chair by Vico Magistretti for Kartell; the Kartell data sheet heads it "MAUI 1996". Kartell's product page also says the chair can be joined endlessly with other seats of the same type, row by row, by a simple hook positioned on the back.

Construction

The data sheet lists a chrome-plated or painted steel frame, a shell of mass-dyed recycled polypropylene (mass-dyed polypropylene in the non-fire-retardant version) and, for the tablet version, a laminated stratified H.P.L. tablet. Kartell's museum timeline describes Maui as the first single-mould polypropylene chair with no ribbing or metal parts supporting the back.

Specifications

• Dimensions (code 2870): W 55 cm x D 52 cm x H 77 cm
• Weight: 4.9 kg
• Frame: chrome-plated (2870), black (N2870)
• Shell colours: Anthracite, Zinc white, Pale grey, Purple red, Pale blue, Navy blue
• Other codes: 2872 with arms, 2874 / 2869 right / left tablet arm, 2878 swivel chair, 2879 swivel armchair, 2891 fire-resistant version

One shell, no ribs

Kartell's museum timeline places Maui in 1996: Vico Magistretti, who came to Kartell with an already successful career, designed the chairs "Mauna-Kea" and "Maui", and Maui was the first single-mould polypropylene chair without ribbing or metal parts to support the back.

The chair and its back

Kartell's page prints a line signed Vico Magistretti: "The chair with the most beautiful B-side in the history."