EMU Italy, folding lounge chair in wood and canvas, circa 1980

EMU Italy, folding lounge chair in wood and canvas, circa 1980

A folding lounge chair manufactured by EMU Italy, dating from the late 1970s to the early 1980s.

The scissor-style frame is crafted from solid wood, featuring turned elements and large side joints that define the chair's distinctive profile. The backrest and seat consist of a single suspended unit made of sturdy ecru canvas, complemented by fabric armrests and metal tension rods.

It is a minimalist yet surprisingly sophisticated design, where the load-bearing structure remains fully visible and becomes an integral part of the aesthetic. The wide seat, steeply reclined backrest, and soft canvas provide the informal, enveloping posture characteristic of outdoor lounge chairs from the 1970s and 80s.

The original EMU Italy mark is still present on the frame.

This model is part of the historic production line of the Umbrian company, which developed numerous outdoor furnishings—including wooden pieces—during the late 1970s and 1980s. In the early 1980s, EMU also introduced the iconic "Siesta" lounge chair, which the company later identified as the precursor to the "Snooze" collection.

Manufacturer: EMU Italy
Period: Circa late 1970s – early 1980s
Origin: Italy
Materials: Solid wood, cotton canvas, metal
Type: Folding lounge chair
Mark: EMU Italy label present on the frame