Mid Century Modern Marcel Breuer Cane Dining Chair

Designed by Marcel Breuer in 1928, the Cesca cane chair pairs a chrome-plated steel cantilever frame with a hand-woven cane seat and back framed in solid oak — an enduring statement of Bauhaus modernism. This listing is for a single chair of our reproduction, in natural oak or stained black: pull one up to a desk or a vanity, complete an odd-numbered table, or build a dining set one chair at a time.

About Marcel Breuer

Marcel Breuer (1902–1981) was a Hungarian-born modernist who studied and later taught at the Bauhaus in Dessau, where he pioneered the use of tubular steel in furniture. His 1928 cantilever design — named "Cesca" after his daughter Francesca — was inspired by the curved handlebars of his Adler bicycle and revolutionized seating by eliminating the rear legs entirely. The combination of steel, wood, and woven cane reflected the Bauhaus mission of marrying industrial materials with craft tradition.

After emigrating to the United States in 1937, Breuer became one of the most influential architects of mid-century modernism, designing the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York and UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. The Cesca remains one of the most celebrated chairs of the 20th century.

Materials & Craftsmanship

• Frame: ø1" (25 mm) chrome-plated tubular steel with a 2.5 mm wall — the signature cantilever curve supports the sitter without rear legs.
• Seat and back frames: solid oak, in a natural finish or stained black.
• Seat and back panels: natural Indonesian rattan cane webbing, hand-woven in the traditional octagonal pattern.
• Glides: black plastic glides under the base runners, between the steel and the floor.

The cane is a living material — slight surface burrs are characteristic of authentic hand-woven rattan and soften with use. Each chair is inspected for finish, joinery, and weave tension before shipping.

Specifications

Care

To care for the cane: dust regularly with a soft cloth or vacuum brush attachment, and wipe with a slightly damp (not wet) cloth to remove small burrs as they appear — this is normal and softens with handling. Avoid direct sun for extended periods (the cane can dry out) and damp basements (it absorbs moisture). The oak frame can be conditioned occasionally with a wood-friendly polish; the chrome wipes clean with a soft microfiber cloth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this listing for one chair?

Yes. Each order is for a single chair. Choose Natural Solid Oak Wood or Stained Black on Solid Oak Wood under Color, and set the quantity to the number of chairs your table or desk needs.

Which finish should I choose — black or natural oak?

The stained black finish reads more graphic and contemporary, pairing well with white walls and walnut tables. The natural oak finish is warmer and more Scandinavian — best with lighter woods or off-white interiors. Both share the same chrome frame and natural cane.

Does it work at a dining table and at a desk?

Yes. The chair has no arms, so it slides under a table top, and the seat sits 17.9" (45.5 cm) from the floor — a standard dining height that also suits most desks. At 18.3" (46.5 cm) wide and 24.0" (61 cm) deep it takes little floor space.

How do I clean and maintain the natural cane?

Dust with a soft cloth or a vacuum brush attachment. For grime, wipe with a damp (not wet) cloth and dry immediately. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners. Loose strands can be eased back into the weave by hand and finished with a touch of beeswax-based wood polish.

Will the cane sag over time?

Natural Indonesian cane has slight elasticity and may relax very gently in the first months of use — this is normal. It will not sag if cared for properly. Keep it out of constantly humid environments and avoid sitting on the front edge of the seat.

Do you ship to France and Germany?

Yes. We deliver to France and Germany door to door: standard delivery takes about 21 days and expedited delivery about 16 days. The international leg travels by multimodal transport. Your order then arrives at our bonded warehouse in the EU, clears customs there and is handed to a local carrier for last-mile delivery. You will receive a tracking number during the week before delivery. We ship DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): customs duties and import VAT are prepaid by us, so there is nothing to pay on delivery.

Shipping & Returns

Free US shipping (standard delivery in about 21 days, expedited delivery in about 16 days). 30-day free returns. See our shipping policy and refund policy.