If you walked into a room and saw this chaise, you’d think it was a modern and beautifully designed piece of furniture.
Only the price tag of R12 499 might shock you. That is until you learn its true purpose – to provide an intimate and heightened sexual experience.
Made out of eco-friendly material, synthesised leather, the Tantra Chair is hypo-allergenic, stain-resistant and even incorporates climate-control technology to keep the leather at a nice temperature.
More noticeably, it’s ergonomically designed to provide comfort as it hugs the natural curves of the body. It’s engineered to accommodate the versatile love-making positions of the Kama Sutra.
“The amazing thing about the Tantra Chair is that it will blend into a home without raising any eyebrows,” says Al Vitaro, the president of Zen By Design.
Most people have no idea about the intention of the sensual design, seeing it only for its elegant and modern style, he adds.
“We have so many people that purchase the chair just because they like the artistic form, others like to stretch and do yoga and some just use it for relaxation.
“Our buyers are typically very artistic people who appreciate the eccentricity of the Tantra Chair. We would be naive to think that it isn’t a conversation piece, however, we believe that our clients talk about it in the highest terms,” Vitaro says.
As Zen By Design does very little marketing, its business is generated mostly from referrals. And the market for this sensual furniture in South Africa is ideal, particularly in Joburg and Cape Town.
“We have found a demand for the Tantra Chair in just about every industrialised nation around the world and South Africans have really appreciated the artistry, quality and functionality of this unique furniture design,” says Vitaro.
Interestingly, their target market is much larger than they initially thought. He says that their primary market targets the 35- to 45-year-old professionals looking to evolve their relationship and connect with their partner in a spiritual way through Tantric sex. But they also have a strong market in those who are quite a bit older and are looking for a more comfortable, supportive sexual experience.
Originally the chairs were imported into South Africa from the US, says Vitaro, but as the demand increased they decided to manufacture it in Joburg to save South Africans on shipping charges from the US.
Feedback on the chair has been very positive. Vitaro claims that they’ve had a 100 percent customer satisfaction rating over the 10 years the product has been on the market. They attribute this to the strict quality control systems they have in place.
“The Tantra Chair is a work of art and labour of love and our intent is to have our clients feel this through the beauty and quality of the design. The functionality speaks for itself.
“Our furniture designs are created to last a lifetime and we want our clients to feel the loving energy that we have dedicated to each piece,” says Vitaro.
For more information on the chair, e-mail info@zenbydesignsa.co.za or visit www.zenbydesign.com or www.tantrachair.com