a zanotta sonata

Zanotta is a storied Italian industrial design company with collections in over 60 museums around the world. With an R&D-friendly corporate philosophy and undisputed manufacturing expertise, they’ve been able to develop both original, handmade pieces as well as provide faithful reproductions of classics. Above: the Ross Lovegrove’s Brasilia lounge lhair has a beautiful 60s scifi aesthetic to it, with an embossed polyurethane frame and curvaceous silhouette. Others have taken notice: it’s part of the Chicago Athenaeum collection, and is the winner of the 2003 Good Design Award.

Like the Brasilia, the Maggiolina lounge chair also has modern roots but with a more classical appeal. A graceful stainless steel tubular frame wraps around a cowhide sling, which is in turn backed with a plush goose down cushion. Leather strips on the armests and a leather seat cushion finish this restrained, yet stylish chair.

The Cavour writing desk is regarded as one of the most desired pieces in the Zanotta collection, and rightly so. Its streamlined, aerodynamic legs harken back to the dawning of the jet age, and a clear glass top helps to further accentuate its sleek profile. The oak frame can be finished bleached or wenge-stained. This table is absolutely stunning and definitely something I would love to own if I had $9k to spare.

The playful Dora chair really comes to life when finished with floral patterns. Combined with a glossy lacquered finish, the chair takes on the look of silky fabric that is impossibly smooth and taut. A polyethylene frame makes this a viable option for both indoor and outdoor seating.

While the Cavour spoke to mankind’s triumphant entry into the jet age, the Arabesco coffee table is perhaps a fusion of both organic and alien/space-age influences. The gorgeous bent ply frame with irregular, oblong cutouts is clearly inspired by cell biology, while the tempered plate glass top and shelf have a remarkably leaf-like appearance. An homage to Carlo Mollino (who designed the Cavour), this table and the other items featured in this post are an excellent example of Zanotta’s ongoing love for high quality, beautifully-designed furnishings.
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