Upholstered Danish Cabinetmaker Banana Sofa, Denmark 1940s (sold)
Upholstered Danish Cabinetmaker Banana Sofa, Denmark 1940s (sold)
Danish modern style – it is uncomplicated, sophisticated, playful, and timeless. Form follows function, and high-quality, natural materials bring lightness and warmth. These are the basic principles of the era’s furniture design, and therefore of this three-seater sofa as well.
This Danish banana sofa wraps itself around the sitter who is supported by the wonderfully well-made frame. The generous sized profile accentuates the defining, streamlined curve of the body with an essentially modern design. As this sofa showcases, utility and style are not two different categories in Scandinavian mid-century design. The shape encompasses a minimalist aesthetic that mirrors the proportions of the human body. The crescent-shaped body is designed to bring people closer together to create a cosy atmosphere, which is a core concept in Danish culture that translates in its designs as well. The short sphere legs further add to the cosy look by utilizing the most traditional material of Scandinavia, wood. The feet add just the right amount of organic charm to the sofa. The design, from the curving lines to the wood and luxurious upholstery, not only creates an intimate gathering place but also defines the look of a home.
Visually, this three-seater sofa represents Nordic modernism in a couple of ways: it rejects the traditional elements of styles of the past, such as heavy ornamentation and visual historicism. The sheepskin upholstery stands out, but even with the stylish button tufting, it isn’t loud. Instead, it adds to the modern elegance and cosiness of this sofa.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The sofa has been reupholstered recently in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
75.59 in W x 43.7 in D x 28.34 in H; Seat height 15.55 in
192 cm W x 111 cm D x 72 cm H; Seat height 39.5 cm
About the designer:
This Danish-made sofa reflects the core traditions and ideals of Danish design, while recalling the shapes of the Art Deco movement. What both movements valued highly is the highest level of craftsmanship and attention to details.
Mid-century pieces such as this sofa were of great design, using fantastic wood like teak or beech. The mid-century was the heyday of the production by master craftsmen. Mid-century Danish design is world-famous for the partnership between designer and manufacturer, resulting in ground-breaking creations. The Danish design idiom was centred on warm woods, quality fabrics and gentle yet robust support for the spine - qualities that engender contentment and well-being, a defining characteristic of Danish culture. The “Great Danes” believed furniture should be shorn of aesthetic detail and be an amalgam of form and function. A master cabinet-maker is not a carpenter, as this was a rare breed of craftsman who had to be recognized by the Danish government after several years of toiling at his craft, as well as having to ace gruelling design competitions before becoming a master cabinet-maker.
Since Denmark was a special instance of tempered industrialization, it managed to preserve sound traditions and continue to safeguard values of craftsmanship, materiality and usability. Today, Danish furniture is sought after by collectors for classic looks, storied designs and solid quality, works that are truly soulful and timeless. ~H.
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
This elegant three-seater sofa is a quintessential example of mid-century Italian design. Visually, it represents modernism by rejecting the common design choices of the past, such as heavy ornamentation and the prioritisation of form over function.
The design elements of this sofa - from the curved lines, to the dark wood and luxurious upholstery - not only create an intimate gathering place, but also define the look of a room whilst keeping the warmth and cosiness that is often associated with mid-century design. The piece aims to maximise comfort while putting an emphasis on elegance and refinement. With its high winged-backrest the sofa combines both form and function. Originally intended to shield the sitters from drafts, the wingback design also contributes to the stately silhouette. The understated tone of the upholstery allows the sculptural lines of the sofa to stand out, while still offering a neutral look that will integrate seamlessly into both contemporary and vintage interiors. The seat cushion is generously padded, providing a balance of comfort and support. Further adding to the stability are the tapered wooden legs that the piece rests on, the dark tone of the wood subtly elevates the design and reflects the minimalist aesthetic of the era. Free from unnecessary decoration, the aesthetic of this sofa is sleek, elegant, and modern. With its interesting shape, it is perfect to break the rigour of any space, keeping an elegant appearance elevated by the light upholstery.
Though many mid-century Italian designers may not have the name recognition as some of their Scandinavian counterparts, they were integral to developing a modern aesthetic in Europe. The appreciation for their contribution is still growing today making outstanding Italian pieces like this sofa highly sought after.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The sofa has been reupholstered recently in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
77.55 in W x 36.22 in D x 36.41 in H; Seat height 20.07 in; Seat depth 20.66 in; Arm height 22.44 in
197 cm W x 92 cm D x 92.5 cm H; Seat height 51 cm; Seat depth 52.5 cm; Arm height 57 cm
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Price category: 20,000 - 30,000 usd / eur
The “Camaleonda” (Italian word play combining the words for ‘chameleon’ and ‘wave’) sofa is Mario Bellini’s contemporary classic. The playful, modular design offers endless options for the user, which also inspired the model’s name. Camaleonda has passed through five decades of design history as a true icon.
The elements that made this sofa a contemporary classic are the individual modules, their original cutting patterns and the polyurethane padding that forms the characteristic capitonné (a style of upholstery in which the material is drawn in at intervals) design. The four separate segments of this “Camaleonda” were manufactured with the innovative system of cables, hooks, and rings created by Bellini in 1970, which defines the characteristic look and modularity. The fundamental characteristic of Camaleonda is specifically this unlimited modularity, a geometric pattern that allows each element to become an enormous pixel through which to define your home environment. The four modules’ versatility and the attached tie-rods and rings make it possible to create custom forms. Furthermore, the modules can be unhooked and recombined at will, allowing the sofa to adapt to an evolving taste and needs. A concept which is dear to Mario Bellini: “Of all the objects I have designed, Camaleonda is perhaps the best in terms of its sense of freedom. There are infinite numbers of possible configurations.”
The modules of this sofa defined the aesthetics of an entire era of interior design, and are constantly featured in most international design. Considering the inherently modern and innovative design, this shall comes as no surprise.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The four modules are upholstered in a brown velour fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
Large segments:
147.63 in W x 37.79 in D x 26.37 in H; Seat height 15.35 in; Arm height 19.68 in
375 cm W x 96 cm D x 67 cm H; Seat height 39 cm; Arm height 50 cm
Literature:
Domus n. 523, giugno 1973, pubblicità; G. Gramigna, Repertorio del design italiano 1950 - 1980, Milano 1985, p. 341.
About the designer:
Mario Bellini (born February 1, 1935, Milan) is an internationally renowned Italian architect and designer. He received the Golden Compass Award eight times and the Medaglia d’Oro, that was conferred on him by the President of the Italian Republic. The MoMA in New York already dedicated a personal retrospective exhibition to him in 1987. At the time the museum already included 25 of his works in its permanent collection, including a remarkable set of Olivetti machines as well as the furniture for B&B and Cassina.
He graduated from the Milan Polytechnic - Faculty of Architecture in 1959 and began working as an architect himself in the early 1960s. Like many other Italian architects, his activities range from architecture and urban planning to product and furniture design.
His career as a product and furniture designer began in 1963, and from 1963 to 1991 he was chief design consultant for Olivetti. For many years he designed furnishing products and systems for B&B Italia and Cassina, TV sets for Brionvega, and hi-fi systems, headphones and electric organs for Yamaha. Bellini was also the editor of Domus magazine between 1985 and 1991.
Since the 1980s, Bellini has been dedicating himself to architecture almost exclusively, designing a wide range of buildings all around the world, including the Portello Trade Fair district in Milan, the Tokyo Design Centre in Japan, the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, the Deutsche Bank Headquarters in Frankfurt, and the Department of Islamic Art at the Louvre in Paris to just name a few. In 2015 the Milan Triennale awarded him the Gold Medal for his career in architecture and in 2017 dedicated a retrospective exhibition to him. Contemporary Italian design has been synonymous with Mario Bellini’s name ever since the 1960s. ~H.
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Price category: 20,000 - 30,000 usd / eur
The iconic “Soriana” three-seater sofa was designed by the Italian designer duo, Afra and Tobia Scarpa in 1969. Besides its innovative manufacturing, visually,Soriana brings sophisticated and leisurely comfort to any home.
This post-modern sofa was manufactured by Cassina as part of the eponymous line that reached the coveted ‘iconic’ title soon after its launch. The award-winning design features three front metal clamps by which all soft curves and loose leather upholstery are held together, a particularly original detail that creates a sense of barely contained softness. The Soriana collection was meant to express beauty and comfort by using a whole bundle of fabric held by chrome-plated steel clamps. The defining upholstered body features tufted buttons all over it, which visually sections the sofa, while also adding depth to accentuate the softness. The interesting pairing of the metal clamps with the luxurious dark leather creates the nowadays especially coveted post-modern look. For all its casual overtures, this sofa model remains a statement piece — an icon of contemporary design
The “Soriana Chair” was the first piece designed in the collection, and for its design in 1970, it won the Compasso d'Oro, one of the most important design awards of that time. The design has been reissued by Cassina recently, with the aim of recovering and safeguarding the works of Afra and Tobia Scarpa.
Condition:
In very good condition. The sofa is upholstered in premium leather. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
96.06 in W x 35.43 in D x 32.67 in H; Seat Height 21.65 in
244 cm W x 90 cm D x 83 cm H; Seat height 55 cm
Literature:
G. Gramigna, Repertorio del Design Italiano 1950-2000 per l’Arredamento Domestico. Turin: Allemandi 2003, p. 318
G. Bosoni, Made in Cassina. Milan: Skira, 2008, pp. 200-201.
About the designers:
Afra and Tobia Scarpa graduated at the Istituto Universitario di Architettura in Venice and formed one of the most successful and known professional associations. Their works can be found in museums across the USA and Europe such as the MoMA and the Louvre. Their designs like the Soriana sofa exhibit a decidedly modernist aesthetic, prioritizing pared-back elegance and comfort. At the same time, the Scarpas are admired for the ease with which their designs complement both classical and cutting-edge interiors.
The Soriana was created for the Italian manufacturing company Cassina, which is often credited with introducing industrial design to Italy and has built an international reputation for collaborating with some of the world’s most respected designers, including Afra and Tobia Scarpa.
The husband-and-wife duo’s products played an important role in the history of Italian Design and are thriving in the Mid-Century market. The Soriana sofa is a collectors’ piece and part of the history of Italian design destined to increase in value with the time. A piece of true Italian Modernism. ~H.
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 20,000 - 30,000 usd / eur
The iconic “Soriana” three-seater sofa was designed by the Italian designer duo, Afra and Tobia Scarpa in 1969. Besides its innovative manufacturing, visually,Soriana brings sophisticated and leisurely comfort to any home.
This post-modern sofa was manufactured by Cassina as part of the eponymous line that reached the coveted ‘iconic’ title soon after its launch. The award-winning design features three front metal clamps by which all soft curves and loose leather upholstery are held together, a particularly original detail that creates a sense of barely contained softness. The Soriana collection was meant to express beauty and comfort by using a whole bundle of fabric held by chrome-plated steel clamps. The defining upholstered body features tufted buttons all over it, which visually sections the sofa, while also adding depth to accentuate the softness. The interesting pairing of the metal clamps with the luxurious dark fabric creates the nowadays especially coveted post-modern look. For all its casual overtures, this sofa model remains a statement piece — a true icon of contemporary, or just simply, design.
The “Soriana Chair” was the first piece designed in the collection, and for its design in 1970, it won the Compasso d'Oro, one of the most important design awards of that time. The design has been reissued by Cassina recently, with the aim of recovering and safeguarding the works of Afra and Tobia Scarpa.
Condition:
In very good condition. The sofa is upholstered in premium grey fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
98.81 in W x 39.76 in D x 26.96 in H; Seat Height 14.96 in
251 cm W x 101 cm D x 68.5 cm H; Seat height 38 cm
Literature:
G. Gramigna, Repertorio del Design Italiano 1950-2000 per l’Arredamento Domestico. Turin: Allemandi 2003, p. 318
G. Bosoni, Made in Cassina. Milan: Skira, 2008, pp. 200-201.
About the designers:
Afra and Tobia Scarpa graduated at the Istituto Universitario di Architettura in Venice and formed one of the most successful and known professional associations. Their works can be found in museums across the USA and Europe, such as the MoMA and the Louvre. Their designs like the Soriana sofa exhibit a decidedly modernist aesthetic, prioritizing pared-back elegance and comfort. At the same time, the Scarpas are admired for the ease with which their designs complement both classical and cutting-edge interiors.
The Soriana was created for the Italian manufacturing company Cassina, which is often credited with introducing industrial design to Italy and has built an international reputation for collaborating with some of the world’s most respected designers, including Afra and Tobia Scarpa.
The husband-and-wife duo’s products played an important role in the history of Italian Design and are thriving in the Mid-Century market. The Soriana sofa is a collectors’ piece and part of the history of Italian design, destined to increase in value with the time. A piece of true Italian Modernism. ~H.
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 20,000 - 30,000 usd / eur
The “Camaleonda” (Italian word play on ‘chameleon’ and ‘wave’) sofa is Mario Bellini’s contemporary classic. The playful, modular design offers endless options for the user, which also inspired the model’s name. Camaleonda has passed through five decades of design history as a true icon.
The modules of the sofa defined the aesthetics of an entire era of interior design, and are constantly featured in most international design. The elements that have made this sofa a contemporary classic are the individual modules, their original cutting patterns and the polyurethane padding that forms the characteristic capitonné (a style of upholstery in which the material is drawn in at intervals) design. The four separate segments of this “Camaleonda” were manufactured with the innovative system of cables, hooks and rings created by Bellini in 1970, which defines the characteristic look and modularity.
The fundamental characteristic of Camaleonda is its unlimited modularity, a geometric pattern that allows each element to become an enormous pixel through which to define your home environment. The four modules’ versatility and the attached tie-rods and rings make it possible to create custom forms. Furthermore, the modules can be unhooked and recombined at will, allowing the sofa to adapt to an evolving taste and needs. A concept which is dear to Mario Bellini: “Of all the objects I have designed, Camaleonda is perhaps the best in terms of its sense of freedom. There are infinite numbers of possible configurations.”
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The four modules have their original dark brown upholstery in good condition. Fabric has small traces of wear, with uneven fading. Please reach out to us for reupholstery possibilities.
Dimensions:
Big segment:
37.40 in W x 37.40 in D x 27.55 in H (with back)
95 cm W x 95 cm D x 70 cm H (with back)
Small segment:
37.80 in W x 26 in D x 15.75 in H
96 cm W x 66 cm D x 40 cm H
Literature:
Domus n. 523, giugno 1973, pubblicità; G. Gramigna, Repertorio del design italiano 1950 - 1980, Milano 1985, p. 341.
About the designer:
Mario Bellini (born February 1, 1935, Milan) is an internationally renowned Italian architect and designer. He received the Golden Compass Award eight times and the Medaglia d’Oro, that was conferred on him by the President of the Italian Republic. The MoMA in New York already dedicated a personal retrospective exhibition to him in 1987. At the time the museum already included 25 of his works in its permanent collection, including a remarkable set of Olivetti machines as well as the furniture for B&B and Cassina.
He graduated from the Milan Polytechnic - Faculty of Architecture in 1959 and began working as an architect himself in the early 1960s. Like many other Italian architects, his activities range from architecture and urban planning to product and furniture design.
His career as a product and furniture designer began in 1963, and from 1963 to 1991 he was chief design consultant for Olivetti. For many years he designed furnishing products and systems for B&B Italia and Cassina, TV sets for Brionvega, and hi-fi systems, headphones and electric organs for Yamaha. Bellini was also the editor of Domus magazine between 1985 and 1991.
Since the 1980s, Bellini has been dedicating himself to architecture almost exclusively, designing a wide range of buildings all around the world, including the Portello Trade Fair district in Milan, the Tokyo Design Centre in Japan, the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, the Deutsche Bank Headquarters in Frankfurt, and the Department of Islamic Art at the Louvre in Paris to just name a few. In 2015 the Milan Triennale awarded him the Gold Medal for his career in architecture and in 2017 dedicated a retrospective exhibition to him. Contemporary Italian design has been synonymous with Mario Bellini’s name ever since the 1960s. ~H.
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
Italian mid-century furniture and interior design is known for its elegantly organic forms. The era’s seating models - including this sofa - were created to highlight the spirit of rebirth of post-war furniture design characterized by clean lines and a free spirit.
Similarly to Joseph-André Motte’s designs, this individualistic sofa reflects the mid-century Italian furniture style that was defined by unique solutions, perfect execution, and exclusivity. This delightfully eccentric model is quite simplistic in its design, featuring a combination of a round, shell-like body and slender, tapered metal legs. The rotund body embraces the sitter comfortably with its sloping, pointy armrests, which creates a cosy feel and look. The angular look is artistic and stylish, and establishes the unmistakeable Italian design impression. The pointed arms and metal legs break the round lines that characterize the design and add just enough edge. The cushion, nested into the sofa, follows the smooth and cosy aesthetic. The simple but effective shape is further supported by the light upholstery that is elegantly restrained while having enough textural variety to enhance the round forms. The sofa is mounted on tapered metal legs that offer great contrast to the round body and its upholstery. The polished and patinated look stands out beautifully against the upholstery and emphasizes the slim shape ending in small ball feet.
Though many mid-century Italian designers may not have the name recognition as some of their Scandinavian counterparts, they were integral to developing a modern aesthetic in Europe. The appreciation for their contribution is still growing today making outstanding Italian pieces like this artistic sofa highly sought after.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The metal legs have beautiful patina. The sofa has been reupholstered recently in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
57.08 in W x 29.13 in D x 36.61 in H; Seat height 16.14 in; Arm height 23.62 in
145 cm W x 74 cm D x 93 cm H; Seat height 41 cm; Arm height 60 cm
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Price category: 20,000 - 30,000 usd / eur
The “Soriana” three-seat bouclé sofa was designed by the Italian designer duo, Afra and Tobia Scarpa in 1969. Besides its innovative manufacturing, visually,Soriana brings sophisticated and leisurely comfort to any home.
This Post-Modern sofa was manufactured by Cassina as part of the eponymous line that reached the coveted ‘iconic’ title soon after its launch. The award-winning design features three front metal clamps by which all soft curves and loose upholstery are held together, a particularly original detail that creates a sense of barely contained softness. The Soriana collection was meant to express beauty and comfort by using a whole bundle of fabric held by chrome-plated steel clamps. The defining upholstered body features tufted buttons all over it, which visually sections the sofa, while also adding depth to accentuate the softness. The interesting pairing of the metal clamps with the luxurious bouclé creates the post-modern look. For all its casual overtures, this sofa model remains a statement piece — an icon of contemporary design
The “Soriana Chair” was the first piece designed in the collection, and for its design in 1970, it won the Compasso d'Oro, one of the most important design awards of that time. The design has been reissued by Cassina recently, with the aim of recovering and safeguarding the works of Afra and Tobia Scarpa.
Condition:
In very good condition. The sofa has been reupholstered recently in a premium bouclé fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
99.60 in W x 38.58 in D x 24.80 in H; Seat Height 15.15 in
253 cm W x 98 cm D x 63 cm H; Seat Height: 38.5 cm
Literature:
G. Gramigna, Repertorio del Design Italiano 1950-2000 per l’Arredamento Domestico. Turin: Allemandi 2003, p. 318
G. Bosoni, Made in Cassina. Milan: Skira, 2008, pp. 200-201.
About the designers:
Afra and Tobia Scarpa graduated at the Istituto Universitario di Architettura in Venice and formed one of the most successful and known professional associations. Their works can be found in museums across the USA and Europe such as the MoMA and the Louvre. Their designs like the Soriana sofa exhibit a decidedly modernist aesthetic, prioritizing pared-back elegance and comfort. At the same time, the Scarpas are admired for the ease with which their designs complement both classical and cutting-edge interiors.
The Soriana was created for the Italian manufacturing company Cassina, which is often credited with introducing industrial design to Italy and has built an international reputation for collaborating with some of the world’s most respected designers, including Afra and Tobia Scarpa.
The husband-and-wife duo’s products played an important role in the history of Italian Design and are thriving in the Mid-Century market. The Soriana sofa is a collectors’ piece and part of the history of Italian design destined to increase in value with the time. A piece of true Italian Modernism. ~H.
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
Though mid-century Italian designers may not have the name recognition as some of their Scandinavian and American counterparts, they were integral to developing a modern aesthetic in Europe.
At first, most Italian designers found it challenging to balance modern creativity and classical elegance, but as this sofa demonstrates, they eventually found the recipe for the perfect result. Like their international counterparts, Italian designers prized the marriage of form and function, visible in the curved body, seat cushion, and tapered legs. Curved sofas are in general considered statement pieces, for reasons that are eminently present in this three-seater sofa: a generous rounded body and materials of the highest quality, and of course the revered Italian craftsmanship. With its curved arms and back, this sofa is perfect to break the rigour of any space, keeping the elegant appearance. The round edges are further accentuated by the single line of tufted buttons that sink into the textured, luxurious upholstery with an elegant light colour. The tapered, stained wood legs have a beautiful colour and grain, injecting the organic wood material to the design. The back legs are lightly splayed to provide perfect stability to the structure.
Mid-century modern designs - like this sofa - are simple, clean, and make use of authentic materials. These designs are quite shorn of ornamentation of any form, assigning this role to the visual and material quality instead.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The sofa has been reupholstered recently in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
80.11 in W x 36.22 in D x 32.48 in H; Seat height 14.17 in; Arm height 21.25 in
203.5 cm W x 92 cm D x 82.5 cm H; Seat height 36 cm; Arm height 54 cm
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
This gorgeous daybed with oak legs was inspired by classic Danish furniture design and simplicity. ‘Danish Modern’ is a recognized term around the world, standing for the characteristic style of Danish design created during the 20th century. Pieces from the mid-century era, like this daybed, are characterized by clarity in design and extremely high-quality craftsmanship and choice of materials.
The streamlined solid wood frame of this model features a robust, fully upholstered top, and sturdy yet slim and sculpted legs. From the minimalistic design to the focus on the wood, this daybed has the characteristics of “honest” design that has been a core concept among Scandinavian furniture designers and makers. The sleek look is the result of the clean lines, functional design and expert craftsmanship. Furthermore, in the absence of ornamentation, the luxurious upholstery stays in focus, and along with the shape of the head pillow, it utilizes the bouclé’s texture to break the smooth lines and surfaces visually. If there is a single common denominator for Danish Modern, it is not so much the design or form as the quality of the execution, the woodwork and the upholstery. This daybed excels in these areas, bringing modernism and quality to any space.
Denmark has a long history of furniture-making. Through the 19th century, the country also had a very strong tradition of cabinetmaking, or producing traditional furniture by hand. In the early 20th century, these cabinetmaking traditions began to merge with modern forces like industrialization. This daybed however, is a handmade piece that remains quite rare.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor scratches and discoloration on the wood. The daybed has been reupholstered recently in a premium light bouclé fabric.
Dimensions:
75.59 in W x 33.07 in D x 14.56 in H
192 cm W x 84 cm D x 37 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
“There is no border between craftsmanship and design. What we do on the model, which will then be reproduced a thousand times, is an activity in which we bring all our experience.” said Zanuso, and there is no better visual example of his quote than this sofa.
Marco Zanuso was one of the first to apply new materials and technologies to everyday objects. Gold medal at the Milan Triennial IX, his Lady armchair revolutionized the very concept of sitting. The use of foam rubber and elastic tape, as well as the separate construction of the parts and their subsequent assembly, represented the birth of modern upholstered furniture. This sofa has an essentially modern design. This model was first presented by Marco Zanuso at the IX Triennale di Milano in 1951, hence the name. With a full fabric covering and foam rubber padding on elastic ribbons, this model was one of the first sofas made with very innovative materials and techniques for the time. The design is streamlined, showing Zanuso's design philosophy that was rooted in the principles of functionality, Italian elegance, and comfort. The IX Triennale Sofa embodies these ideals with its streamlined, curvaceous silhouette and meticulous attention to detail. Its ergonomic shape, featuring a gracefully sloping backrest and plush cushioning, ensures both style and comfort. The body is divided into three sections marked by the upholstery on the back, and by the separate seat cushions on the seat. The peculiarly shaped metal legs provide clever and stylish contrast to the upholstered body. Arflex, the revolutionary Italian manufacturer responsible for bringing Zanuso's vision to life, played a crucial role in realizing this sofa.
This IX Triennale Sofa has quickly become is a masterpiece of mid-20th-century furniture design. Created for the 1951 Milan Triennale exhibition, this iconic piece represents the pinnacle of Italian modernism. It is among others, part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and the Centre Pompidou.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. This sofa comes with its original upholstery or has been reupholstered by a previous owner. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
76.37 in W x 34.25 in D x 29.13 in H; Seat height 15.94 in
194 cm W x 87 cm D x 74 cm H; Seat height 40.5
Literature:
Literature: Giuliana Gramigna, Repertorio 1950-2000, Allemandi, Torino, 2003, p. 84.
Domus 325 (dicembre 1956) Publisher.
G. Gramigna, Repertorio del design italiano 1950-1980, p. 65, Mondadori, 1985.
About the designer:
Architect, designer and university lecturer, Marco Zanuso (1916-2001) was one of the leading interpreters of the Modern Movement.
Trained at the Polytechnic University of Milan and, in the immediate post-war years, co-editor of the Domus magazine with Ernesto N. Rogers, he was awarded the Medaglia d'oro and the Gran Premio at the Milan Triennale on a number of occasions (VIII, IX, X, XI and XIII editions), and won five Compassi d’Oro between 1956 and 1985.
Zanuso was one of the first designers in Italy to take an interest in the problems of product industrialization, going beyond aesthetic issues to incorporate technological, industrial, distribution, and communication variables. According to Zanuso, the form of an object destined for serial reproduction is an amalgam of opportunities, experimentation, and innovation in the concrete process that connects creativity, production, and the social and cultural context. “Through my projects I want to give form to what I call complexity”, Marco Zanuso.
Marco Zanuso's prolific career spanned over six decades and during this time his interest in rational design to solve problems, allowed him to push boundaries in town planning, architecture and product design. His approach to European "good design" has some distinctions, and he said his "inquisitiveness" drove his "constant search for a new discovery". At every scale, his approach to "finding order in complexity" resulted in his openness to technological innovation, materials, and aesthetic functionality that enhanced the human experience.
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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
Svensk design, “Swedish design”, is unquestionably a conventional and popular branding device, with many companies explicitly promoting their products as examples of god design, “good design”. But svensk design does not simply represent “good” design made in Sweden, it also projects a powerful, concrete rendering of a sort of essentialized “Swedishness” embedded in objects, such as this sofa.
Rounded out lines, unexpected curvature and innovative shapes from every angle define the design of this model. The aesthetic recalls classic English upholstered furniture and style, which is clearly visible in this sofa, however, the English inspiration is met with Swedish ideals. Swedish design is characterized by a minimal, clean approach that seeks to combine functionality with beauty. The design of this sofa follows the ideals of mid-century Sweden in a very evident way: the block-like silhouette and simple frame is broken by unexpectedly curving arms and subtle, but effective line tracing that highlights these curves. The dark brown colour of these lines corresponds to the solid wooden legs, and together with them, highlight the light upholstery beautifully. The removable cushions and the tilted back offer great comfort, and fulfil the perhaps most important mid-century Scandinavian design principle, functionality.
With a lack of a corresponding Swedish name, 'mid-century modern' describes the attributes that were popular during the middle of the 20th century. During this period, the ornate was completely replaced with cleaner lines. In Sweden, “svensk design” in particular denotes a way of life, which can be traced in the openness, understated elegance, and high-quality craftsmanship of this sofa.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor scratches on the wood. The sofa has been reupholstered recently in premium fabric.
Dimensions:
77.95 in W x 32.67 in D x 30.7 in H; Seat height 16.53 in
198 cm W x 83 cm D x 78 cm H; Seat height 42 cm
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
Throughout the 20th century, Italian design managed to distinguish itself. The 1960s was a boom time in Italy especially, a decade of mass production and innovation that signaled the end of the post-war rebuilding programme. Still, one off designs and the overflow of creativity were just as present, giving birth to outstanding pieces such as this modular “Superonda” sofa.
The “Superonda” sofa, designed in 1967 by the radical Florentine design collective Archizoom Associati, and produced for Poltronova, is a pioneering piece that challenged the conventions of traditional furniture design. The Superonda blurs the line between object and artwork, inviting interaction rather than passive use. It can serve as a sofa, a bed, or a chaise, making it as versatile as it is visually striking. Composed of two interlocking, elements, the Superonda departs from the conventional frames, legs, and backs, instead offering a sculptural, modular form that can be arranged in multiple ways. Its bold, wave-like silhouette reflects the playfulness of the Italian Radical Design movement, a rebellion against bourgeois taste and rigid functionalism.
Produced by Poltronova, a manufacturer known for championing avant-garde Italian design, the Superonda remains an unforgettable piece in design history. Its enduring relevance lies in its conceptual boldness, embodying the ideals of a generation that sought to redefine the relationship between people and their environments. Today, the Superonda stands not only as a collectible design icon but as a symbol of radical creativity and the power of design to question societal norms.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The sofa has recently been reupholstered in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
94.88 in W x 44.88 in D x 15.74 in H
241 cm W x 114 cm D X 40 cm H