Mid-century furniture manufactured by Zanotta, Italy, founded 1954

Zanotta is an Italian furniture company founded in 1954 by Aurelio Zanotta. The company is known for its mid-century and later furniture designs, many of which have become iconic. The company's early designs were inspired by the Italian Rationalist movement, which emphasized simplicity and functionality and their first major success was the "Sacco" bean bag chair, designed by Piero Gatti, Cesare Paolini, and Franco Teodoro in 1966. The Sacco was an instant hit, and it remains one of Zanotta's most popular products. Zanotta worked with several influential designers, including Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, who created the iconic Mezzadro stool in 1957. The Mezzadro stool features a tractor seat attached to a metal frame and is considered a classic of industrial design. Another notable collaboration was with Gaetano Pesce, who designed the iconic UP Series in 1969, featuring sculptural armchairs and sofas with a distinctive organic form more... .

In the 1970s, Zanotta began to work with a new generation of designers, including Achille Castiglioni, Ettore Sottsass, and Alessandro Mendini. These designers helped to define the company's new direction, which was characterized by a playful and experimental approach to design. Some of Zanotta's most famous designs from this period include the the "Mezzadro" chair, designed by Castiglioni in 1979; and the "Daybed" sofa, designed by Mendini in 1984. In the 1990s, Zanotta continued to work with leading designers, such as Ross Lovegrove and Alfredo Häberli. In addition to working with established designers, Zanotta also embraced the talent of emerging designers. This commitment to nurturing new design talent led to collaborations with names such as Carlo Mollino, Emaf Progetti, and Enzo Mari, among others. The company also began to focus on sustainability, and it introduced a number of environmentally friendly products.

Over the years, Zanotta's designs have received numerous awards and recognition, including prestigious accolades such as the Compasso d'Oro, which honors excellence in Italian design. The company's products are sold in over 70 countries, and they are featured in museums and design collections around the globe. less...