When Aurelio Zanotta opened the doors to his eponymous label in 1954, its initial focus was on the production of sofas and armchairs which, at the time, were overwhelmingly the domain of upholstery workshops. But Zanotta’s vision far exceeded the largely utilitarian scope of local upholsterers. Beyond its surface functionality, he recognizedin furniture design a new form of cultural expression—a venerable creative outlet worthy of the same respect afforded to traditional artistic exploits like painting and sculpture. Bolstered by instinct, charisma, and a natural interest in emerging materials and technologies, his unique and, at the time, revolutionary path brought Zanotta into contact with some of the now legendary icons of Italian design.

With more than 150 currently available items incorporating the visions of 143 designers hailing from 18 countries, Zanotta’s catalogue is marked by a distinct, and indeed exceptional, degree of heterogeneity. But the common thread running through those items, and perhaps the cornerstone of the Zanotta project, is a flair for originality— whether it issues from the masters and unsung heroes of history, or those still destined to be discovered.

Representing landmark innovations in typology, technology, and form, many of Zanotta’s products are recognized today as true icons in the annals of design, referenced in academic books and exhibited in the most prestigious decorative arts institutions around the world. Some of its longtime, multi-awarded best sellers—the Sacco, Mezzadro, Sciangai, Quaderna, Tonietta, Leonardo and others—remain just as relevant and sought after now as in previous decades.