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Object Timeline

1977

  • Work on this object began.

1988

  • We acquired this object.

  • Work on this object ended.

2001

2014

2015

2024

  • You found it!

Signorina Ottoman

This is a Ottoman. It was designed by Carlo Forcolini and manufactured by Alias. It is dated ca. 1987 and we acquired it in 1988. Its medium is painted steel frame with nylon mesh upholstery. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

Unlike furniture designers who aim to solve a specific problem, Carlo Forcolini aims to construct a philosophical metaphor. His designs are visualizations of a narrative, created out of curiosity and playfulness. He has described the Signorina chan (chair) as three sails blowing; sitting in the chair is “a little like sitting in the wind.” This ottoman, one of two matching footrests, creates a harmonious composition, serving as a fourth “sail.”

  • Mezzadro Stool
  • lacquered metal, chrome-plated bent steel, beechwood.
  • Gift of International Contract Furninshings, Inc..
  • 1978-144-1

Its dimensions are

H x W x D: 44.8 x 60.3 x 56 cm (17 5/8 x 23 3/4 x 22 1/16 in.)

Cite this object as

Signorina Ottoman; Designed by Carlo Forcolini (Italian, b. 1947); Manufactured by Alias (Italy); Italy; painted steel frame with nylon mesh upholstery; H x W x D: 44.8 x 60.3 x 56 cm (17 5/8 x 23 3/4 x 22 1/16 in.); 1988-19-2

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18627837/ |title=Signorina Ottoman |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=16 April 2024 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>