Cuculia Bowl
Made by Zanotta
Designed by Alessandro Mendini
Designed by Alessandro Mendini in 1985 and reissued as a tribute to one of Italian design's most expressive sensibilities, the Cuculia Bowl occupies the space between object and sculpture. Its sinuous, petal-like form is not incidental - it is the point, a gesture toward a postmodern design philosophy that treated proportion and color as emotional language.
Crafted in polished polyurethane, Cuculia offers a surface that catches light with quiet intensity. The material choice reflects Mendini's willingness to work outside convention, finding poetry in the synthetic and the bold. The result is an object that reads differently depending on where it is placed - on a dining table, a console, or an open shelf.
- Designed by Alessandro Mendini, 1985
- Reintroduced by Zanotta as part of its archival heritage program
- Polished polyurethane construction
- Suited for display surfaces, consoles, and dining settings
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Cuculia Bowl
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed the Cuculia Bowl and when?
The Cuculia Bowl was designed by Alessandro Mendini in 1985. Mendini was one of the defining figures of Italian postmodern design, co-founding the Alchimia collective and later Studio Mendini, where he developed a body of work that treated objects as cultural and philosophical statements.
What material is the Cuculia Bowl made from?
The Cuculia Bowl is made from polished polyurethane. Mendini's use of synthetic materials was deliberate, challenging the hierarchy between noble and industrial materials in decorative objects.
Is the Cuculia Bowl functional or purely decorative?
The Cuculia Bowl functions equally well as a catchall or centerpiece and as a purely sculptural accent. Its organic form gives it presence on a table or console without requiring anything to be placed inside it.
What is the significance of Zanotta reissuing this design?
Zanotta has a long history of producing furniture and objects that bridge design and art. Reissuing the Cuculia Bowl honors Mendini's contribution to Italian design culture and makes an archival piece from the postmodern era accessible to contemporary interiors.
How does the Cuculia Bowl fit into a contemporary interior?
Despite its 1985 origins, the Cuculia Bowl's fluid silhouette and bold materiality hold their own in contemporary settings. It works well as a counterpoint to minimal or monochromatic interiors, introducing form and color with conviction.