Mangiafuoco Side Table
Made by Moroso
Designed by Zanellato/Bortotto
Mangiafuoco, meaning "fire eater" in Italian, takes its name from the process at its heart: copper coated in glass powders and fired at high temperature, producing surfaces where color emerges unpredictably from heat. Designed by the Venetian studio Zanellato/Bortotto for Moroso in 2024, the piece sits at the intersection of industrial material and artisanal transformation.
The result is a side table whose surface reads differently across light conditions. No two pieces are identical. The firing process introduces depth, iridescence, and tonal variation that a painted or lacquered finish cannot replicate, giving each object a distinct chromatic character while the copper substrate remains present beneath.
Zanellato/Bortotto approach design as a dialogue between material research and quiet formal restraint. Their work consistently privileges process over ornament, allowing the object's identity to emerge from how it was made rather than how it was styled.
- Copper base with kiln-fired glass powder coating
- Chromatic variation inherent to the firing process
- Made to order, with finish and proportion considered to context
- 2024 collection, Moroso
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Pairs Well With
Mangiafuoco Side Table
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the glass powder firing technique used in Mangiafuoco?
The process involves applying glass powders to a copper form and kiln-firing at high temperature. The heat fuses the glass to the metal surface while producing chromatic effects, including iridescence and tonal depth, that cannot be precisely predicted or replicated, making each piece unique.
Who are the designers Zanellato/Bortotto?
Zanellato/Bortotto is a Venetian design studio founded by Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance collaborators Giorgia Zanellato and Daniele Bortotto. Their practice is grounded in material research and quiet formal precision, and they have produced work for several significant Italian manufacturers, often exploring craft techniques in contemporary contexts.
Is the Mangiafuoco side table made to order?
Yes. The piece is produced to order, which allows finish, color tone, and proportion to be considered in relation to the surrounding interior, ensuring the table reads cohesively within its specific spatial and material context.
How should a kiln-fired copper surface be maintained?
Glass-fused copper surfaces should be cleaned with a soft, dry or lightly damp cloth. Abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals should be avoided, as they can compromise the integrity of the glass layer and alter its optical qualities over time.
How does Mangiafuoco work in a hospitality or residential interior?
The table's scale and material presence make it effective as an accent piece in living rooms, lounges, and hospitality settings where a surface can carry visual weight beyond its function. Its iridescent finish responds to ambient light, giving the piece a different character across times of day.