Yori-Kiri
Made by Zanotta
Designed by Francesca Lanzavecchia
Named for a sumo technique that channels strength through stillness, the Yori-Kiri translates physical poise into furniture form. Francesca Lanzavecchia conceived the chair as an act of enclosure: curved armrests wrap continuously around the backrest, creating a silhouette that is at once architectural and deeply welcoming.
Beneath the clean exterior, a reclining mechanism is fully integrated into the seat, allowing the backrest to tilt or lock without any visual interruption to the chair's composition. The padding is generous without being soft - calibrated for the kind of support that invites long occupation.
- Bergère construction with wraparound armrests that merge into the backrest
- Concealed reclining mechanism with lockable positions
- Back cushion filled with recycled PET fiber
- Removable, upholstered fabric cover
- Glossy lacquered swivel base, available in a curated palette
- Coordinating pouf available separately
Zanotta, founded in Nova Milanese in 1954, has long positioned itself at the boundary between product design and cultural statement. Lanzavecchia's contribution to that lineage is a chair that asks its occupant to settle in, slow down, and remain.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Yori-Kiri refer to?
Yori-Kiri is a sumo technique in which a wrestler lifts and carries an opponent out of the ring using controlled forward pressure. Francesca Lanzavecchia drew on its qualities of balance, containment, and strength to inform the chair's enveloping form.
How does the reclining mechanism work on the Yori-Kiri?
The mechanism is fully concealed within the seat structure, allowing the backrest to recline smoothly or lock into a preferred position. Because it is integrated rather than exposed, the chair's silhouette remains uninterrupted from any angle.
Is the Yori-Kiri upholstery removable for cleaning?
Yes. The fabric cover is designed to be removable, which simplifies maintenance and also allows for re-upholstery if the owner wishes to update the chair's appearance over time.
What sustainability considerations are built into the Yori-Kiri?
The back cushion is filled with recycled PET fiber, reflecting Zanotta's ongoing effort to incorporate responsible material choices without compromising comfort or craft.
Who is designer Francesca Lanzavecchia?
Francesca Lanzavecchia is an Italian designer known for work that moves between cultural research and formal invention. She has collaborated with leading European manufacturers and has been recognized internationally for projects that draw on anthropology, ritual, and the body's relationship to objects.