Mid Century Modern Italian Armchair and Ottoman by Gaetano Pesce for B&B Italia

Italian Mid Century Modern Up5 Armchair and Ottoman

Since its debut in 1969, the Up Series by Gaetano Pesce has become one of the most iconic and debated works of modern design. The Up5 armchair with ottoman, affectionately called La Donna or La Mamma, merges radical design with symbolic commentary, making it a timeless conversation piece.

Sculptural armchair with symbolic design

The voluptuous armchair and spherical ottoman, connected by a cord, create a striking visual statement. Pesce envisioned the form as an abstract female silhouette shackled to a ball and chain—an enduring metaphor for women’s oppression. Whether read as a social critique or a daring sculptural form, the piece challenges conventions while embodying the bold experimentation of the late 1960s.

Context and material innovation

Crafted from polyurethane foam and upholstered in vibrant red stretch fabric, the Up5_6 showcases materials that revolutionised furniture production in the era. Produced by B&B Italia, it represents a fusion of art, politics, and industrial design, and is held today in prestigious design museums worldwide.

Details & Dimensions

Designer: Gaetano Pesce
Manufacturer: B&B Italia
Place of Origin: Italy
Date of Manufacture: 1970s
In style: Mid Century Modern
Materials & Techniques: Polyurethane foam, red stretch fabric
Condition: Good condition, wear consistent with age and use

Dimensions:
Height: 103 cm
Width: 120 cm
Depth: 130 cm
Seat Height: 42 cm

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