Everyone is well aware of the mesmerising qualities of marble. Its decadence, its power, its weight, its sculptural qualities – the list goes on. In a unique Japanese-meets-Italian collaboration during Salone del Mobile, it was the intensity of its colour that was celebrated. Nendo presented Marsotto Edizioni’s marble inventory cut completely in half: Carrara on one side, Marquina on the other.
Titled ‘Light and Shadow’, the concept seemed relatively simple, but the effect was magnificent (and very Instagram-friendly). Upon entering the slightly off-piste Brera location, one visualised the almost illusionary monochromatic, symmetrical divide. The result was perfected thanks to Nendo’s new novelties for the Verona-based marble kings, half produced in each shade. In true Oki Sato style, he created a plethora of new products, each available in both black and white, some even split into both, including abstract tilted side tables called ‘Sway’ and ‘Split’ low tables.
Both sections were atmospherically enveloping. On the white side, a slightly illuminated, purist vibe was felt among David Chipperfield's grand dining table and James Irvine’s imaginative shelving. These were set against the blinding white walls, flowers and books that decorated the space. Alternatively, the dark side evoked a romantic sensuality through semi-matching pieces that the designers realised in both tones. Visibility was skewed as we focused on whimsical designs including Naoto Fukasawa's 'Marbelous' low table and Ross Lovegrove's bookends. Outdoors, the Italian brand showed off its Carrara with a garden set utilising alternative shapes created from the brand’s divine wares, including the mighty ‘Arena’ table by Wallpaper* Design Award winner Jasper Morrison.
'It is tinged with surprise, irony and delight – it is also however part of a universal language,' explains Mario Marsotto about the familiarity of all the natural material, elegantly set on a pedestal by Sato. 'And during its realisation all of us were captivated and spurred by a pleasantly harmonious energy.'
The effect was of an illusionary monochromatic, symmetrical divide
In true Oki Sato style, he also created a plethora of new products, each available in both black and white, some even split in both
Included in the new range are abstract tilted side tables called ‘Sway’ and ‘Split’ low tables (pictured)
Both sections were atmospherically enveloping. On the white side, an illuminated, purist vibe was felt among David Chipperfield's grand dining table and James Irvine’s imaginative shelving
These were set against the blinding white walls, flowers and books that decorated the space
Visibility was skewed on the dark side, as we tried to focus on whimsical designs including Naoto Fukasawa's 'Marbelous' low table and Ross Lovegrove's bookend
Outdoors, the Italian brand further showed off their Carrara with a garden set using alternative shapes created from the brand’s superlative wares...
.. .including the mighty ‘Arena’ table by Wallpaper* Design Award winner Jasper Morrison
INFORMATION
For more information on the new collections, visit the Marsotto Edizioni website
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