Entrepreneur Aurelio Zanotta founded Zanotta in 1954 in Nova Milanese, Italy. Originally called Zanotta Poltrona, it specialized in traditional furniture. By the early 1960s, however, Zanotta had established a reputation for edgy mid-century modern design. Today’s vintage furniture collectors know the brand well for its innovative and wholly sculptural chairs, coffee tables and more.
One of Zanotta’s earliest successes was the Mezzadro stool — better known as the Tractor stool — designed by Pier Giacomo Castiglioni and his brother Achille in the late 1950s. In 1965, Zanotta was among the first furniture companies to work with expanded polyurethane foam and frameless construction, such as for the Throw-Away sofas and armchairs designed by Willie Landels. Another popular design was the Blow chair — designed by Jonathan De Pas, Donato D’Urbino, Paolo Lomazzi and Carla Scolari — viewed by many as a physical expression of late '60s carefree culture.
In 1969, amid the provocative movement we now call Italian Radical Design, Zanotta’s Sacco chair garnered major attention. The boundary-pushing beanbag chair was the brainchild of designers Piero Gatti, Cesare Paolini and Franco Teodoro who presented it to Aurelio Zanotta as a transparent vinyl sack loosely filled with small polystyrene balls. He suggested its signature brightly colored leather.
The Sacco chair won the 1970 ADI Design Museum’s Compasso d’Oro award. In 1972, the Museum of Modern Art in New York included it in the landmark exhibition “Italy: The New Domestic Landscape” curated by designer Emilio Ambasz. In 2020, it received a Compasso d’Oro ADI Lifetime Achievement Award for 50 years of enduring popularity. It is now in museum collections around the world including the Triennale Design Museum of Milan, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, and London’s Victoria & Albert Museum.
After Aurelio Zanotta died in 1991, the company remained in his family and has been run by his three children since 2002. Zanotta continues to set the bar high for furniture design with trend-setting pieces.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage Zanotta seating, tables and other furniture.
"Giotto" Swivel Stool or Side Table by Lomazzi for Zanotta, Italy 1970s
By Zanotta, Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful and incredibly rare "Giotto" swivel stool designed by De Pas, D'Urbino and Lomazzi and produced by Zanotta in Italy during the 1970s. Signed on the bottom. Fully original ...
Metal
pink metal & leather 1960/70s occasional stool Sella by Castiglioni for Zanotta
By Zanotta, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Rare occasional stool "sella" designed by Achille Castiglioni in the 1950s. This stool belongs to the 1960/70s production. Leather seat by brooks (old metal label); chrome plated and...
Metal, Steel, Chrome, Iron
Early Italian Mid Century Mezzadro Stool by Achille Castiglioni & Zanotta, 1950s
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Zanotta
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare Italian decorative mid century industrial "Mezzadro" stool in chrome, beech and a yellow lacquered metal sculptural seating designed by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni and ...
Metal, Chrome
Zanotta Sgabillo Stool in Natural Varnished Frame by Max Bill
By Max Bill, Zanotta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Zanotta Sgabillo Stool in Natural Varnished Frame by Max Bill Structure in natural varnished, layered birch or in black lacquered medium density fiberboard finished in scratch-re...
Birch
Mezzadro Tractor Stools by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Zanotta, 1970s
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Zanotta
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Mezzadro Tractor Stools by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Zanotta, 1970s Italian design - Seating - Vintage Measures : 43,5x48cm H:50,5cm Materials : Steel - metal - wood M...
Metal, Steel
Zanotta Mezzadro Stool in White with Chromium Plated Steel Stem & Beech Base
By Zanotta, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Mezzadro Stool in White with Chromium Plated Steel Stem & Beech Base Chromium-plated steel stem. Seat lacquered in the colours: orange,...
Beech
Italian modern stools Quaderna by Design Superstudio for Zanotta, 1970s
By Superstudio, Zanotta
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern white laminate stools Quaderna by Design Superstudio for Zanotta, 1970s Set of four stools model Quaderna in wood with a white laminate finish featuring 3cm squares wi...
Laminate, Wood
Zanotta Mezzadro Castiglioni Stool in Red with Chromium Plated Steel Base
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Zanotta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Mezzadro Castiglioni Stool in Red with Chromium Plated Steel Stem & Beech Base Chromium-plated steel stem. Seat lacquered in the colours:...
Beech
Zanotta Giotto Stool in Natural Varnished Beech Frame with Red Bracket
By Zanotta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Giotto Stool in Natural Varnished Beech Frame with Red Bracket by De Pas, D’Urbino, Lomazzi Natural varnished beech frame with red bracket. Vertically adjustable revolving...
Beech
Zanotta Allunaggio Outdoor Stool in Grass Green Steel and Aluminium
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Zanotta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Allunaggio Outdoor Stool in Grass Green Steel and Aluminium by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Steel legs, aluminium alloy seat painted grass green. Natural polyethylen...
Steel
Joe Colombo for Zanotta Pair of 'Birillo' Swivel Bar Stools in Stainless Steel
By Joe Colombo, Zanotta
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Joe Colombo for Zanotta, pair of 'Birillo' bar stools, stainless steel, leather, plastic, Italy, design 1970 Designed by Joe Colombo for Zanotta in 1970, the Birillo bar stools hav...
Stainless Steel
Zanotta Mezzadro Stool in Orange with Chromium Plated Steel Base
By Zanotta, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Mezzadro Castiglioni Stool in Orange with Chromium Plated Steel Stem & Beech Base Chromium-plated steel stem. Seat lacquered in the colou...
Beech
Modern Red Vintage Stool Mezzadro Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni , 1950s
By Zanotta, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern vintage stool Mezzadro by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni 1950s for Zanotta circa 1978. An iconic gorgeous stool from metal and beech in red, silver and bro...
Metal
Modern Vintage Red Stool Mezzadro Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni 1950 Italy
By Achille Castiglioni, Zanotta
Located in Vienna, AT
Modern Italian vintage stool Mezzadro by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni 1950s for Zanotta circa 1978. An iconic gorgeous stool from metal and beech in silver, red and brown color tones. This design icon Mezzadro designed 1950s and manufactured circa 1978 is an early example and in good condition with some signs of age and use, like corrosion and minor abrasions. Marked with the company's name underneath the seat. This splashy stool with a tractor seat in fresh red color brings a playful vibe into any interior and opens up your Traditional, Rustic or Contemporary interior. The Mezzadro stool features rural and simple elements and turned into a an iconic design piece, which is represented in many museums and collections. Easy removable seat, support rod from chromed metal and beechwood, all these simple elements forms a timeless and brightly statement piece. We love this stool in particular for its fresh vibe and we love to combine with Traditional desks...
Metal
$3,189Sale Price / set|25% Off
Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Zanotta "Mezzadro" Stools 1960s
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Zanotta
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Couple of italian midcentury modern design stools Mezzadro model ‘sprung metal seat’ designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Zanotta in 1957 with painted metal seat, chr...
Metal, Steel
Mezzadro Stool by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Zanotta, 1970s
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Zanotta
Located in New York, NY
First designed by brothers Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni designed in 1957, Mezzadro was put into production by Zanotta in 1970 for the exhibition “Shapes and colours in today’...
Steel
Italian modern stool Primate by Achille Castiglioni for Zanotta, 1970s
By Achille Castiglioni, Zanotta
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern stool Primate by Achille Castiglioni for Zanotta, 1970s Stool upholstered model Primate in black leather, with a rounded form. The seat consists of a shaped leather cu...
Metal, Steel
Zanotta Small Leo Stool in Brown Leather Upholstery and Aluminum Frame
By Roberto Barbieri, Zanotta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Small Leo Stool in Brown Leather Upholstery and Aluminum Frame Frame in polished aluminium alloy or varnished black, graphite or white. Seat and back with polyurethane uph...
Upholstery
Zanotta Sella Bicycle Pink Stool by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Zanotta
Located in New York, NY
Seat. Black saddle of racing bicycle, pink lacquered steel column. Cast-iron base. Dynamic balance Irony and attention to the functions are the assumptions on which ‘jugglers’ Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni based their participation in the exhibition Colori e forme nella casa d’oggi, at Villa Olmo, Como, in 1957. This was one of the founding experiences of the Italian design culture, where, as if by magic, a real racing bicycle saddle (Sella) appeared, mounted on a stainless steel column supported by a heavy hemispherical base, capable of a ‘dynamic balance’. The object was designed as a ‘telephone stool...
Steel, Iron
Pair of "Spluga" Black Metal High Stools by Castiglioni for Zanotta, Italy, 1960
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Zanotta
Located in Milan, IT
Set of two "Spluga" high stools by Achille and Piergiacomo Castiglioni for Zanotta. A sinuous black steel line generates the shape of an unusual stool. Originally designed for "Splüg...
Metal
Zanotta Primate Kneeling Stool in White Leather by Achille Castiglioni
By Achille Castiglioni, Zanotta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Primate Kneeling Stool in White Leather by Achille Castiglioni Stiff polyurethane frame. Base in black painted polystyrene. Flexible polyure...
Leather
Zanotta Mezzadro Castiglioni Stool in Yellow with Chromium Plated Steel Base
By Zanotta, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Mezzadro Stool by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni in Yellow with Chromium Plated Steel Stem & Beech Base Chromium-plated steel ste...
Beech
Zanotta Large Leo Stool in Brown Leather Upholstery and Aluminum Frame
By Roberto Barbieri, Zanotta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Large Leo Stool in Brown Leather Upholstery and Aluminum Frame Frame in polished aluminium alloy or varnished black, graphite or white. Seat a...
Upholstery
Zanotta Mezzadro Castiglioni Stool in Black with Chromium Plated Base
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Zanotta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Mezzadro by Stool in Black with Chromium Plated Steel Stem & Beech Base by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni. Chromium-plated steel...
Beech
Sergiu Stairs by Bruno Munari for Zanotta, 1990s
By Zanotta, Bruno Munari
Located in Asti, Piemonte
Bruno Munari designed this ingenious accessory in 1989. After removing the container, you can sit on the stairs and clean your shoes, the utensils are stowed in the container. It is ...
Steel
Zanotta Allunaggio Outdoor/Indoor Seat by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Zanotta
Located in New York, NY
Outdoors stool. Steel legs, aluminium alloy seat painted grass green. Natural polyethylene feet. Allunaggio (Moon landing), an outdoor chair designed by the two funambulist Castiglio...
Aluminum, Steel
Zanotta Mezzadro Stool by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
By Zanotta
Located in New York, NY
Stool. Chromium-plated steel stem. Seat lacquered in the colours: orange, red, yellow, white or black. Footrest in steam-treated beech, natural colour. How great those years between ...
Steel
Set of 4 "Mezzadro Tractor" Stools by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
By Zanotta, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Brussels, BE
Set of 4 "Mezzadro Tractor" stools by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Zanotta, 1970.
Metal
$5,035 / set
H 35.44 in W 15.75 in D 18.9 in
Set of 8 “Irma” Dining Chairs by Achille Castiglioni for Zanotta, Italy 1970s
By Achille Castiglioni, Zanotta
Located in Hellouw, NL
The "Irma" chair, designed by the renowned Italian designer Achille Castiglioni in the 1970s and produced by the esteemed Italian furniture company Zanotta, stands as a timeless test...
Steel
Mid-Century Plastic Stool or Footstool, 1970, Hungary
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition. - New fabric. - Cleaned.
Fabric, Plastic
Mid Century Mustard Yellow Flowers Stool, Poland, 1970s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Space Age style plastic stool was made in Poland by Krynwald ERG fabric around the 1960s-1970s. The futuristic shape is tapered and aerodynamic, with a tulip foot and an yellow musta...
Fabric, Plastic
$480Sale Price|20% Off
H 16.93 in Dm 16.54 in
Mid-Century Modern Italian Wood Stool by A.Simoni & G. Del Piero for Olive S.R.L
By Simonit & Del Piero
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Italian Mid-Century Modern stool in Walnut by Simon & Del Piero for Olivo S.R.L.
Walnut
Charlotte Perriand Pine Side Table for Les Arcs
By Charlotte Perriand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic pine side table/stool designed by Charlotte Perriand for the Les Arcs Ski Resort in France. Great lines. Good vintage condition. Super functional with inset shelf to be used ...
Pine
Mid-Century Modern, Studio Made Rustic Wood Farmhouse Stools, 1970s
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern, Studio Made Rustic Wood Farmhouse Stools or Side Tables, 1970s. Pair of Stools. Organic form wooden stools from the 20th Century. American studio made, solid wood. These pieces can also work as low profile side tables...
Wood
$3,450
H 16.5 in W 22.75 in D 22.75 in
"Thebes" X Base Stool / Ottoman by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, Original Fabric
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Kansas City, MO
Thebes stool / bench / footrest / footstool designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s. This example retains the original yellow and orange geometric design fabric. The finish on t...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Achille Castiglioni ‘Castiglia’ Chairs, 1968, Zanotta
By Achille Castiglioni, Zanotta
Located in Kampen, NL
A pair of ‘Castiglia’ chairs, designed in 1968 by famous italian architect and designer Achille Castiglioni for Zanotta. These chairs feature a chromed tubular steel frame with seaml...
Steel, Chrome
Swivel Stool or Footstool, Czechoslovakia, 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
-Good original condition -Revolving -Very comfortable.
Iron
Ulm Stool by Max Bill, Mid-Century Modern, Germany, 1950s
By Max Bill
Located in Berlin, DE
The Ulm Stool may seem unassuming at first glance, yet its story is as fascinating as its minimalist design. Created by Max Bill, the first rector of the Ulm...
Spruce
$1,500
H 31.25 in W 47.25 in D 25.75 in
Achille Castiglioni Imperiale chaise longue for Zanotta, Italy 1983
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Zanotta
Located in Skokie, IL
Achille Castiglioni Imperiale chaise longue for Zanotta, Italy 1983. The structure of the armrests is the basis for this articulated chaise longue. The rest of the structure can take...
Stainless Steel
Midcentury Stool or Side Table Trio, Olaf Von Bohr for Gedy, Italy, 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
- marked - rare from 1970 /original model/ - very practical.
Plastic
Joe Colombo for Zanotta Pair of Barstools in Leather and Chrome
By Zanotta, Joe Colombo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Joe Colombo for Zanotta, barstools, model 'Birillo', leather, chrome, fiberglass, Italy, 1971. Pair of remarkable swiveling 'Birillo' barstoo...
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 17.33 in W 22.05 in D 16.54 in
Gae Aulenti for Zanotta 'April' Folding Stools in Stainless Steel and Leather
By Zanotta, Gae Aulenti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gae Aulenti for Zanotta, folding stools, stainless steel, aluminum, saddle leather, Italy, 1964 Innovative and multifunctional pair of folding stools, model 'April', designed by G...
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 20.08 in W 19.3 in D 20.08 in
Italian mid-century modern stool Mezzadro by Castiglioni for Zanotta, 1960s
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Zanotta
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern stool Mezzadro by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Zanotta, 1960s Mezzadro table stool with shaped seat featuring decorative round holes, in yellow...
Metal, Steel
Joe Colombo Bar Stool for Zanotta
By Zanotta, Joe Colombo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bar stool by Joe Colombo for Zanotta, c.1970s, Italy. The swivel 'Birillo' stool features a small round black leather backrest and cream upholstered seat. The stool has a chrome fram...
Chrome
Sold
H 20.87 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Achille e Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Sgabello mod. Mezzadro, Prod. Zanotta 1970
By Zanotta, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Baranzate, IT
SGABELLO MOD. MEZZADRO Sostegno in acciaio cromato e base in faggio, seduta in lamiera stampata e verniciata. Prod. Zanotta 1970 Bibliografia: Giuliana Gramigna, "Repertorio del Des...
Steel
Sold
H 17.75 in W 14.75 in D 10.75 in
1970s Birch Plywood Ulm School Stool or Side Table by Max Bill - Zanotta Italy
By Max Bill, Zanotta
Located in St. Louis, MO
Max Bill Ulm Stool by for Zanotta, originally designed for the Ulm School in the 1950s. Made of birch plywood with box joint sides and lower doll rod support. Can be used as a stool ...
Birch
Sold
H 20.87 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Stool mod. Mezzadro, Prod. Zanotta 1970
By Zanotta, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Baranzate, IT
STOOL MOD. MEZZADRO Chromed steel support and beech base, seat made of stamped and painted sheet metal. Prod. Zanotta 1970 Bibliography: Giuliana Gramigna, "Repertoire of Italian De...
Steel
Joe Colombo for Zanotta Italia White & Cream Leather Swivel Stool, 1970
By Zanotta
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Birillo Stool Pair, White Leather & White Base, Joe Colombo for Zanotta, 1970. Colombo's iconic design was awarded the golden medal at the International Exhibition M.I.A in 1972 ...
Aluminum, Enamel, Stainless Steel
Sold
H 20.25 in W 19.25 in D 20 in
Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Mezzadro stool Zanotta Italy, 1957 /2024
By Zanotta, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Skokie, IL
Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Mezzadro stool Zanotta Italy, 1957 / c. 1970 enameled and chrome-plated steel, beech 19½ h × 19¼ w × 19¼ d in Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglio...
Steel
Sold
H 20.48 in W 19.3 in D 20.48 in
Quattro sgabelli mod. Mezzadro, Achille e Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Zanotta, '70
By Zanotta, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Rivoli, IT
Quattro sgabelli mod. Mezzadro di Achille e Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, produzione Zanotta anni '70. Etichetta del produttore sotto la seduta Il progetto Mezzadro esprime forse in mo...
Steel
Sold
H 41.74 in W 20.08 in D 18.51 in
Joe Colombo model Birillo set of four bar stools Zanotta Italy 1971
By Zanotta, Joe Colombo
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Iconic set of four bar stools model Birillo designed by Joe Colombo for Zanotta, Italy 1971. These pop art bar stools feature a white fibreglass base with black rubber edge, heavy du...
Steel
Sold
H 20.48 in W 17.33 in D 22.05 in
Italian mid-century modern yellow Stool Mezzadro by Castiglioni Zanotta, 1960s
By Zanotta, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern yellow Stool Mezzadro by Achille and Piergiacomo Castiglioni for Zanotta, 1960s Stool mod. Mezzadro with rounded, curved and perforated with round holes se...
Metal, Steel