Midcentury Italian Javier Mariscal "Alessandra" Armchairs, Edited by Moroso

Javier Mariscal made a name for himself as a multidisciplinary creative — with such a fascinating range of projects under his belt, it would be difficult to confine him to labels such as artist, graphic designer or furniture maker. 

While Mariscal integrates generous portions of plastics, polished chrome and other manmade materials into the creation of his furniture and decor, his work is stylish and forward-looking in a manner that dispenses with the institutional look of synthetic design. Vintage Javier Mariscal stools, lighting and tables are playful and lively, and are demonstrative of venturesome experimentation with form. 

Born in Valencia, Spain, Mariscal attended the Elisava School in Barcelona in the 1970s to study design. He left school early, driven to learn from the world around him. His first major experience in real-world artistic pursuits was as an illustrator for a Spanish-language comic book in the mid-1970s. By 1979, Mariscal had shifted to product and furniture design. He created his distinctive chrome and leather Duplex stool that year, a piece that was manufactured by BD Barcelona Design for Bar Dúplex — a bar he co-owned and designed in his hometown. 

Throughout the 1980s, Mariscal created some variations of the Duplex stool, developed furniture for iconic postmodern design collaborative the Memphis Group and made a foray into textiles. He created a range of rug designs that culminated in an exhibition at the Vinçon salon in Barcelona and led to collaborations with legendary textiles brand nanimarquina, which was established by designer Nani Marquina in 1987.

In 1989, the International Olympic Committee chose Mariscal's entry Cobi — a mountain dog designed in the Cubist style — as the official mascot of the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. To date, Cobi stands as one of the most recognizable Olympic mascots of all time.

Also in 1989, he opened his own studio — Estudio Mariscal. There he immersed himself in countless projects, collaborating with many notable names such as the famous Spanish architect Alfredo Arribas and Japanese architect Arata Isozaki. In 1999, the Spanish Department of Industry and the BCD Foundation recognized Mariscal for his many contributions to art across a wealth of industries. 

Mariscal has since explored a variety of disciplines, from painting murals to drawing and co-directing for animated films including the 2010 feature-length animated movie Chico and Rita. He currently lives and works in Barcelona.

On 1stDibs, browse Javier Mariscal seating, rugs and tables.

Known for a legacy of material innovation and quality craftsmanship, Moroso produces sophisticated upholstered furniture for the hospitality sector and the luxury residential market. Since 1952, the manufacturer has been merging research and its tradition of forward-thinking design to create iconic sofas, chairs, tables and other furnishings.

Moroso was founded in Udine, Italy, by husband-and-wife team Agostino and Diana Moroso. Now under the artistic direction of the founders’ daughter, Patrizia Moroso, the manufacturer is one of Italy’s last family-owned furniture companies. Since its mid-century inception, Moroso has collaborated with many distinguished designers.

Swiss-Argentinian product designer Alfredo Häberli fashioned the Taba collection, including a sofa, two armchairs and several ottomans. Spanish architect and furniture maker Patricia Urquiola’s contribution to the Moroso family of products is vast, spanning a relationship that started in 1998. This includes the design of Patrizia Moroso’s private residence in northern Italy and a Lake Como hotel where the texture-rich, naturally hued guest suites also contain a selection of Urquiola furniture. Israeli designer Ron Arad is known for working with metal and for his thoughtful integration of technology in his furnishings. His Soft Heart rocking chair for the brand is built on a steel core. In 2009, Moroso partnered with fashion brand Diesel as well to create a furniture line featuring informal, distinctive and comfortable pieces.

Moroso is committed to environmental sustainability. In 1994 the company was awarded ISO 9001 production process certification by the International Organization for Standardization and ISO 14001 five years later.

Moroso’s furniture has been a part of exhibitions at museums worldwide, including MoMA in New York, Le Palais de Tokyo, Grand Palais in Paris, and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. They have also appeared in the Venice Biennale.

On 1stDibs, find a collection of Moroso chairs, armchairs, tables and dining room chairs.