Rare 'Kono' Dining Table / Desk by Lella & Massimo Vignelli for Casigliani, 1984
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This exceptionally rare and large 'Kono' table, which works excellent as either a dining table or a desk, by Lella Vignelli and Massimo Vignelli was designed in 1984 and this example created in the mid-to-late 1980s by Casigliani in Pisa, Italy. This rare example of the 'Kono' design features a monumental Black Granite slab for the top, two thick slabs of Imperial Red Granite which connect together to form one of the bases, and the Vignellis signature Patinated Copper cone which forms the other base.
The 'Kono' design was normally made as coffee tables so it is quite rare to find examples made scaled up in dining table size. In addition, typical Kono tables were made with glass tops and a single slab granite base. This example however, the Vignellis selected Black Granite instead of the typical glass tops. Also, rather than using a rectangular single-slab base, this example features an L-shaped base constructed with two slabs that connect together along one angled edge. It still employs the cone-shaped patinated copper base typical of Kono tables, however this example is much larger of course than cocktail table versions.
The Vignelli Center for Design Studies, which houses the artists’ archive, confirmed this table to be one of two known drawings by the Vignellis (a copy of the Vignelli sketch, which they provided, is included in the photo gallery) though it is unknown if the other table was ever produced, making this table potentially an important one-of-a-kind.
The Black Granite top in lower light settings is dark, deep and mysterious. With direct sunlight its luminosity is intense - see the photo gallery for images of the table in direct sunlight from our skylight above. It glows, shines and shimmers with incredible vibrancy, similar to diamonds - to see it in person is quite exquisite and remarkable. While we only had it set up under our skylight for a couple hours, I would describe the experience as recharging - I felt like I had just spent a couple hours meditating, this would be incredible to wake up to every day before leaving to work.
The Vignellis described the 'Kono' table as: “This design exploits the relationship between geometrical figures and material finishes." Over the course of their four-decade-long design practice, Lella and Massimo Vignelli collaborated on projects that ranged from product design and brand identity to interior and furniture design. Whether designing New York City’s subway map or a coffee table, they created bold and inviting designs that reduced form to its most essential elements.
This unique and important work of art by Massimo and Lella Vignelli would work well as a dining table, a desk, a center table or just as a stand-alone Post-Modern sculpture. The L-shaped Imperial Red Granite slabs can be positioned in a number of different ways which can also enhance its use.
Ideal for art and design collectors, investors and interior designers. This is an important work of 20th Century modern art, confirmed by the designers archival group, and incredibly rare in this particular form.
PROVENANCE
Private collection in California, acquired directly from the designers in 1984
Thence by Descent to Phillips Auction, December 2021
LITERATURE
Germano Celant, Mildred Constantine, David Revere
McFadden, et al., design: Vignelli, New York, 1990, p. 250 for a similar example.
Massimo Vignelli, Designed by: Lella Vignelli, New York, 2013, n.p. for a similar example.
MEASUREMENTS:
H 28.5" x W 86.5" x D 39.5"
Thickness of the Black Granite top: 1.25"
Thickness of Imperial Red Granite base: 2.5"
Diameter of Cone at base: 26.5"
CONDITION:
Overall excellent vintage condition. Extremely presentable and attractive, ready for immediate use. Copper cone has intentional patina which is part of the design. Some light wear including a few minor scratches and minor scuffs, only noticeable upon close inspection. Black granite top is in near mint condition with only a few very minor and hardly visible signs of use and wear including a couple very small minor chips to edge, only visible with close inspection. One faint ring mark on top which most likely can be polished out but is very hard to see unless with close inspection. The Imperial Red Granite slab base, which are two separate pieces that connect together, are in very good vintage condition. One piece has a repaired break to a small section at the top that connects together to the other piece along with a chip along the inner edge. This is not visible once assembled as it is directly under the Black Granite slab top. Otherwise has barely any noticeable wear. Granite is a very hard stone, and unlike marble or travertine, is very hard to scratch, chip or crack. Therefore this table presents like-new in many ways and the only wear is very minor are hardly noticeable to regular view.