Overview
Distinctive “Carabou” rattan armchair designed by Tito Agnoli for Pierantonio Bonacina in 1991, characterised by its sculptural enveloping silhouette, vibrant orange-finished woven rattan, and contrasting ivory upholstered seat cushion.
The design combines traditional Italian weaving craftsmanship with an unconventional architectural structure, distinguished by its continuous curved backrest, integrated armrests, and elegantly shaped supporting sides.
An expressive example of 1990s Italian furniture design, where natural materials, organic geometry, and refined artisanal techniques come together in a striking decorative composition.
Description
The elegant “Carabou” armchair by Tito Agnoli for Pierantonio Bonacina features a distinctive sculptural form defined by an enveloping backrest that flows seamlessly into the armrests and lower structure.
The entire body is covered in closely woven orange rattan, creating a continuous textured surface that emphasizes the chair's organic contours.
The generously curved backrest rises to form a protective, semicircular shell around the seating area. Its rounded upper edge gently descends toward the front, creating integrated armrests that contribute to the chair's inviting appearance.
A softly padded ivory-colored upholstered cushion provides an elegant contrast to the vibrant orange rattan, introducing a refined visual balance between the woven structure and the upholstered seating surface.
Design & Function
The Carabou armchair reflects Tito Agnoli's interest in expressive structural forms and the relationship between traditional materials and contemporary furniture design.
Its construction is characterized by a continuous, enveloping shell that integrates the backrest and armrests into a unified composition.
The curved upper section creates a comfortable and visually intimate seating area, while the diagonally shaped lower supports introduce a distinctive sense of movement and lightness.
The woven surface follows the complex geometry of the chair, demonstrating the versatility of rattan as a material capable of adapting to unconventional forms.
The compact dimensions and sculptural silhouette make the armchair suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, reading corners, and sophisticated contemporary interiors.
Materials & Aesthetic
The defining feature of the armchair is its orange-finished woven rattan, whose intricate interlacing creates a rich and visually engaging texture.
The narrow strips are arranged in a regular woven pattern that follows the curved surfaces of the backrest, armrests, and supporting structure.
Its vivid orange coloration introduces warmth and decorative character, while the subtle variations in the woven material enhance the handcrafted appearance of the piece.
The combination of tactile natural materials, fluid geometry, and bold coloration gives the armchair a distinctive aesthetic that bridges traditional Italian craftsmanship and the expressive design language of the early 1990s.
Technical Details
Product: Tito Agnoli 1991 Italian Orange Woven Rattan mod. Carabou Armchair for Bonacina
Designer: Tito Agnoli
Manufacturer: Pierantonio Bonacina
Period: 1991
Materials: Orange-finished woven rattan, upholstered fabric seat cushion
Dimensions: Length: 67cm | Depth: 60cm | Height: 77cm | Height of the seat: 47cm
Condition: Please note that this item is in good vintage condition. Minor signs of age may be present, which do not affect its functionality. We kindly invite you to take these characteristics into consideration before purchasing.
Collectibility
The 1991 “Carabou” armchair by Tito Agnoli for Pierantonio Bonacina represents an appealing example of Italian furniture design that combines artisanal weaving techniques with a distinctive sculptural approach.
Its continuous curved structure, unusual supporting geometry, and vibrant orange finish distinguish it from more conventional rattan seating.
The Carabou model reflects an important tradition of Italian furniture design, in which experimental forms were developed through specialized craftsmanship and an innovative interpretation of natural materials.
An attractive collectible for enthusiasts of Italian designer furniture, woven rattan seating, and 1990s decorative design.
Designer & Manufacturer
Tito Agnoli (1931–2012) was an Italian architect and designer whose work explored the relationship between furniture, architecture, and industrial production.
His designs are characterized by a sophisticated understanding of proportion, structural clarity, and material experimentation, ranging from lighting and upholstered furniture to seating constructed from natural woven materials.
His collaboration with Pierantonio Bonacina demonstrates his interest in combining expressive contemporary forms with traditional artisanal techniques.
Pierantonio Bonacina, based in Lurago d'Erba, in the Brianza region of Italy, belongs to a long-established tradition of Italian furniture craftsmanship specializing in rattan, cane, and woven natural materials.
The Bonacina manufacturing tradition dates back to 1889 and became particularly renowned for translating traditional basket-weaving techniques into sophisticated modern furniture.
Through collaborations with prominent Italian designers, including Tito Agnoli, the company contributed to the evolution of woven furniture beyond conventional forms, creating pieces distinguished by technical refinement and sculptural character.
Today, historic Bonacina designs remain appreciated by collectors and interior designers for their distinctive combination of craftsmanship, natural materials, and Italian design heritage.
