Sella Zanotta

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’ for unusual postures and occasional sitting, but besides its clear reference to the world of bicycle races (its colour reminds of the pink jersey worn by the winner of the Giro d’Italia), it recalls the milker’s stool, to be ‘fastened’ to the body with a waist belt, which is made of a very basic top and only one leg, forming the third element required for correct stability, in addition to the two legs of the person sitting on it.
Looking like a bicycle saddle and is 50 years old....It is one piece designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni in 1957 that Zanotta still has in its catalogue proudly.
Black saddle of racing bicycle, pink lacquered steel column. Cast-iron base.