BULL Sofa 1987 - Gianfranco Frattini - CASSINA Italy
RARE ONE-YEAR PRODUCTION · ORIGINAL BICOLOR BLACK & TAUPE LEATHER
An exceptionally rare Bull two-seater by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina, introduced in 1987 and documented as having remained in production for only one year — presented here in a striking original black and taupe leather combination.
The Bull occupies a particularly exclusive position within Cassina’s history. Introduced in 1987, the collection is documented as having remained in production for only a single year, resulting in remarkably few examples reaching the market today. It was also Gianfranco Frattini’s final project for Cassina, making Bull an important closing chapter in his long collaboration with the Italian manufacturer.
Its rarity, however, is only part of its appeal. Bull is one of Frattini’s most sculptural upholstered designs: compact yet powerful, built from a succession of rounded, segmented volumes that gradually soften from the exterior towards the sitter. The substantial body, deeply curved backrest and oversized armrests create an almost enveloping architecture, while the short cylindrical feet subtly lift the sofa from the floor.
Frattini conceived Bull around a changing way of sitting — more informal, relaxed and intimate. He specifically explored the transition between seat and backrest, creating the characteristic rounded and inviting angle that defines the model. The official Frattini archive describes its profile as a sequence of increasingly softly rounded lines from the outside inward, while the name Bull itself refers to the rounded and segmented appearance of the design.
This particular example is made even more exceptional by its original bicolor black and taupe leather. Rather than simply providing contrast, the two colours visually reveal the architecture of the sofa. Deep black defines the seat, inner back and substantial lower body, while warm taupe follows the sweeping upper backrest and continues seamlessly over the armrests. From the side and rear especially, this contrast beautifully traces Bull’s continuous, embracing silhouette.
The colour combination gives the sofa an entirely different presence from a monochrome example: the darker base appears more architectural and grounded, while the taupe upper section emphasizes the softer, almost floating curves. Together with the generous natural folds of the leather, it gives this particular Bull enormous depth and character.
The original leather remains beautifully preserved and has developed an attractive natural patina, with gentle creasing and subtle tonal variation appropriate to its age. The original Cassina label is still present. Combining its exceptionally short production history, Frattini’s sculptural late-1980s design language and this highly distinctive original two-tone execution, this is a particularly rare example of an already elusive Cassina model.
Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The original leather remains supple and beautifully preserved, showing natural patina, gentle creasing and minor signs of use consistent with age. No alterations have been made to the original bicolor character of the piece. Please refer to the detailed photographs for a closer view of its condition.
Technical details
Designer: Gianfranco Frattini
Model: Bull
Manufacturer: Cassina, Italy
Year: 1987
Production: Documented as produced for only one year
Origin: Italy
Materials: Black and taupe leather, upholstered structure, cylindrical feet
Upholstery: Original bicolor leather
Label: Original Cassina label present
Condition: Excellent vintage condition with natural patina and minor age-related wear
Dimensions
W 160 cm / 62.99 in
D 90 cm / 35.43 in
H 80 cm / 31.50 in
SH 40 cm / 15.75 in
SD 60 cm / 23.62 in
Pricing
€ 9.200
Worldwide shipping available
