ORIOLO SOFA – CLAUDIO SALOCCHI – SORMANI

ORIOLO SOFA IN BLACK LEATHER AND ROSEWOOD – CLAUDIO SALOCCHI FOR SORMANI, ITALY, 1960S

An exceptional Oriolo sofa by Claudio Salocchi for Sormani, professionally restored in exceptionally supple black leather while retaining its original sculptural rosewood frame.

Designed by Claudio Salocchi for Sormani in the 1960s, the Oriolo sofa is a striking example of Italian modernist design, combining architectural clarity with generous, inviting comfort. Its distinctive construction contrasts a rigid geometric outer frame with deeply cushioned upholstery, resulting in a design that feels simultaneously structured and remarkably relaxed.

The sculptural frame is executed in richly figured rosewood veneer, with broad horizontal surfaces and characteristic curved cut-outs forming the legs and base. Particularly beautiful from the sides and rear, the expressive grain and warm reddish-brown tones of the rosewood make the wooden structure an integral part of the design. This allows the sofa to be positioned freely within an interior rather than necessarily against a wall.

This example has been professionally reupholstered in exceptionally thick yet supple high-quality black leather, specifically selected for its natural, subtly lived-in character. Rather than giving the sofa an overly new or rigid appearance, the relaxed upholstery preserves the softness and informal quality of Salocchi's original design. The deep black leather beautifully emphasizes the tufted cushions while creating a strong contrast with the warm rosewood frame.

The restoration extended beyond the visible upholstery. The supporting straps beneath the seating and the underlining were completely renewed, restoring excellent support and seating comfort. The result is not only visually striking but exceptionally comfortable and perfectly suited to everyday use. The supple leather is intended to soften further and develop a natural patina over time, allowing the sofa to gain even more character with age.

CONDITION

The sofa is presented in excellent restored vintage condition. It has been professionally reupholstered in thick, exceptionally supple high-quality black leather, with completely renewed supporting straps and underlining. The original rosewood veneer frame has been preserved and shows scratches and signs of use consistent with its age. Thanks to the rich, highly figured grain and expressive character of the rosewood, these traces blend naturally into the surface and are not visually distracting. Structurally sound, exceptionally comfortable and ready for everyday use.