L43 x W34 x H28 in
L108 x W85 x H70 cm
The Pitao Armchair draws inspiration from Mexican culture, more espicifically the Zapotec God of Rain, Pitao Cocijo, and the symbolic glyph C associated with this deity. This ancient iconography directly influences the shape of the Pitao Armchair and backrest’s detailed reliefs.
RECOVER / UNCOVER
2020
NUBUK LEATHER AND BRASS
L43 x W34 x H28 in
L108 x W85 x H70 cm
OPEN EDITION
Crafted as a sculptural piece, it features two interlocking shapes, upholstered with the upmost quality of materials. Moreover, the brass detail at the base nods to the laminated gold and lost-wax techniques employed by the Mixteca and Zapoteca cultures of Oaxaca, a symbolic use of material. The pieces is handcrafted by expert artisans in Mexico.
The base of the Pitao Armchair is constructed from wood. The seat is “framed out” with reinforced wood slates weaved and stretched across the seat, and then tacked down to the frame. The backrest is achieved by bending the plywood into the desired shape.
Pitao Armchair installed in the lobby of the Chrysler Building, New York.
Once the base is finished, different density layers of padding foam are fixed to achieve comfort and bulky form. The upholsterers then measure and create their patterns and templates for covering the armchair. The leather is carefully selected for each part of the piece, and then cut and sewed together. For closing the whimsical shape of the backrest, the upholsterers have to hand-stitch both sides.
