The Metafora coffee table, designed by the legendary design duo Massimo and Lella Vignelli for Martinelli Luce in 1979, is a stunning example of modernist design that combines elegance and symbolism.
The Metafora coffee table looks like an art object, an architectural sculpture. And also in the timeless and sought-after green marble.
The Metafora coffee table consists of a sleek, clear glass top that rests on four geometric shapes: a cube, a sphere, a cylinder and a pyramid. Each of these shapes is made of green marble, a material known for its luxurious appearance and durability. These shapes represent the classic elements of geometry and symbolize a playful yet refined approach to design.
The choice of the four different geometric shapes is not only aesthetic, but also symbolic. The Vignellis wanted to capture the essence of geometry with this table, a theme that has been frequently explored throughout the history of art and architecture. The cube represents stability, the sphere unity, the cylinder continuity, and the pyramid balance and timelessness. By bringing these forms together, Massimo and Lella created a piece of furniture that is both a work of art and a functional object.
This design is an ode to the geometric beauty and lasting impact of the modernist movement, as embodied by the brilliant minds of Massimo and Lella Vignelli.
