Rino Maturi, Nuvolone sofa for Mimo Padova

RINO MATURI (Italy, 20th century) for Mimo Padova.
“Nuvolone” modular sofa, 1970s.
Foam core. Plastic. Upholstered in thick orange wool.
In good vintage condition, with signs of wear consistent with its age.
Measurements: 90 x 95 x 77 cm (each).

The Nuvolone modular sofa, designed by Rino Maturi for Mimo Padova in the 1970s, is a highly representative piece of Space Age-inspired Italian design. Its name—Nuvolone, meaning “big cloud” in Italian—refers to its generous, rounded forms, designed to evoke the lightness and softness of a cloud. The organic and sculptural silhouette of its modules is combined with carefully engineered comfort, provided by a foam core that conforms to the body, achieving a perfect balance between formal innovation, functionality, and well-being. Its modular nature also allows for multiple configurations, making it a versatile design that embodies the experimental and futuristic spirit of Italian furniture from the 1970s.

Rino Maturi was an artist and designer active during the second half of the 20th century, known primarily for his work in the field of furniture and decorative object design. Part of the Italian creative scene of the 1960s and 1970s, he developed a body of work characterized by experimentation with materials, a balance between functionality and sculpture, and a marked sensitivity to organic and contemporary forms. His designs reflect the influence of Italian modernism and the innovative spirit that made Italy a major international leader in postwar design. Although he did not achieve the same level of recognition as other designers of his generation, his pieces are now prized by collectors for their formal quality, the originality of their solutions, and their representation of Italian design of the era.