Clay by Zanellato/Bortotto x Moroso: Where Sculptural Form Meets Ceramic Soul

In Clay, the latest collaboration between design duo Zanellato/Bortotto and Moroso, form and material come together in a quietly radical way. Inspired by ancient ceramic traditions and the enduring artistry of handcraft, the armchair is as much a sculptural statement as it is a piece of furniture.

At first glance, its generous, fluid lines invite rest. But it’s the unexpected detail – a hand-crafted ceramic panel forming the backrest – that transforms Clay into something extraordinary. 

Produced in the storied ceramics district of Nove, each panel is shaped and glazed by artisans using techniques that have become increasingly rare. The result is a luminous, tactile surface – bi- and three-dimensional, reflective of light and touch – that turns every chair into a singular expression.

The ceramic, framed in soft upholstery and perched atop a solid oak or walnut base, is revealed most dramatically from behind, like a secret artwork hidden in plain sight. It’s this duality – functional object and art piece – that defines Clay.

Continuing the material exploration that began with their Mangiafuoco collection, Zanellato/Bortotto delve deeper here into the emotional resonance of ancient forms, reimagined for today’s spaces. Clay speaks to a new kind of luxury: one rooted in authenticity, narrative, and craft.

For collectors and design lovers alike, Clay offers more than seating. It’s a poetic object, a rediscovery of the handmade in an age of the manufactured, bringing soul, substance, and timeless artistry into the contemporary home.

Founded in 2011 with a focus on restoring locally sourced Mid-Century Modern furniture from the 1960s, Modernist brings a deep appreciation for design heritage into the present day. Now available through True Design — one of South Africa’s leading design destinations — the collection sits alongside a carefully curated portfolio of global icons including Moroso, Kartell, and Cassina.

With showrooms in both Johannesburg and Cape Town, True Design has become synonymous with timeless quality and forward-thinking interiors. “Our brands are a true reflection of success, each with a rich history and a legacy of innovation in both design and technology,” the team shares.

Together, they offer a vision of contemporary living where craftsmanship and authenticity remain at the core.