Coffee table "Metafora", Lella and Massimo Vignelli, 1979

An iconic piece of post-modern design, the "Metafora" table, designed in 1979 by Lella & Massimo Vignelli for Martinelli Luce, embodies minimalist elegance and the balance of forms. Its transparent glass top rests on four distinct geometric shapes – a cube, a cylinder, a pyramid, and a sphere – sculpted from noble marble (Carrara, Marquina, Travertine, or Red Verona). Each of the shapes is imbued with history and culture: The sphere represents the globe, our planet, the origin and support of humanity. The pyramid evokes Egyptian civilization, the cradle of culture and spirituality. The cylinder, which can be placed upright or lying down, symbolizes the Roman Empire, the pinnacle of the ancient world before its collapse. The cube refers to the Kaaba in Mecca, the foundation of Islam. Without screws or visible fixings, the 'Metafora' is a functional work of art where the interplay of materials and forms gives a unique sculptural presence to any interior space. A true icon of Italian design, it fits seamlessly into both vintage and contemporary decor.