Acquired directly from the producer by the present owner circa 1980

Giuliana Gramigna, 1950/1980 REPERTORY, Pictures and Ideas Regarding the History of Italian Furniture, Milan, 1985, p. 381

Overall very good condition consistent with gentle use. Minor scattered dirt to the fabric of the cushions.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Born in 1938, Gianni Ruffi was part of the Italian Radical Design movement – or Scuola di Pistoia - of the 1960s and 1970s alongside Umberto Buscioni, Roberto Barni and the architect Adolfo Natalini. With an urge to break from mainstream and preconceived artistic patterns, the group introduced their own values and identities within a Pop Art context. Gianni Ruffi, for one, created works which revolved around a rich array of plays on words and double meanings. Playful, and at times nonsensical, the group ceased to work together in 1968, but each artist, designer and architect continued their own individual line of work.

In a spontaneous and ludic manner, Gianni Ruffi`s `La Cova` - or `Nest` -  epitomises a reaction to an important sweep of Pop Art across the Western World at the time. Whilst others were incorporating absurd features into certain designs, such as o🌳versized everyday objects or reinterpreting their context, Ruffi retaliates by creating a humorous design for something alternative to a sofa.