With Mano, Cinzia Ruggeri transformed a simple human gesture into a monumental domestic sculpture. Conceived in 2000, this enigmatic hand stands upright as if frozen in mid-action, inviting multiple interpretations: it may signify a warning to stop, an informal greeting, or, when imagined horizontally, a fantastical tentacled chair. This deliberate ambiguity is its greatest strength, transforming the piece into a conversation starter that challenges the boundaries between function and art. The ability of Mano to inspire different readings aligns perfectly with Ruggeri’s poetic and experimental approach to design, where irony and imagination coexist in perfect balance.

Material and Expression

Entirely upholstered in soft velvet, the Gufram Mano, "hand" in English, merges tactile luxury with sculptural presence. The richness of velvet amplifies its enigmatic aura, while the deep black version accentuates its theatrical mystery. Available exclusively in this colour, Mano becomes a bold focal point, a monochromatic form that adapts to both minimalist spaces and more eclectic interiors. The hand’s unusual scale and whimsical presence invite users to interact with it as both seat and sculpture, bringing surprise and delight into everyday life. This capacity to merge comfort and provocation is a hallmark of Gufram’s radical philosophy.

A Radical Dialogue

As with many of Gufram’s most iconic pieces, Mano is not meant to stand alone. It resonates beautifully with the irreverent works of Studio 65 x Gufram, such as Bocca or Capitello, or with the surrealist gestures of other Gufram seating. Together they create a layered narrative of design history where playful experimentation replaces functional rigidity. Mano embodies the turn-of-the-millennium energy that revitalized Italian design, establishing bridges between past radical movements and contemporary experimentation. It situates itself as both furniture and commentary, questioning conventions while inviting interaction.

Design Beyond Time

To own the Gufram Mano is to possess not only a functional pouf or seat but also a symbolic gesture immortalized in material form. Like a captured sign language frozen into furniture, it is part of the broader legacy of Cinzia Ruggeri iconic designs, known for their narrative power and unconventional spirit. Displayed in a living room, gallery, or public space, it provokes thought, invites humor, and evokes admiration. This duality; sculpture and seat, art and design; ensures that Mano will continue to inspire, entertain, and astonish. More than an object, it is a radical collectible, destined to remain a timeless statement of irony and creativity.