Saki

Overview

Saki is nendo's modular seating family for Minotti, recognisable by sinuous support panels behind the back and arms. The panels come lacquered in several shades or upholstered in fabric or leather. Seats are large with a curved outline and piping around the profile, and the family spans 2-, 3- and 4-seat sofas in two depths, armchairs with or without arms, benches and island-like elements.

Image source: Minotti — Saki · © Minotti and the respective rights holders. Quoted to accompany INTEBEE's independent design commentary and research. · View official product page ↗ · Image use & copyright policy

Construction

A plywood seat is coated in resilient, variable-density polyurethane foam and covered in quilted goose down in channels (Assopiuma Gold Label) in a heat-bonded fibre wrap over hypoallergenic white cotton. Panels are either structural polyurethane (Baydur 60) in glossy Moka, Cappuccino or Army Green lacquer, or a metal structure in fire-resistant foam, upholstered in fabric or leather. A zipper joins back and arm cushions to the seat cushion. Cast aluminium feet are varnished polished anti-fingerprint Black Coffee, and the upholstery comes off completely in all versions.

Specifications

Saki four-seat sofa, 328 cm, depth 95: 328 cm wide, 95 cm deep and 71 cm high as the highest figure in the side view, next to 28 cm. The two-seat sofa is 180 cm wide. The page also lists 254 cm sofas, armchairs of 104x91 cm and an 80x78 cm footstool. Wood components are FSC certified.

Buds opening

Minotti notes that saki means blooming in Japanese, and that nendo honours the unfolding of flower buds in this seating family. Oki Sato reads the bud "in the subtle incisions made on the top of the cushion, at the corner, creating a well-balanced separation and cohesion, seamlessly transitioning from the backrest to the armrest."

Soft movement

Minotti ties the light, sinuous movement to a protective, enveloping comfort, helped by cushions whose moulded inner structure comes from careful ergonomic study. The square island, with stitching crossing at its centre, is described as a roomy place where several people can lie out or sit around the edge in lounge, residential or hospitality spaces.