Flying High

With its graceful curves and air of playfulness, Naoto Fukusawa’s Grande Papilio chair has become one of B&B Italia’s most iconic pieces

Its form is unmistakable: a flared backrest that calls to mind the unfurled wings of a butterfly in flight. It is a chair that combines timeless and whimsical chic with pure comfort. In the decade that has passed since its launch, the Grande Papilio chair is still a visual and tactile delight to its owners who have festooned their lounges and homes with its standard form.

Japanese designer Naoto Fukusawa created the Grande Papilio with relaxation in mind. Its unusual shape is built upon a truncated conical base and the overall design plays on the principles of fluidity and softness. The amply built backrest and curved arms give the impression of an embrace: an invitation for a guest to ease on to the cushioned seat. Ergonomics also come into the picture as the wing-like arms support the hips and lower back, ensuring maximum comfort. Support for the head and neck—an element that helps reduce both pain and strain— has also been built into the design, and gives the sitter the sensation of being alone and undisturbed. A matching footrest further adds to the Grande Papilio’s image as the perfect item for breathing a vibe of relaxation into a space.

Fukusawa himself has said of his creation, “I wanted the chair to look naturally comfortable, to have the same shape that relaxation would have if it were represented by an image.” It is also an image that one can tailor to personal preferences in colour and upholstery material. As such, the Grande Papilio has become more than another piece of iconic design or ergonomic masterpiece, but a personal statement of good taste.