A design object that goes beyond function

The Poltrona Pecora is not simply a piece of furniture. It is a project that exists at the intersection of contemporary art, Italian design, and cultural reflection. Conceived by Vito Maiullari, developed in 2006 together with Mimmo Ferri, and brought back into the spotlight today with Paola and Rocco Ferri, it represents a unique journey within the design landscape.

Within the context of Max Divani, this piece becomes the symbol of a broader vision: design not as mere function, but as experience, storytelling, and identity.

The origins of the Poltrona Pecora

An artistic idea turned into a product

The Poltrona Pecora was born as a work of art. It was not originally designed to meet ergonomic or functional needs, but to provoke a reaction—almost an intellectual challenge.

As described in the original text, those who observe it tend to perceive it first as a piece of furniture, only later realizing its deeper nature: an abstract creation that transcends its practical use as a chair or sofa .

This shift is essential to understanding its value: Pecora does not simply occupy a space—it transforms it culturally.

A deep connection to the territory

The choice of a sheep is anything but accidental. This animal is deeply rooted in Mediterranean culture and in the history of Apulia, where for centuries it represented a cornerstone of the local economy.

It is tied to a way of life shaped by slow, natural rhythms and a profound connection to the land and its silences. Its presence has helped define both the landscape and the identity of these territories. In this sense, the armchair becomes a visual metaphor: a bridge between past and present, between nature and industry.

From rural world to contemporary living

A critique of modern design

One of the most compelling aspects of the Poltrona Pecora lies in its critical meaning. The piece reflects on how modernity has progressively replaced the natural dimension with an industrial one.

The living room becomes the symbol of this transformation—an artificial space that has taken the place of a slower, more authentic life. By bringing Pecora into this context, a tension is created.

It is no longer just a seat, but an implicit question:
what have we lost in the transition to modernity?

A return to slower time

The strength of Pecora also lies in its ability to evoke a different sense of time. A time that is not productive or accelerated, but made of pause, reflection, and presence.

According to the original interpretation, it represents precisely this return: an invitation to rediscover a more human and less frenetic dimension .

Design and provocation: an object that divides

Between irony and symbolic power

The Poltrona Pecora is not neutral. It is intentionally divisive, designed to generate different reactions and interpretations.

It can be read as an ironic element, a social critique, a reinterpretation of luxury, or even a symbol charged with political and cultural meanings. In some versions, this tension becomes even more explicit: Pecora turns into a flag or takes on golden finishes, questioning the relationship between power, money, and design .

Freedom of interpretation

This ambiguity is part of its value. There is no single correct interpretation—each observer constructs their own meaning.

And it is precisely this openness that makes it a unique object in the world of furniture design.

Pecora today: returning to the Salone del Mobile

A project that evolves over time

After years of evolution, the Poltrona Pecora returns to the Salone del Mobile 2026, bringing with it a story made of research, collaboration, and transformation.

The generational transition, with Paola and Rocco Ferri, marks an important continuity. The piece is not confined to the past—it evolves and integrates into contemporary design.

The role of Max Divani

For Max Divani, Poltrona Pecora is far more than a product—it is a statement of intent.

It embodies a clear creative vision, reinforces the brand’s positioning within the high-end design landscape, and becomes a medium through which a more refined and sophisticated identity takes shape.

In a market often focused solely on comfort and functionality, Max Divani chooses to go further, placing culture, art, and vision at the center of its narrative.

When design becomes experience

The Poltrona Pecora is a perfect example of how design can move beyond its primary function and become experience, storytelling, and reflection.

It is not meant to please everyone.
It is not designed to be easy.

And that is precisely its strength.

In the world of Max Divani, it represents a clear direction: not simply creating products, but creating objects that leave a mark.