This sculptural travertine centerpiece bowl was created in Italy in the 1970s by Fratelli Mannelli, a Tuscan atelier renowned for transforming local stone into minimalist and functional works of art. Known for their mastery of travertine, the Mannelli brothers became key figures in Italian mid-century modern design, crafting objects that seamlessly merge architecture, sculpture, and utility.
Hand-carved from a solid block of authentic Italian travertine, this bowl highlights the stone’s natural character with its warm ivory-beige tones, intricate veining, and open cavities, unique geological features that make each piece one of a kind. Its rounded form and generous scale allow it to function both as a decorative centerpiece and as a functional bowl, reflecting the Mannelli philosophy of turning natural materials into enduring design objects.
This piece embodies the values sought after in the current collectible design market: authenticity, material integrity, and sculptural presence. The quiet elegance of travertine resonates strongly with collectors, architects, and interior designers who value organic modernism and the timeless quality of stone craftsmanship.
Measurements:
Height: 8 cm (3.15 in)
Diameter: 24 cm (9.45 in)
About the designer:
Fratelli Mannelli established their studio in Florence in the mid-20th century, quickly gaining recognition for their ability to reinterpret the natural beauty of travertine through simple yet powerful forms. Their pieces, ranging from bowls and trays to sculptural objects, remain highly collectible today, sought after for their rarity, durability, and enduring aesthetic relevance. With the resurgence of interest in mid-century Italian stone design, Mannelli’s works are increasingly coveted in the international market, often regarded as investment pieces that bridge the gap between decorative arts and functional design.
Studio Atelier Brun
Photography Rabea Hüppi
This sculptural travertine centerpiece bowl was created in Italy in the 1970s by Fratelli Mannelli, a Tuscan atelier renowned for transforming local stone into minimalist and functional works of art. Known for their mastery of travertine, the Mannelli brothers became key figures in Italian mid-century modern design, crafting objects that seamlessly merge architecture, sculpture, and utility.
Hand-carved from a solid block of authentic Italian travertine, this bowl highlights the stone’s natural character with its warm ivory-beige tones, intricate veining, and open cavities, unique geological features that make each piece one of a kind. Its rounded form and generous scale allow it to function both as a decorative centerpiece and as a functional bowl, reflecting the Mannelli philosophy of turning natural materials into enduring design objects.
This piece embodies the values sought after in the current collectible design market: authenticity, material integrity, and sculptural presence. The quiet elegance of travertine resonates strongly with collectors, architects, and interior designers who value organic modernism and the timeless quality of stone craftsmanship.
Measurements:
Height: 8 cm (3.15 in)
Diameter: 24 cm (9.45 in)
About the designer:
Fratelli Mannelli established their studio in Florence in the mid-20th century, quickly gaining recognition for their ability to reinterpret the natural beauty of travertine through simple yet powerful forms. Their pieces, ranging from bowls and trays to sculptural objects, remain highly collectible today, sought after for their rarity, durability, and enduring aesthetic relevance. With the resurgence of interest in mid-century Italian stone design, Mannelli’s works are increasingly coveted in the international market, often regarded as investment pieces that bridge the gap between decorative arts and functional design.
Studio Atelier Brun
Photography Rabea Hüppi
