At first glance, the Gufram Massolo appears to be an imposing block of porphyry stone, heavy and immovable. In reality, it is a witty and poetic Gufram designer small table created in 1974 by Piero Gilardi, one of the pioneers of radical Italian design. The table embodies Gufram’s philosophy of “true-false”: an object that pretends to be something it is not, surprising and amusing those who encounter it. This playful paradox transforms Massolo into a radical icon that questions perception and challenges the very idea of furniture. Craftsmanship and Materials Despite its stone-like appearance, Massolo is made entirely of lightweight polyurethane. Its surface is carefully embossed, layered, and painted by hand to reproduce the granular texture and sheen of real stone. The process is completed with Gufram’s signature Guflac® finish, which ensures durability while enhancing the visual effect. The word “PORFIDO” appears boldly on its surface, adding a provocative twist: a label that highlights the illusion while simultaneously mocking it. The result is an extraordinary piece that is both sculptural and functional, a table that plays with expectations. A Radical Dialogue with Design The Piero Gilardi Massolo can be combined with other radical works by Studio 65 x Gufram, or placed alongside the Sassi poufs by the same Piero Gilardi x Gufram collaboration to create a theatrical landscape of nature reinterpreted. It also works beautifully in eclectic interiors paired with the Cactus designer coat rack, where the tension between natural and artificial becomes a key narrative element. A Collector’s Piece of Postmodern History To own the Gufram Massolo is to embrace an object that embodies the irony, poetry, and experimentation of Italian Radical Design. More than just a rock effect coffee table, it is a design manifesto that continues to fascinate collectors, architects, and interior designers worldwide. Its enduring charm lies in its capacity to deceive, delight, and invite reflection on what is real and what is imagined within contemporary living spaces.
