2025
Sculptor Ivan Zanoni is likely among the last blacksmiths in the world who relies on medieval techniques to create magnificent iron sculptures. Having learned the craft from his father, sculptor Luciano Zanoni, Ivan is celebrated internationally for his provocative animal sculptures and other works.
Ivan Zanoni was born in Caldes, Trento, Italy, and wasted no time getting his little hands into all sorts of trouble. Burning himself was just the first of many lessons he would learn while working in his father’s workshop, but in the years that followed, Ivan would come to master the traditions most closely associated with the family name. There is a long history of blacksmithing in the Zanoni family, and many artisans have passed down skills to younger generations, who’ve managed to formulate their own unique approach to their craft.
Today, father and son work together in their shared workshop even as their subjects and methods vary. Luciano’s ideas take shape in his head, and while he may draw the initial outlines of a concept in chalk on the ground before lighting the fire, he usually skips the concepting stage altogether. Ivan, on the other hand, tends to sketch out ideas, make plasticine models and cut sheet metal accordingly before beginning to work with his material. Sometimes a given work can take years to complete.
Ivan is probably best known for the vast range of figurative sculptures he’s created over the years, all of which draw on the wonders of the animal kingdom, while his father specializes in sculpting olive trees and other plant life in iron. Their approaches intersect with a love of nature, each holding a firm belief that remaining rooted to the earth, grounded both emotionally and spiritually, is critical to much more than just their art.
Ivan began to explore sculpture on his own in 1998. He has exhibited his work at the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Trento and Rovereto. He created a series of sculptures representing the fables of La Fontaine and has completed multiple feline sculptures inspired by the stories of Italian writer Emilio Salgari. The Salamon Fine Art gallery in Milan represents both Ivan and Luciano Zanoni, and some of their work is held in the gallery’s permanent collection.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of Ivan Zanoni sculptures.
Thistle with insects forged in iron - Unique proof
By Ivan Zanoni
Located in Milan, IT
Ivan Zanoni Thistles A compact iron landscape where nature reveals itself through detail and surprise. Two thistles stand side by side; their sculptural silhouettes conceal a tiny ...
Iron
Dandelion and bee - Wrought iron and pure gold leaf
By Ivan Zanoni
Located in Milan, IT
Details: Dandelion and bee hand-forged in iron with gold leaf Features: indoor or outdoor sculpture, perfect as a centerpiece Origin: Italy Material: Wrought iron Condition: New A...
Iron
Stunning Iron Sculpture - Two Buttercups and a moth
By Ivan Zanoni
Located in Milan, IT
The yellow, shiny and vibrant petals of buttercups are memories of childhood time and radiate joy, happiness and friendship. Ivan Zanoni hand-forges them as miniature suns with their...
Iron
Sunflower - Wrought iron indoor and outdoor sculpture
By Ivan Zanoni
Located in Milan, IT
Hand-Forged Life-Size Sunflower Sculpture by Italian Hammersmith - Indoor & Outdoor Art Description: Bring the warmth and poetry of nature into your space with this exquisite life-size sunflower sculpture, masterfully handcrafted by a renowned Italian hammersmith. Designed for both indoor and outdoor settings, this piece radiates elegance, charm, and artisanal excellence. Each sunflower is forged by hand using traditional techniques passed down through generations, embodying the essence of Italian craftsmanship. The delicate curvature of the petals, the intricate texture of the center, and the organic lines of the stem all contribute to a sculpture that feels alive with movement and emotion. Whether placed in a garden, terrace, entrance hall, or contemporary living space, this sculpture becomes an immediate focal point-inviting conversation, admiration, and a deeper appreciation for handmade artistry. Details: Origin: Italy Material: Hand-forged iron Finish: Natural patina suitable for outdoor use (custom finishes available on request) Dimensions: Life-size scale Condition: New, Suitable for: Indoor or outdoor display Style: Organic, botanical, timeless Celebrate the beauty of nature through the hands of an Italian master. A truly unique and timeless piece for collectors of fine art and lovers of bespoke design. Based in Caldes (Trentino, Italy), Zanoni is heir to a family tradition of blacksmithing passed down from his father, Luciano Zanoni, who famously forged a monumental four-meter olive tree sculpture...
Iron
Tulips and Butterfly - Unique wrought iron sculpture
By Ivan Zanoni
Located in Milan, IT
Description: Six tulips in a row hand-forged in wrought iron at different stages of their bloom. The sequence of tulips is animated by the landing of a butterfly that revitalizes and...
Iron
Scarab on a buttercup - Nature forged in iron
By Ivan Zanoni
Located in Milan, IT
Indoor or outdoor iron sculpture perfect for nature lovers. Ivan Zanoni's hands can forge insects and grasses with authenticity and superb craftsmanship, as this tiny but perfect pie...
Iron
Lampost Top Sculpture with Dragon Flies: 'Danse Macabre'
By Elizabeth Jordan
Located in New York, NY
Elizabeth Jordan is an artist working primarily in sculpture and whose work uses multiple materials to produce unique, organic forms. In addition to a solo and group shows at Ivy Bro...
Wire
Vintage Arthur Court Aluminum Sculpture Cast Bouquet Flowers, Ladybug Home Decor
Located in Surfside, FL
A designer decor bouquet of aluminum floral forms by Arthur Court Designs (California). Produced 1989. Includes: four (4) aluminum flowers on stems; and...
Metal
Abstract Bronze Sculpture titled “Butterfly” by Ryokichi Mukai, Japan c1970s
Located in Oakland, CA
Fantastic abstract bronze sculpture by well noted sculptor, Ryokichi Mukai c1970s. Comes with signed box. Mukai (1918-2010) was born January 26, 1918 in Kyoto. He studied sculptur...
Bronze
Composition with Nails - Iron Sculpture by Nino Franchina - Late 1900
By Nino Franchina
Located in Roma, IT
Composition is an original decorative object realized by Nino Franchina in the second half of the XX century. Original iron and wood. Iron sculpture c...
Iron
Black Flowers Sculpture, 2019 Metal by Donald Baechler
By Donald Baechler
Located in Miami, FL
TECHNICAL INFORMATION Donald Baechler Black Flowers Sculpture, 2019 Shaped oxidized aluminum, mounted to aluminum base with black powder coat 26 × 16...
Metal
Bouquet - Modern Minimalist Contemporary Floral Bouquet Steel Sculpture
By Granville Beals
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by dance and weightlessness, Granville Beals' industrial metal sculptures are primarily about relationships. Concerned with form and abstraction, he does not merely manipula...
Metal, Steel
