Released by Vitra, Resting Animals is the result of a research project by Front that focuses on the close link between humans and figurative objects. The design duo asked randomly selected people which objects they felt were the most valuable and emotionally significant in their lives. The majority of the responses turned out to be animal figures who were perceived to have a common personality, characteristics or history. This interest has now been made into a group of representations of sleeping animals — Resting Animals — whose postures exude calmness and placidity. Among these, the ceramic cat finds its place everywhere in the house. Beyond its decorative role, Vitra's Resting Cat transmits, through its peaceful presence, a feeling of deep satisfaction and camaraderie.
Vitra was founded in 1950 by Willi Fehlbaum and Erika Fehlbaum. The design furniture company Vitra is located near Basel, Switzerland. Starting in 1981, the Vitra brand expanded and opened numerous subsidiaries around the world. The founders discovered the Vitra armchairs, including the Eames armchairs, the Vitra tables, and the office chairs created by Charles and Ray Eames, Antonio Citterio, and the Bouroullec brothers. They were instantly captivated and subsequently requested a license to produce these furniture pieces in Europe. In 1956, Vitra acquired this license, which became one of the cornerstones of the brand’s success.