Octopus Linen-Cotton Tablecloth
Price range: $254.80 through $415.20
The L’Arcolaio Octopus linen-cotton tablecloth brings together original Italian artwork and sophisticated textile craftsmanship. The sweeping octopus design was created by a Bologna-based artist duo, while L’Arcolaio produces the jacquard fabric, executes the digital printing and makes the finished tablecloth in Italy.
The 50% linen and 50% cotton fabric is woven with subtle tone-on-tone abstract motifs. Because the artwork is printed over this already textured jacquard rather than a smooth plain weave, the image acquires a delicate sense of depth and dimension.
- Manufacturer: L’Arcolaio
- Composition: 50% linen, 50% cotton
- Fabric: linen-cotton jacquard, known in Italy as mistolino
- Weave: subtle tone-on-tone abstract motifs
- Print: digital
- Artwork: original octopus design by a Bologna-based artist duo
- Production: fabric and printing made in Italy by L’Arcolaio
- Available sizes: 55″ × 55″ and 67″ × 106″
- Custom sizing: not available
- Care: machine wash at 104°F / 40°C; iron preferably while slightly damp
- Brand: La Bottega di Casa (finished tablecloth made in Italy by La Bottega di Casa)
When the fabric becomes part of the artwork
The L’Arcolaio Octopus Tablecloth is not simply a printed table linen. Its character comes from the relationship between the artwork and the fabric underneath it.
Created by an artist duo based in Bologna, Italy, the oversized octopus moves across the cloth through sweeping tentacles and finely drawn details. A restrained palette of black, charcoal, soft gray, ivory and natural tones gives the motif the graphic quality of a contemporary engraving rather than a conventional nautical print.
It is an Italian designer tablecloth with octopus print that makes a distinctive statement without feeling overly decorative.
Its most unusual quality, however, only becomes fully apparent when you look more closely at the fabric.
L’Arcolaio weaves the cloth from 50% linen and 50% cotton, a blend traditionally referred to in Italy as mistolino.
Before the artwork is printed, the surface is already woven in jacquard with discreet abstract tone-on-tone motifs. The print therefore does not sit on a completely flat and uniform canvas.
The subtle variations of the jacquard remain visible beneath the image and respond differently to light. As the angle changes, so does the way the printed design interacts with the woven texture.
The result is a refined sense of depth and dimension.
It is not a dramatic embossed effect. Its appeal is much quieter: from a distance the octopus artwork takes center stage, while up close the weave begins to reveal itself beneath the print.
This is what makes it a particularly distinctive linen cotton jacquard tablecloth with octopus print. The cloth is not simply the background for the artwork; it becomes part of the artwork itself.
The provenance of this octopus tablecloth made in Italy is equally important.
The original design was created by two artists based in Bologna. L’Arcolaio is both the brand and manufacturer, producing the jacquard fabric, printing the artwork and making the finished tablecloth in Italy.
Artistic design and textile production therefore remain closely connected throughout the creation of the piece.
La Bottega di Casa selected the Octopus Tablecloth to offer alongside our own collections and other exceptional examples of Italian textile craftsmanship. What interested us was not simply the originality of the image, but the sophistication of the fabric and the way its woven structure changes the appearance of the print.
It is a printed jacquard tablecloth made in Italy whose quality is found as much in the material as in the design.
https://www.labottegadicasa.com/tablelinen/tablecloths/printed-tablecloths/
A design with this much character does not need an elaborate tablescape.
White or ivory dinnerware, clear glassware and understated accessories allow the octopus artwork to remain visible. For napkins, we particularly recommend solid linen in gray or Nembo, whose muted tones echo the colors in the print without competing with it.
The 55″ × 55″ square size works beautifully on smaller square tables and can also be draped over a small round table, allowing its square shape to fall naturally at the sides.
It also offers another styling option that reflects the way La Bottega di Casa approaches table linens: layer it over a larger solid linen tablecloth and use it as a decorative table topper.
We especially like the square Octopus cloth over a gray or Nembo linen tablecloth. The solid background acts almost like a frame, allowing the printed jacquard to become a large piece of textile artwork at the center of the table.
These combinations of layered table linens, colors and textures are part of La Bottega di Casa’s approach to table setting. Linens do not always need to be used individually; layering makes it possible to create new proportions and compositions from pieces you already own.
The 67″ × 106″ rectangular size allows the large-scale octopus design to unfold fully across a dining table.
Pair with solid linen napkins in gray or Nembo, white or ivory dinnerware and clear glassware.
For a layered setting, place the 55″ × 55″ Octopus Tablecloth over a larger solid gray or Nembo linen tablecloth to highlight the artwork and create contrast between print, color and texture.
La Bottega di Casa grew from a long family tradition in fine household linens and textiles. In our Italian workshop, we create table and home linen collections using carefully selected fabrics from Italian and European textile mills.
Alongside the pieces made in our own workshop, we also choose to carry a small selection from other Italian makers when their work reflects the same values we look for in our collections: exceptional materials, distinctive design, textile expertise and authentic Italian craftsmanship.
The L’Arcolaio Octopus Tablecloth is one of those pieces. We selected it not only for the original artwork created by a Bologna-based artist duo, but also for the unusual relationship between the print and the tone-on-tone jacquard weave.
It is a subtle detail, best appreciated up close, that gives the artwork depth and makes the fabric itself part of the design.
These are the textiles La Bottega di Casa is drawn to: pieces with a clear provenance, genuine craftsmanship and qualities that reveal themselves more fully when they are seen, touched and lived with.
Chi Siamo
What is the L’Arcolaio Octopus Tablecloth made of?
It is made from 50% linen and 50% cotton and woven in jacquard with subtle abstract tone-on-tone motifs.
What does mistolino mean?
Mistolino is the Italian term used here for the linen-cotton blend. In the Octopus Tablecloth, it combines 50% linen and 50% cotton in a textured jacquard weave.
Why does the octopus print look more dimensional?
The artwork is printed over a jacquard surface rather than a completely flat fabric. The woven texture interacts with both the print and the light, creating a subtle sense of depth and dimension.
Who designed and who makes the Octopus Tablecloth?
The artwork was created by an artist duo based in Bologna, Italy. L’Arcolaio is the brand and manufacturer, producing the fabric, printing and finished tablecloth in Italy. La Bottega di Casa selects and retails the piece.
Is the Octopus Tablecloth available in custom sizes?
No. It is available only in 55″ × 55″ and 67″ × 106″.
Can I layer the Octopus Tablecloth over another tablecloth?
Yes. The 55″ × 55″ square size can be used as a decorative table topper over a larger solid linen tablecloth.
We particularly recommend gray or Nembo linen, which complements the artwork and creates a quiet frame around the printed design. Layering different tablecloths, colors and textures is one of the ways La Bottega di Casa suggests creating new table settings from the same linens.
Can I use the 55″ × 55″ size on a round table?
Yes. It can be draped over a smaller round table, allowing the square corners to fall naturally.
How should I care for the Octopus Tablecloth?
Machine wash at 104°F / 40°C. For best results, iron while the fabric is still slightly damp.
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