PAOLO BUFFA

Sculptural pair of armchairs, Italy circa 1950s. Offered by Gaspare Asaro – Italian Modern.
An exceptional marquetry and rosewood cabinet by Paolo Buffa. Offered by H.M. Luther.

Born in Milan at the turn of the 20th century, Paolo Buffa is one of the most influential furniture designers of his time. Renowned for his elegant, Neoclassical designs and his use of exceptional materials, Buffa also worked with local cabinetmakers to pioneer more efficient production techniques. He began working with the Italian furniture company Cassina de Meda in the 1960s and moved Italian design toward more streamlined and efficient production models. Today, Paolo Buffa chairs are becoming increasingly popular.

 

 

 

GIO PONTI

Extraordinary two-door storage cabinet by Gio Ponti, circa 1952. This piece has parchment covered panels, one ribbed door panel, and sculptural bronze pull-handle. Side-wall panels with fin details, tapering legs, and inset display unit with glass shelves. Offered by Donzella.
Pair of chairs with stools by Gio Ponti, Italy circa 1964. These chairs were originally designed for the Parco dei Principi Hotel in Rome. Offered by Bernd Goeckler Antiques.

Italian architect and designer Gio Ponti founded one of the most important design magazines in modern historyーDOMUS. He was also a faculty member of the School of Architecture at the prestigious Milan Polytechnic. Gio Ponti’s furniture was groundbreaking in its modern design, and he produced some of the most memorable furniture and accessories for the leading companies of Italy.

 

 

 

OSVALDO BORSANI

Designed in 1955 by Osvaldo Borsani for the Italian manufacturer Tecno, the elegant P40 chaise lounge chair is an icon of mid-century modern design, providing optimal relaxation and versatility. Offered by Todd Merrill Studio.

Osvaldo Borsani was the co-founder of the Italian furniture manufacturing company Tecno. The company, which focused on engineering and innovative design solutions, introduced iconic creations such as the D70 sofa that folds into a divan bed, and the P40 adjustable lounge chair. While the company initially produced only Osvaldo’s designs, it would go on to manufacture the work of other legendary designers, including Gio Ponti, Mario Bellini, Robert Mango, Eugenio Gerli, and Vico Magistretti.

 

 

 

PIERO FORNASETTI

Piero Fornasetti screen, circa 1958. Offered by Project 1.
Pair of doors of a cupboard made for a private custode, wood decorated with trompe l'oeil pattern, made by Piero Fornasetti circa 1950. Offered by Galerie Harter.

Piero Fornasetti was one of the most prolific decorative artists of the 20th century. Mixing both art and craft, the diversity of his surreal motifs are proof of his fantastic talent. His inventive nature allowed him to blend imagery with unparalleled craftsmanship, and mix techniques and materials to create a truly individual body of work.

 

 

 

ALDO TURA

Aldo Tura bar cabinet, Italy, circa 1960. Cabinet features one door concealing illuminated storage with shelving, one drop-front door concealing bar storage and four drawers. Offered by JF Chen.
Opening Square dyed lacquer parchment cocktail table by Aldo Tura, Italy, circa 1960. Offered by Eric Appel, LLC.

Working between Art Deco and modernism design styles, Italian designer Aldo Tura created singular, high-end furniture and accessories typified by exemplary materials, sculptural forms, and high-end craftsmanship. He was one of the most unique design talents of the Italian midcentury design world.

 

 

 

ROBERTO GIULIO RIDA

"Compasso" circular cocktail table by Roberto Giulio Rida. Solid brass legs inspired by the lines of a compass and repeated around the perimeter of base. Clear glass top over colored glass lens. Only two of these tables exist at this time. Offered by Donzella.
Pair of colored glass Trompe l'oeil Agra cabinets, by Roberto Guilio Rida Italy, 2015. Offered by H.M. Luther.

Roberto Giulio Rida’s anti-modern style explicitly negates the rationalist principles of functionality and serial reproducibility. He uses unrepeatable materials in his work, like Murano glass that is no longer in production, and salvaged elements of value. Roberto Giulio Rida's lamps are beloved by manyーdesigning them was one of his true passions.

 

 

 

ICO PARISI

Polyhedron-shaped bar cabinet with 3 doors, circa 1955, made in lacquered wood and chrome plated brass, attributed to Ico and Luisa Parisi. Offered by JF Chen.
An iconic, graceful and elegant sofa by Ico Parisi in vintage upholstery, circa 1950s. Offered by Stellar Union.

The Sicilian-born architect and designer Ico Parisi was one of the most influential figures designing the look of the 1950s. A Renaissance man, he was also a filmmaker and designer of glass and jewelry. Ico Parisi’s sofas were favorites among high-end clients, along with his desks and chairs. Known for using wood and metal in his designs, Parisi's work embodies the funky modernist style of the early midcentury age.