Art Nouveau Writing Desk attributed to Carlo Zen, 1902

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Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely sublime writing desk which is attributed to / after … Read more Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely sublime writing desk which is attributed to / after the original by Carlo Zen 1902. This desk is an example of the Italian interpretation of the Art Nouveau style, known as Stile Floreale. This desk model was originally exhibited by Carlo Zen, a Milanese furniture manufacturer, at the 1902 First International Exposition of Modern Decorative Arts, in Turin, Italy. The exhibition helped Italy to show the rest of the world that it could create modern designs that competed with others on an international scale. The Italian style was especially influenced by the floral fabrics of Liberty and Company, which were made available to Italian designers for use in interiors, which is why the Italian Art Nouveau style references nature and the English arts and crafts style. The Stile Floreale was the main style exhibited by Italian designers at this exposition. The exposition and the development of the Stile Floreale helped Italian designers to think more progressively, allowing them to create their own version of Art Nouveau and later styles. Prior to the exposition, Italian designers were not part of the design reform that was happening in the rest of Europe. The maker of this desk, Carlo Zen, manufactured Art Nouveau furniture, which gained popularity in Italy after the exposition. He was known for his inlaid mother-of-pearl designs, which can be seen in other versions of this desk. The front of the desk has simple curving shapes, with petals Only three examples of this design are known to date. Two are in the collections of the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, New York and the Museo Wolfsoniana in Genoa. This piece is being sold as after / attributed to, it was bought in Harrods some time ago, I've never seen another like it to be honest, it is such a unique size and style. The main body is all elegant curved bentwood maple, the insides, burr maple with a nice green leather writing surface We have lightly cleaned waxed and polished it, there is nothing negative to note its just a really good honest piece Dimensions Height:- 130cm Width:- 78cm Depth:- 64cm Knee height:- 64.5cm Knee width:- 70cm Please note all measurements are taken at the widest point, if you would like any additional or specific measurements please ask. Condition Please view the very detailed pictures as they form part of the around condition Please note vintage period and original items such as leather seating will always have natural patina in the form of cracking creasing and wear, we recommend regular waxing to ensure no moisture is lost, also hand dyed leather is not recommended to sit in direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time as it will dry out and fade. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



issues arising from misattribution See less