Barnaba Fornasetti | Curved 'Zebra' Cabinet One of Fifteen, Date: 2003

Details

Description

Barnaba Fornasetti | Curved 'Zebra' Cabinet
One of Fifteen,
Date: 2003
Medium: Silkscreened, hand-painted, and lacquered wood

Dimensions: 51 3/4 … Read more Barnaba Fornasetti | Curved 'Zebra' Cabinet
One of Fifteen,
Date: 2003
Medium: Silkscreened, hand-painted, and lacquered wood

Dimensions: 51 3/4 inches high x 26 1/4 inches wide x 13 inches deep

A brilliant example of the Fornasetti atelier's signature blend of surrealism and master craftsmanship, this curved cabinet immediately captivates the viewer. The design depicts a bold zebra—one of the brand's most beloved motifs—emerging from a dense wall of green leaves. This playful use of trompe-l'œil (French for "deceive the eye") creates a magical illusion, making it seem as if a wild creature is stepping directly out of the furniture and into the room.

The cabinet's elegant, curved form is meticulously handcrafted using a complex process of silkscreening, hand-painting, and lacquering. The two front doors open to reveal a surprisingly practical interior, featuring three removable shelves that can be adjusted for height. The entire piece is elevated on a discreet, recessed black base, which enhances its sculptural quality. Designed by Barnaba Fornasetti, this piece is from a limited edition of only 15 units, making it a rare and highly collectible work.


A Legacy of Imagination
The Fornasetti brand represents a unique and enduring artistic dynasty. Founded by the prolific Italian artist Piero Fornasetti (1913-1988), the Milan-based atelier became famous for its whimsical and poetic decoration of everyday objects. After his father's death, Barnaba Fornasetti took creative control, preserving the vast archive of designs while reinterpreting them for a contemporary audience. This cabinet is a perfect example of Barnaba's vision—honoring his father's iconic themes while introducing new forms and modern sensibilities.

The Iconic Zebra Motif
Alongside the famous face of opera singer Lina Cavalieri, the zebra is one of the most recognizable symbols in the Fornasetti universe. For Piero, the zebra was an emblem of a dreamlike, exotic nature. Its graphic black-and-white stripes provided a perfect canvas for exploring patterns and contrasts, embodying both the orderly structure of design and the untamed spirit of the wild. The motif appears across Fornasetti's creations, from plates and trays to scarves and furniture, always lending an air of sophisticated fantasy.

Literature: This design is illustrated in Barnaba Fornasetti, Fornasetti: The Complete Universe (Rizzoli, 2010), page 661, plate #64.

(Ref: NY10911-ulmrx See less