Italian Mid-Century Modern Commode With Mirror

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On offer is a curved rectangular commode with a gleaming French polish finish by Italian architect, designer, essayist and academic … Read more On offer is a curved rectangular commode with a gleaming French polish finish by Italian architect, designer, essayist and academic Carlo de Carli (1910-1999). The mirrored section sits atop the two-door, burl-veneered case with brass inlay, two drawers at center, and tapered legs on brass feet. Besides adding to living room or bedroom storage, this piece can additionally function as a buffet, providing a place for laying out a self-service meal when entertaining, storage for linens, silverware, glassware and alcohol. The mirror on top would reflect light back into the room and enhance whatever decorative items you might place on the top.
De Carli made significant contributions to 20th-century Italian modern architecture and industrial design. He focused on the integration of space, material, and the human body and gesture. He aimed to create furniture that was comfortable, functional, and invited an individual presence, which this piece has in spades.
In exploring his concept of "spazio primario" (primary space), which emphasized the relationship between people, objects, and architectural environments, De Carli designed numerous pieces of furniture for leading Italian manufacturers such as Cassina, GUBI, Sormani, and Tecno. His work often featured clean lines and a sculptural use of wood, as we see with this piece. In 1954, he was awarded the inaugural Compasso d'Oro prize for his Model 683 chair for Cassina.
In 1934, he graduated from the Politecnico di Milano, today the largest and highest ranked technical university in Italy, renowned for its engineering, architecture and design programs. De Carli maintained a strong connection to the university throughout his life. He went on to serve as the Chair of Interior Architecture, Furniture, and Decoration, following no less a figure than Gio Ponti in the position. Big shoes to fill.

Mirror dimensions: 58"w x 41.25h (combined with cabinet height) See less