Mid-Century Modern Italian Sideboard by Ignazio Gardella, 1958

Details

Description

This stylish piece is an Italian bar cabinet or desk in Mid-Century Modern style (often referred to as a bar … Read more This stylish piece is an Italian bar cabinet or desk in Mid-Century Modern style (often referred to as a bar cabinet or secrétaire in Italian) dating back to the 1950s.

It features several typical characteristics of high-quality Italian Mid-Century design:

Design and Structure: The piece utilizes a suspended structure supported by an exposed metal frame. This design is a hallmark of Italian modernism from this period, showcasing a light and airy aesthetic in contrast to heavier traditional furniture.

Materials:

Wood: The body of the cabinet appears to be made of teak veneer, with a rich and warm grain typical of the era.
Metal: The legs and structure are made of black lacquered metal supporting the main body, contrasted by elegant brass components, particularly the tapered legs with unique cylindrical ends. The combination of black, wood, and brass is a classic Mid-Century Modern pairing.
Functionality:

The upper section features a drop-leaf door that serves as a surface when opened. This type of flap door often reveals a minibar or a small writing compartment/desk. The interior, with its light blue back panel and glass shelves, suggests its intended use as a bar cabinet.

The lower section includes a series of drawers with recessed handles and curved lines, another stylistic detail common in 1950s Italian furniture. Pieces like this are highly sought after by collectors of 20th-century design. 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