Mid-Century Modern Italian Bamboo and Rattan Stool by Tito Agnoli, 1960s

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We are pleased to offer for sale a refined Italian Mid-Century Modern stool, entirely handcrafted from natural fibers and dating … Read more We are pleased to offer for sale a refined Italian Mid-Century Modern stool, entirely handcrafted from natural fibers and dating from the 1950s to 1960s. The piece features a solid and stable structure made of bamboo canes, gently flared at the ends in a way that subtly recalls the iconic bentwood forms popularized by Michael Thonet. This elegant structural detail lends both lightness and movement to the overall design. The seat, crafted in cane and rattan, beautifully showcases the remarkable technical skill and aesthetic sensibility of Italian artisans. Its form evokes traditional upholstered seating, reinterpreted in an airy and lightweight manner through the use of finely curved canes. Along the edges, one can appreciate the soft curvature of this “imaginary fabric,” which appears to drape over and partially conceal the legs of the stool. This effect is echoed in a central gathered detail, secured with delicate rattan bindings, adding rhythm and sophistication to the composition. This type of stool was typically found in Italian Riviera homes, embodying a relaxed yet refined coastal lifestyle. Its design reflects a process of formal reduction associated with leading Italian designers such as Franco Albini, Franca Helg, and Tito Agnoli, whose work inspired a range of iconic pieces later produced and reinterpreted by skilled craftsmen for companies like Bonacina. This stool has undergone a professional conservative restoration, including a deep cleaning and a specialized surface treatment to preserve its original color and time-earned patina. See less