Hollywood Regency Tropical Mirror in Pencil Reed Bamboo attributed to Vivai Del Sud, Italy, 1970s

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Description

This monumental mirror stands out for its imposing sculptural presence and dynamic volumetric design. Its triple-arched, stepped architecture, along with … Read more This monumental mirror stands out for its imposing sculptural presence and dynamic volumetric design. Its triple-arched, stepped architecture, along with the exquisite pencil reed bamboo cladding and cream-white lacquered surfaces, clearly evokes the sophisticated aesthetic language that made Vivai del Sud famous during the 1970s, one of the most representative Italian firms of high-end tropical furniture. Its design is articulated through an architectural silhouette of diminishing arches that creates an elegant pyramidal composition, fully aligned with the trends in Italian design of the time.

This is an extraordinarily exclusive piece, very difficult to find on the current market, especially due to its exceptional monumental format and its elegant, large-scale triptych configuration—a typology far less common than conventional models and particularly prized by collectors of Italian design from the 1970s.

The upper curved moldings have been executed with extraordinary artisanal precision, bending the material using traditional techniques to create perfectly clean, balanced, and symmetrical lines that embrace the original glass. The mirror retains an impeccable reflection, free from oxidation, damp stains, or mercury loss, maintaining all the quality and luminosity inherent in its original manufacture.

The frame features a refined, handcrafted pencil reed bamboo covering, carefully arranged in parallel to create a visually rich linear texture. The material retains its original finish with a beautiful natural patina in a caramelized honey tone, which delicately highlights the organic knots of the bamboo and adds a warm chromatic depth. The intermediate planes, finished in an elegant cream-white lacquer, create a striking contrast with the natural bamboo, emphasizing the relief, depth, and three-dimensional effect of the different staggered levels.

The piece is in excellent vintage condition, maintaining a completely firm, solid, and stable structure. It retains its perfectly fitted original joints, a testament to its original preservation.

Beyond its function as a mirror, this piece acts as a true architectural element within the space. Its balanced proportions, the warmth of the bamboo, and the purity of the white lacquer give it an exceptional sculptural presence, making it an ideal piece for Italian, tropical, or Mediterranean-inspired interiors, where it can easily become the focal point of the room. 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



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