Mid-Century Italian Hand-Painted Chinoiserie Tole Wastebasket for Bergdorf Goodman

Details

Description

An exceptionally charming mid-century Italian hand-painted tole wastebasket, created in Italy for Bergdorf Goodman, New York, circa 1950s–1960s.

Executed on … Read more An exceptionally charming mid-century Italian hand-painted tole wastebasket, created in Italy for Bergdorf Goodman, New York, circa 1950s–1960s.

Executed on a dramatic black ground, the piece is richly decorated with an elaborate Chinoiserie landscape of pagodas, flowering trees, palms, delicate blossoms, butterflies and insects, accented throughout in warm gilt, ochre, coral and muted green. A graceful scalloped rim finished in gold gives the piece its particularly elegant silhouette.

The reverse is equally beautifully decorated with flowering botanical motifs and whimsical insects, making this a decorative object from every angle.

Most importantly, the underside retains its original hand-painted inscription:

“Made in Italy for Bergdorf Goodman No. 5”

A wonderful survivor from the era when Bergdorf Goodman commissioned and imported sophisticated European decorative accessories for its New York clientele.

Today, it works beautifully not only as a wastebasket but as a decorative cachepot, umbrella stand, magazine holder or sculptural accent beside a desk, console or dressing table. Its black-and-gold palette makes it especially striking in traditional, Hollywood Regency, maximalist or collected interiors.

The surface retains desirable age-appropriate patina, including scattered rubbing, scratches and losses to the painted and gilt decoration. These are consistent with its vintage age and use and lend the piece considerable character. Please refer to photographs for condition.

Details
Italian, circa 1950s–1960s
Made for Bergdorf Goodman, New York
Hand-painted tole / metal
Chinoiserie decoration
Marked underneath: “Made in Italy for Bergdorf Goodman No. 5”

Dimensions
11 in W x 8 in D x 16.5 in H See less