Unique Italian Highboard in Cerused Chestnut

Wardrobe, cerused chestnut, Italy, early 1940s

This delightful Italian-made armoire, originating from roughly the early 1940s, is a stunning representation of the artistic craftsmanship associated with fine woodworking. It is worth highlighting the unparalleled manner in which the sideboard was fashioned. The furniture piece is characterized by a rustic style, crafted with a harmonious and consistent approach, employing a singular material. The relief-carved squares are the wardrobe's focal point that are consistently spread across its width and length. These linear elements not only infuse a touch of artistic flair but also impart a sense of structural rhythm, vividly juxtaposing the otherwise organic and flowing grain patterns. Elevated on gracefully carved arches, these elements not only provide structural support but also imbue the piece with its distinctive character.

The construction is crafted from cerused chestnut. The cerused finish, a technique involving the application of a contrasting pigment to highlight the wood's natural grain, adds depth and texture to the piece. The designer's minimal use of decoration allows the distinctive properties of the cerused chestnut to stand out, with the squares serving as a defining element. The interior provides a sophisticated arrangement to store one's clothing and accessories. It includes six small drawers, one larger drawer, and a pair of steel coat racks with a shelf.

The design of the wardrobe evokes the style and vocabulary often associated with the Italian designer Paolo Buffa, known for his sophisticated and more natural approach to furniture design. Italian designers like Guglielmo Pecorini, Lio Carminati and the well-respected furniture maker for modern architects Turri Mosè, were also creating furniture in this distinctive style. The deceptively uncomplicated appearance masks a sophisticated fusion of materials and exquisite carvings.

The provenance behind this piece is quite fascinating. It belonged to the family of the internationally renowned designer and craftswoman Gegia Bronzini. In 1929, she established a small weaving school in the rural Marocco neighborhood outside Venice, aiming to infuse the ancient craft of hand weaving with elegant, unmistakably Italian modern design motifs. Bronzini forged strong bonds with the women in the Venetian countryside, instructing some in the art of weaving on looms while delving into traditional hand weaving methods through research. Gegia Bronzini has garnered recognition and appraisal in important Italian publications focusing on architecture and design, including multiple features in Domus with a column dedicated by Gio Ponti and an entire issue in the magazine Stile.

Kindly note that this piece is in a pre-owned condition with signs of age and use. This includes color differences and scratches. Restoration can be done before shipping by our experienced craftspeople in our own in-house restoration atelier. With high attention for the original, they make sure every piece retains its value and is ready for the many years to come. We kindly ask you to contact our design experts for further information about the endless possibilities our restoration and upholstery atelier has to offer. Of course, a locally organized restoration is possible as well.

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