Unique Italian Wall-Mounted Console with Mirror in Cerused Chestnut

Wall-mounted console with mirror, cerused chestnut, mirrored glass, Italy, early 1940s

This delightful Italian-made wall-mounted shelf with mirror, 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 ensemble was fashioned. The furniture pieces are characterized by a rustic style, crafted with a harmonious and consistent approach, employing several materials.

The relief-carved squares with the characteristic round knobs with concentric lines embellish the front. These details 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. The body of the cabinet and the mirror features a concise design with clear, linear geometry.

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 and door knobs serving as a defining element. The shelf contains two drawers to conveniently store one's accessories.

The design of the vanity 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 these pieces is quite fascinating. They 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.

Dimensions of the console: listed on the page
Dimensions of the mirror: H 117 W 70 D 3 cm / H 46.06 W 27.56 D 1.18 in.

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