1940s Italian Sideboard in Bronze Green Cerused Chestnut 340 cm (133.86 in.)

Sideboard, cerused chestnut, brass, Italy, 1940s

This cabinet is a quietly powerful piece; substantial in form, yet richly detailed in texture. Made in 1940s Italy from chestnut, its structure is weighty and grounded. The overall shape is boxy, geometric, almost monolithic, but not without nuance. Each element is deliberate, from the thick block feet that anchor it to the floor, to the stepped top edge that gives a slight architectural echo. The cabinet's doors are where the hand of the artisan truly shows. The central panels are deeply fluted with vertical grooves, while the side doors feature recessed square carvings that unfold like frames within frames.

The surface treatment deserves particular attention. The chestnut wood has been cerused in a deep bronze green, a finish that accentuates the natural grain of the timber, adding depth and texture to the piece. The effect is layered and complex. The green tone is not loud; it is deep, earthy, and slightly metallic. Despite its rustic material and artisanal techniques, the overall feeling is unexpectedly modern. There is no ornament for ornament’s sake. The symmetry, the minimal hardware, the repetition of lines – all point toward a modernist sensibility emerging from traditional roots. Lastly, functionality does not come at the expense of aesthetics. With its generous width of 340 cm (133.86 in.), the cabinet offers ample storage space through both shelves and drawers.