Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi Trunk or Side Bench

Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi, trunk / side bench / side table, oak, Italy, 1970s

Giuseppe Rivadossi’s blanket chest, crafted in oak during the 1970s, stands as a powerful synthesis of sculpture and utility. The most arresting feature of the piece is the front panel’s carved surface: a field of undulating waveforms, each crest and trough carefully gouged. One can sense the hand of the maker in every groove. The oak itself is dense, warm and honest. Its grain patterns subtly interplay with the carved rhythm.

Giuseppe Rivadossi (1935) was born in Monteclana di Nave, Italy, where he continues to live and work. His journey with wood carving began at a young age, each piece embodying his poetic vision of life. In 1962, Rivadossi took over the carpentry business founded by his father, Clemente, in 1920, transforming it into an atelier, or rather a creative workshop. In 1976, Rivadossi and his collaborators established ‘Officina Rivadossi’, where he began crafting unique wooden objects and modern furniture, blending artistry with craftsmanship.