Rare Ivo Maretti Sculptural Bar Trolley in Walnut and Crystal Glass

Ivo Maretti for Otello Caprara, bar trolley, walnut, crystal cut glass, Italy, 1950s

This exquisite bar trolley is designed by the architect and designer Ivo Maretti and crafted by the skilled Italian artisan Otello Caprara. The piece possesses a sculptural quality, making it visually captivating from every angle. The meticulously carved legs follow an organic rhythm, with undulating lines and graceful apertures that seamlessly transition into the supporting structure for the top. One of the standout features is the lower tray, adorned with a striking inlaid pattern of geometric shapes, crafted from various types of wood, each stained in different hues to create a striking abstract composition. The crystal-cut glass forms the handle and top, allowing a full view of the intricate wooden artwork below. Every detail has been carefully considered, from the refined leg endings to the smoothly finished corners and the elegant proportions.

Ivo Maretti was born in 1922 in Quistello di Mantova, Italy. His life and career unfolded almost entirely in his home commune, a testament to his deep connection to the culture and traditions of the region. Maretti’s educational journey began and ended in Venice, where he pursued studies that combined his passion for the arts and architecture. He obtained a diploma as a “Master of Arts”, a credential that not only advanced his architectural career but also enabled him to become a qualified teacher of artistic education. Although Maretti is primarily known for his contributions to architecture and design, teaching played a significant role in his professional life. He passionately trained a new generation of artisans, professionals, and even artists, continuing his teaching role until the institution he worked for transitioned into an art high school, where the hands-on workshops he so valued were phased out. Maretti’s commitment to education reflected his broader philosophy of art as a craft deeply connected to both historical and modern traditions.

In tandem with his teaching, Maretti actively pursued his architectural and design career, producing a range of works that included furniture and other objects crafted for cabinetmakers and architectural draftsmen. His collaborations with various figures in the field, such as Otello Caprara, a distinguished restorer of wooden artifacts, broadened his expertise in working with diverse materials and forms. Caprara, born in Mantua, gained recognition in Bologna, where he worked on historically significant restorations, including the model of Brunelleschi's dome and the inlaid choir of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence.

Maretti’s design accomplishments were evident through the numerous accolades he received. In 1954, he won first prize in the Sicilian Region’s competition for applied art models. His greatest prestige came in 1959 when he was awarded the prestigious Formica-Domus Prize for his innovative folding bench design at the 4th Formica-Domus Competition (1958-1959). This bench encapsulated Maretti’s design philosophy of merging modernity with tradition, creating lightweight, cost-effective pieces. The project was admired by a jury led by the renowned Italian architect and designer Gio Ponti, who shared a mutual respect with Maretti. Ponti’s ‘Superleggera’ chair, which also embodied principles of simplicity, efficiency, and innovation, was a notable parallel to Maretti’s approach.

Maretti’s work, preserved through an archive of hand-drawn sketches, designs, and prototypes, showcases his ability to harmonize different materials, including wood, ceramics, and enameled metals. His projects demonstrated an idiosyncratic understanding of how materials could blend with historical traditions while meeting the demands of modern industrial production.

Despite his professional successes, Maretti was known for his quiet and reserved nature. He had a deep love for travel, which allowed him to explore cultures across four continents. Ivo Maretti’s life and work represent a harmonious blend of education, craftsmanship, and design innovation. In 1992, Ivo Maretti passed away in his cherished homeplace Quistello di Mantova.

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