Unique Italian Double Bed in Cerused Chestnut

Double bed, cerused chestnut, Italy, early 1940

This delightful Italian-made bed, 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 it was fashioned. The furnishing is characterized by a rustic style, crafted with a harmonious and consistent approach, employing a singular material. The footboard is the bed's focal point, showcasing a sculpted framework with elegantly carved undulating lines that flow across its width. These sinuous curves not only add a touch of artistic flair but also create a sense of movement and fluidity. The overall silhouette is refined and light, owing to its open-frame design. This construction technique gives the bed an airy quality, making it appear less bulky and more inviting. Despite its delicacy in appearance, the structure is robust and built to last.

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 curves serving as a defining element. The design of the set 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.

Dimensions bed: listed on the page
Seat height including the mattress: 40.5 cm / 15.94 in.
Dimensions mattress: 160 x 190 cm / 62.99 x 74.80 in.

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