Unique Italian Pair of Dining Chairs in Cerused Chestnut

Pair of dining chairs, cerused chestnut, Italy, early 1940s

This delightful Italian-made pair of dining chairs, 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 chair was fashioned. The furniture piece is characterized by a rustic style, crafted with a harmonious and consistent approach, employing several materials. The chair is marked by a sleek structure with tapered legs and smooth contours. The seat is upholstered in a red brown leatherette fastened to the profile with brass nails.

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 delicate lines serving as a defining element.

The design of the chair 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. 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.

Kindly note that the chairs are in good, used condition with signs of age and use. This includes some scratches and marks on the seat. For further details, we encourage you to reach out to our team of design specialists.

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