Carved Maple Mirror and Wall-Mounted Rosewood & Maple Console by Osvaldo Borsani

Designed by Osvaldo Borsani and produced by Arredamenti Borsani Varedo, rare wall-mounted console and matching mirror in rosewood, carved maple and brass, Italy, second half of the 1940s. The ensemble is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by the Archivio Osvaldo Borsani (AVB).

This exceptional and highly sculptural composition comprises a large wall mirror and its original matching floating console. The mirror features a gently tapering rectangular form with softly rounded corners, framed by beautifully carved maple moldings. A continuous undulating or scalloped outer edge gives the frame an organic, almost hand-drawn quality, while the layered inner molding and narrow gilt border add depth and refinement.

The wall-mounted console is equally distinctive. Its shallow rectangular rosewood case contains three drawers, each faced with an intricate hand-carved maple relief composed of repeating pyramidal facets. The deeply modeled geometric surfaces create a dynamic play of light and shadow and are centered by round brass pulls with a naturally aged patina. The console is supported by two substantial architectural maple brackets with angular profiles and finely carved linear detailing. A slender brass stretcher joins the supports, balancing their visual weight and introducing a refined metallic accent. The rosewood top is finished with a raised rear gallery and a carved maple crest that echoes the geometric ornament of the drawer fronts.

The sophisticated juxtaposition of richly grained dark rosewood, warm honey-toned maple, sculptural carving and brass exemplifies Borsani’s exceptional approach to custom interior furnishings during the late 1940s. The ensemble bridges the luxurious craftsmanship of Italian Art Deco with the increasingly architectural language of postwar Italian modernism. Elegant yet highly individual, the set would make an important statement in an entrance hall, dressing area, bedroom or sophisticated interior.

Of particular note is the exceptional rarity of this complete mirror and matching wall-mounted console. To our knowledge, no other example of this exact model or configuration has appeared on the market. The highly individualized combination of carved rosewood and maple, together with the unusually elaborate detailing and closely coordinated design of the two elements, suggests that the ensemble may have been conceived as a special or custom commission. Its rarity is further enhanced by the accompanying certificate of authenticity from the Archivio Osvaldo Borsani (AVB).