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Paolo Buffa certified bar cabinet manufactured by Mosè Turri, Italy, early 1940s

Creator: Paolo Buffa
Offered by: Linea Gallery

Description
Cherrywood, maple, and brass bar cabinet, designed by Paolo Buffa, manufactured by Mosè Turri, Bovisio Mombello, 1940s.

In the 20th century, the bar cabinet was an essential piece of living room furniture and a critical test for any designer. Free from traditional forms, it naturally lent itself to being shaped according to the prevailing style, embodying a distinct and recognizable design vision. A symbol of luxury, the bar cabinet was conceived to impress and exude sophistication. It is a direct heir to the antique secretaire of the 18th century, which, when opened, revealed intricately decorated drawers, often arranged like theatrical stage sets, designed to hold precious items.

Paolo Buffa’s bar cabinet fits perfectly within this tradition. It is a compact piece with two elegantly decorated doors. The surface alternates between light and ebonized cherrywood, creating a play of contrasts that visually elongates the cabinet, giving it a unique verticality that sets it apart from other typical household furniture. This is not a piece that merely complements a room’s décor; rather, it commands the space as the focal point.

A closer look reveals that the doors and side panels are adorned with numerous small, intricately inlaid brass stars. Each star, meticulously crafted by hand, showcases the care and precision with which the artisan executed this repeated decorative motif. Opening the doors reveals an interior thoughtfully designed to hold everything needed to set up a bar area, from bottles to glasses. The shelves and drawers are crafted from maple and cherrywood. Small pull-out trays further demonstrate the attention to detail, catering to a discerning clientele.

Owning an authentic Buffa piece today preserves the link between the past and present, a connection that runs through the entirety of the Italian designer’s work. Born in 1903, Buffa studied at the Milan Polytechnic and collaborated with Gio Ponti and Emilio Lancia before establishing his own design studio. Specializing in luxury furniture, he contributed to the interiors of some of Milan’s finest homes. The bar cabinet presented here is attributed to the Bovisio Mombello workshop of Mosè Turri, Buffa’s go-to cabinetmaker for his 1940s projects. The piece is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

Dimensions: 125w x 40d x 123.5h cm

More Information

Documentation:	Documented elsewhere (similar item)
Origin:	Italy
Period:	1920-1949
Materials:	Brass,Cherry,Maple
Condition:	Good. Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use.
Styles / Movements:	Modern, Mid Century
Incollect Reference #:	747265