Paolo Buffa Drop-Down Desk, circa 1950

A rare and exquisite mahogany cabinet with molded front panel, rectangular top and dentil carved moldings. (Pair available, the other a dry-bar cabinet).
The drop-down secretary with an upper section comprising four interior drawers, 2 on either side with brass knob pulls, a shelf above and storage below with a wide work surface. An interior light on the upper section. The upper section is above two doors; the left with two interior drawers (with key) and a shelf above and on the right one shelf for storage. The whole supported on graceful tapered legs ending in brass sabot. Stunning proportions and incredibly hand-crafted with superb details and classical styling, the attributes Buffa was most known for. One exterior key and one interior key.
By Paolo Buffa, Italy, circa 1950
Size: 46" high x40 3/4" wide x 15 3/4" deep x 31" high to open-desk surface

Paolo Buffa (b. 1903, Milan – d. 1970) was a highly sought after Italian furniture designer, renowned for executing designs pairing elements of the opulent Neoclassical period with streamlined Art Deco style, resulting in pieces that exhibited a glamorous, old-world, yet modern aesthetic.

Buffa trained at the Politecnico di Milano, graduating in 1927. Upon graduation, he briefly worked for Gio Ponti before partnering with architect Antonio Cassi Ramelli (1905-1980) in 1928 to establish their own design studio in Milan. Buffa and Cassi Ramelli made numerous furniture designs inspired by Classicism, including a dining room, showcased at the Triennale di Milano exhibition of 1930, and others showcased during the 1933 and 1936 Triennale di Milano.

In 1936, Paolo opened his own independent studio where he was successful in presenting traditional Neoclassical motifs and materials; for example, using rich rosewood or supple velvet fabrics with the newer forms and themes of a lighter Art Deco style. His designs were particularly attractive to the upper classes who wished to display their understanding of contemporary design trends while maintaining old-world flair.