Showrooms

Paolo Buffa Pair of Cabinets, Dry-Bar Cabinet and Secretary, circa 1950

Creator: Paolo Buffa
Offered by: Babou New York

Description
An exceptional and rare pair of Paolo Buffa, Italy, circa 1950 mahogany cabinets with molded front panels, rectangular top and dentil carved moldings. One, a dry-bar cabinet and the other a secretary. (Can be purchased individually).
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. Incredibly hand-crafted with superb details and classical styling, the attributes Buffa was most known for. One exterior key and one interior key.

The dry-bar cabinet with six molded panels on the exterior. The upper section drops down to reveal an interior fitted with mirrored glass covering the work surface, sides and back. The lower section with two doors, the one on the left opens to reveal three pull-out drawers and storage below and the door on the right opens to storage. The whole supported on graceful tapered legs ending in brass sabot. One key for the exterior, interior light on the upper section.

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.

More Information

Documentation:	Documented elsewhere (exact item)
Origin:	Italy
Period:	1950-1979
Materials:	Brass, Mahogany, Mirror, Carved, Hand-Crafted
Condition:	Good. Wear consistent with age and use.
Creation Date:	1950
Number of Pieces:	2-3
Styles / Movements:	Modern, Mid Century
Incollect Reference #:	839591

Dimensions

W.	40.75 in;	H.	46 in;	D.	15.75 in;
W.	103.51 cm;	H.	116.84 cm;	D.	40.01 cm;

Message from Seller:

We are devoted to showcasing beautiful objects; the unique, the exceptional and the unexpected. We are an independent business based in New York City. We work with architects, interior designers and private clients around the globe. Babou features European furniture, art and objects from the 17th century through the 1970’s with an emphasis on classic and iconic Italian and French modernist design. Contact us 917.664.4449