Pier Luigi Colli Oak wood sideboard with carved walnut inlays, Italy, 1940s

Oak wood sideboard with carved walnut inlays, Italian craftsmanship from the 1940s, designed by Pier Luigi Colli.

The Colli family, established in Turin since the mid-19th century and active in the furniture industry, has defined the taste of a curious urban elite for years, always attentive to new trends and fashions, including international ones. Paris was the training ground for the heir of this long family tradition. A great admirer of applied arts, he visited the 1925 International Exposition and, struck by the beauty of Lalique glass, became its official importer in Italy.

PierLuigi Colli, sharing his name with the brand's founder, revitalized the company in the mid-20th century through significant collaborations with a group of Milanese architects, including Gio Ponti and Carlo Mollino. His style was appreciated for its eclecticism in forms and materials, reflecting his unique and compelling personality. This sideboard showcases elements from different traditions. The overall volume of the piece architecturally recalls Art Deco style: a large parallelepiped, enhanced by intricate marquetry, imposes itself with a rationalist flair. This tendency is emphasized by the raised decoration of the doors, reminiscent of the facades of grand ancient Italian palaces.

The front of the piece is adorned with small carved panels depicting natural figures such as deer, fish, and small woodland animals, evoking the serenity of expansive Alpine landscapes. This reference to tranquil, sincere mountain life is also seen in the design of the legs supporting the sideboard. The prominent horizontal joint is fully visible, echoing the honest craftsmanship of traditional furniture made by skilled carpenters whose expertise was passed down through generations. In this designer piece, such construction is an educated reference, a necessary cultural nod during a historical period marked by great uncertainty but a steadfast confidence in the future.

Dimensions: 245 W x 50 D x 99 H cm