Italian Art Deco Parchment Chest of Drawers Attributed to Osvaldo Borsani 1940s

Important Italian chest of drawers or sideboard dating from the 1940s, attributed to Osvaldo Borsani, distinguished by its strong architectural presence and the contrast between the light parchment surfaces and the dark wooden structure, with its sides defined by a particularly refined grissinato treatment.

The cabinet features six spacious drawers, arranged in two columns, with fronts entirely covered in ivory-colored parchment. The restrained surface allows the natural variations of the material to remain visible, creating a striking contrast with the darker wood surrounding the structure.

One of the most distinctive features is the grissinato treatment on the sides, created through the application of numerous thin wooden slats arranged horizontally. The treatment continues around the corners and along the upper perimeter, creating a three-dimensional frame that gives depth to the structure. This is more than a decorative surface treatment: it transforms the sides of the cabinet into an integral architectural element of the design.

The drawer fronts are fitted with brass handles, elongated and subtly sculpted in shape, accompanied by brass key escutcheons. Their restrained presence allows the broad parchment surfaces to remain the principal visual element, maintaining a careful balance between function and decoration.

The cabinet rests on a solid wooden plinth set slightly back from the main body. This construction emphasizes the apparent lightness of the upper section while allowing the grissinato frame to play an even more prominent role in defining the overall form.

The interest of the piece lies particularly in the relationship between materials, proportions and craftsmanship. The parchment introduces a luminous and refined surface, while the dark wood and intricate slatted construction give the cabinet a more substantial, sculptural character. It reflects the sophisticated language of high-end Italian furniture of the post-war period, where formal research was closely tied to careful craftsmanship and the considered use of materials.

The chest is in very good condition, recently restored by an expert craftsman with natural signs of age and variations in the parchment surface consistent with its period.


Designer: Attributed to Osvaldo Borsani
Period: 1950s
Origin: Italy
Style: Art Deco
Type: Chest of drawers
Materials: Parchment, teak wood and brass
Drawers: Six, arranged in two columns
Features: Parchment drawer fronts, grissinato sides and upper frame, brass handles and key escutcheons
Distinctive detail: Elaborate wooden slat construction along the sides, corners and upper perimeter
Condition: Good condition, with natural signs of age