Four Black Lacquered Chairs by Paolo Buffa
About the Item
- Creator:Paolo Buffa (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 36.25 in (92.08 cm)Width: 17 in (43.18 cm)Depth: 18 in (45.72 cm)Seat Height: 18.5 in (46.99 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 4
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950s
- Condition:Very Good Restored.
- Seller Location:Kilmarnock, VA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: U1204198830501
Paolo Buffa
With a surname that loosely translates to a synonym for “bizarre” in Italian, Milanese designer and architect Paolo Buffa is best known for capturing the best of both old and new in his plush, enveloping lounge chairs and wingback chairs as well as his range of modern tables, each dazzling and provocative but built using classical techniques.
Purposely playful and airy, mid-century Italian interiors encouraged merriment and socializing. Buffa’s work was well suited to this, but unlike the postwar designers who established recognizable trademarks and signatures, his vintage furniture for Cassina and other firms — the sculptural side tables and case pieces of walnut and solid oak, the luxurious sheepskin sofas — differed considerably from one design to the next, making them appealing to a range of interior decorators and socialites with specific taste. The son of a highly sought-after artist, Giovanni Buffa, Paolo graduated in 1927 from Politecnico di Milano. He then spent time working under architects and designers Gio Ponti and Emilio Lancia. Ponti, who himself crafted thousands of furnishings and endlessly creative rooms, was so taken with the young designer that in 1928 he featured his simple and elegant rosewood dressing table in his new magazine, Domus.
After opening a firm with his regular collaborator Antonio Cassi Ramelli, Buffa became one of the leading tastemakers of Italian mid-century modern furnishings, designing for villas and residential buildings across the country. His style was a mix of Art Deco, Rationalism, neoclassicism and a bit of whimsy. He used high-quality materials and regularly worked with local ateliers known for their fine craftsmanship to produce his designs, such as Serafino Arrighi and Marelli & Colico. In 1940, he partnered with the Mario Quarti furniture studio on the royal palace of Albania’s King Zog, with Buffa designing the furniture, and in 1951, Egypt’s King Farouk enlisted him to redecorate his yacht.
While Buffa’s transcendent pieces are now collector’s items, there are a few still in production, such as those he made with Angelo Marelli. His eponymous firm, the Italian furniture producer Eredi Marelli, still manufactures some designs based on Buffa’s archives.
Find a collection of vintage Paolo Buffa furniture today on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Kilmarnock, VA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Pair of Arm Chairs by Paolo BuffaBy Paolo BuffaLocated in Kilmarnock, VASculptural pair of wingbacks chairs by Paolo Buffa, with interesting reclining backs and stunning lines. Upholstered in white vinyl with cushion for backs, cushion removed for photo...Category
Vintage 1940s Italian Armchairs
- Large Rosewood Console by Paolo BuffaBy Paolo BuffaLocated in Kilmarnock, VAImpressive rosewood console by Italian designer Paolo Buffa. Long rosewood console featuring elegant legs supported by brass sabots, and a marquetry neoclassical lidded tazza flanke...Category
Vintage 1940s Italian Console Tables
MaterialsRosewood
- Rosewood and Leather Chairs by Renato Venturi for MiMBy Renato VenturiLocated in Kilmarnock, VASet of 4 lightweight yet sturdy rosewood chairs designed by Renato Venturi for MIM (Mobili Italiani Moderni) with beautifully worn leather seats. Published in Domus 402 (may 1963)...Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Dining Room Chairs
- Set of Eight 19th Century Venetian ChairsLocated in Kilmarnock, VAA stunning matched set of eight Venetian chairs dating to the mid-late 19th century. Wonderful oxidized paint and water gilt detailing to the chairs, with subtle brush work and a mag...Category
Antique 1860s Italian Dining Room Chairs
- Set of Six Dining Chairs in the Style of Samuel MarxBy Samuel MarxLocated in Kilmarnock, VASpectacular vintage set of Samuel Marx style dining chairs with a modified queen anne style back and a mid century base. Great lines and constr...Category
Vintage 1950s Unknown Neoclassical Revival Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsMahogany
- Italian Ivory Lacquered VanityLocated in Kilmarnock, VAStunning ivory lacquered vanity in the style of Paolo Buffa. Featuring stunning tapered legs which blend seamlessly into the piece. The sides are reeded and hide two drawers on the...Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Vanities
MaterialsWood
- Set of 6 Italian Lacquered Black Dining Chairs in the Manner of Paolo BuffaBy Paolo BuffaLocated in Torquay, GBSet of 6 midcentury Italian lacquered black dining chairs in the manner of Paolo Buffa. Very sleek dining chairs with long curved back, finished in jet black thick lacquer. Consist...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsWood, Lacquer
- Mid-Century Modern Chair Paolo Buffa Attributed, from Cantù in Carved MahoganyBy Paolo BuffaLocated in Vigonza, PaduaVery robust and elegant Mid-Century Modern chair Paolo Buffa attributed, from "Consorzio Esposizione Mobili Cantù" in carved Mahogany The seat upholstery is still usable; we can red...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsMahogany
- Set of Four Paolo Buffa Highback Chiavari Dining ChairsBy Paolo Buffa, ChiavariLocated in Berkeley, CAOrigin: Italy Designer: Paolo Buffa Manufacturer: Chiavari Era: 1960s Materials: Mahogany Measurements: 18? wide x 17? deep x 52.5? tall Seat: 19? tall Condition: In excelle...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsMahogany
- Paolo Buffa, set of four splendid high back chairsBy Paolo BuffaLocated in Milano, ITCOD-Z23 Paolo Buffa (1903-1970) Set of four splendid high back chairs in light wood with original straw seat in very good condition. Italy, 1940'sCategory
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsWood
- Set of 6 Dining Chairs by Paolo BuffaBy Paolo BuffaLocated in New York, NYTeak, velvet fabric. Price includes full restoration of all 6 chairs and upholstering in fabric supplied by the buyer.Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Velvet, Teak
- Five chairs by Paolo Buffa, 1950sBy Paolo BuffaLocated in Baranzate, ITStunning set of five chairs by Paolo Buffa in mahogany and upholstered fabric. Italian manufacture. C1950s.Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Wood