Vintage Azucena furniture is elegant and inviting — the esteemed mid-century Milanese manufacturer’s wall lights, armchairs and side tables, which are marked by simple symmetry and thoughtfully contrasting materials, can likely be found in the living rooms of design lovers all over Italy.
Azucena was founded in 1947 by three leading figures of 20th-century Italian architecture: Luigi Caccia Dominioni, Ignazio Gardella and Corrado Corradi Dell’Acqua. The trio initially established Azucena in order to furnish the interiors of buildings they’d designed but found a robust business opportunity in manufacturing individual pieces from those collections for postwar consumers. And as the company founders borrowed the brand name from a conniving character in the Giuseppe Verd opera Il Trovatore, it is appropriate, then, that the furniture for which Azucena is known is practical but exudes a hint of playfulness.
The best of Italian modernism combines cheekiness and bold functionality with provocative and thoughtful design, and Azucena is deeply rooted in that tradition. While its brass-and-walnut mid-century-modern-era dining tables and stackable coffee tables — created by the likes of Dell’Acqua and Vico Magistretti — are exceptionally unobtrusive in small spaces and framed in clean lines, Dominioni designed chunky, enveloping armchairs during the 1970s upholstered in striking red fabric.
Among Azucena's most successful and iconic designs is also Dominioni's most famous piece of furniture: the minimalist Catalina chair. After it debuted at the Milan Triennial in 1957, the Catalina chair, with its generously curving enameled steel frame and plush leather cushion, became an instant sensation. Dominioni’s other enduring designs for Azucena include the Monachella lamp, the ABCD armchair and the versatile Cilindro ottoman.
Italian furniture manufacturer B&B Italia acquired Azucena in 2018 and has reissued a number of designs from the legendary brand’s portfolio, such as the Imbuto lamp, the Catalina armchair and the Cavalletto table.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Azucena lighting, tables, seating and more.
20th Century, Corrado Corradi dell'Acqua for Azucena Photo Frame Structure
By Azucena, Corrado Corradi Dell'acqua
Located in Turin, Turin
Founded in 1947 by Luigi Caccia Dominioni, Ignazio Gardella, and Corrado Corradi Dell'Acqua, the Italian brand Azucena has always stood out for its collections that combine formal el...
Brass
Carved Oak Early 20th Century Rabbit Sculpture
Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex
Early 20th Century Characterfully stout, anatomically enigmatic Rabbit. Oak. European, Circa 1920.
Oak
Early 20th Century English Folk Art Whirligig Figure
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century Folk Art whirligig figure We are proud to offer a true example of an early 20th century whirligig figure. Hand carved from scrat...
Pine, Paint
$339Sale Price|30% Off
H 6.5 in W 6 in D 4.5 in
Early 20th-Century Antique Chinese Erotic Porcelain Figurine
Located in Pomona, CA
These "spring palace paintings" (春宫畫), Chinese erotic porcelain figurine were historically given to brides and young couples, sometimes as a form of "sex education" in a culture wher...
Porcelain
20th Century English Carved Oak Pear with Mouse
Located in Chicago, IL
At first glance, it’s disarming. A hand carved oak pear, modest in scale, almost naive in its simplicity. Turn it, and the narrative shifts. Nestled into its reverse is a small carve...
Oak
Pair of Terracotta Sphinxes, 20th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of terracotta sphinx figures modeled after antique prototypes. Each sculpture is raised on a rectangular plinth and displays a classically inspired aesthetic.
Terracotta
20th Century Bronze Sculpture of a Dancing Faun
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Classic and well-modelled sculpture of a dancing faun.
Bronze
French Early 20th Century Leather Horse Sculpture
Located in Round Top, TX
A very handsome early 20th century French Leather Horse Sculpture. Beautifully poised in a rearing position. Wonderful patina. A terrifi...
Leather
Early 20th Century Balinese Barong Wood Carved Ornament
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A Balinese "Barong" carving darting to the early 20th century. This piece features red polychrome and wood carved detailing. The Barong is a Balinese spirit guardian...
Wood
Thai Gilt-Wood Seated Buddha, Early 20th Century
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This buddha is a hand-carved from wood and once occupied a temple shrine in Northern Thailand. It has been lacquered in black and red and then gilded (covered with gold leaf). There ...
Giltwood
Early 20th Century Folk Art Crab Restaurant Sign
Located in Solebury, PA
A rare carved wooden crab display sign or merchandising piece, this example features a painted surface and an iron hanger. It retains early metal patches and the paint has been light...
Wood, Paint
Terracotta Sculpture of a Nude Woman Reclining 20th Century Signed
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Ceramic sculpture of a seated female figure. Unglazed terracotta with beautiful texture. Signed T.A.W. and believed to date to the mid-20th century. Measures: 8.5" tall and 8" long.
Terracotta
Early 20th Century Folk Art Fairground Elephant
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century Folk Art Fairground Elephant We share what we love, and we love this charming and naively formed early 20th century hand craved fairground ride figure. With a de...
Wood