Collectors of vintage mid-century modern furniture will find that the work of Italian designer Vittorio Dassi and Dassi Mobili Moderni is elegant and sculptural, brimming with all of the clean, angular lines and pleasing symmetry associated with the best of the era’s offerings.
While Dassi's name is less known to enthusiasts of the period’s furniture than the likes of Ico and Luisa Parisi, Franco Albini and other leading lights of mid-20th century Italian design, his case pieces, tables and seating will prove no less worthy of hunting down at today's flea markets and online marketplaces.
Wood was Dassi's preferred material — he favored rosewood, mahogany, walnut and other species for his covetable desks and wall units, which frequently featured decorative flourishes such as glass inlays, while a sideboard or buffet’s fronts might boast hand-carved geometric cutouts in lieu of brass door handles.
While little is known about Dassi's early life, it is believed that his career in furniture design began in 1940 at his family's company Dassi Mobili Moderni, in Lissone, Italy. Shortly thereafter, he took over managing the company from his father.
While Dassi produced dry bars and other case pieces during the 1950s that featured the motifs and ornament that are today attributed to the Art Deco movement, he created sumptuous mahogany nightstands topped with black glass and minimalist teak coffee tables that better represented the forward-looking spirit of mid-century modernism. His wall units of the era for Mobili Cantù are works of art — crafted in walnut and featuring birch veneers and high-gloss lacquer finishes as well as a single door front decorated with an abstract painting or otherwise provocative illustration, these structures would undoubtedly prove quite impressive to the likes of Poul Cadovius and George Nelson.
Dassi often collaborated with Italian architect, editor and furniture designer Gio Ponti. Ponti designed thousands of furnishings and products — from cabinets, mirrors and chairs to ceramics and coffeemakers — and his buildings, including the brawny Pirelli Tower (1956) in his native Milan, and the castle-like Denver Art Museum (1971), were erected in 14 countries. A collaboration between Dassi and Ponti of note is the pair’s work on the Hotel Royal in Naples — Ponti was commissioned to design the hotel and he partnered with Dassi to design the hotel's furnishings.
Today, Dassi Mobili Moderni S.R.L. is still in operation in Lissone.
Find vintage Dassi furniture by Fratelli Turri, Edmondo Palutari and other designers on 1stDibs.
Sideboard by Edmondo Palutari for Dassi Mobili Moderni, 1960s
By Edmondo Palutari, Dassi
Located in bruxelles, BE
Wooden sideboard with 5 drawers, 2 lockable doors with a key, containing a shelf, and two sliding doors containing a shelf by Edmondo Palutari for Dassi Mobili Moderni. Wear due to t...
Brass
Elegant Mid-Century Italian Chest of Drawers by Dassi, Italy, 1950s
By Dassi
Located in Argelato, BO
This mid-century Italian cabinet features an elegant and refined design, typical of the 1950s and 1960s. Crafted from wood with fine wood finishes, it boasts a slender frame with ang...
Brass
Italian Midcentury Sideboard with Mirror, designed by Vittorio Dassi, 1950s
By Dassi
Located in Traversetolo, IT
This piece of furniture, with its unique combination of fine woods, sculptural curves, and distinctive use of brass and etched mirror—a form of craftsmanship celebrated in Italian de...
Brass
Italian Mid-Century Rosewood Sideboard by Dassi, Circa 1950s
By Dassi
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Mid-Century (1950s) rosewood sideboard with herringbone design veneer with 2 side doors flanking a drop down door over 3 drawers with a low backrail and green glass top (DASSI)
Rosewood, Glass
$2,207Sale Price|35% Off
H 28.35 in W 80.12 in D 20.08 in
Mid-Century Italian Sideboard by Vittorio Dassi (circa 1950s)
By Vittorio Dassi
Located in London, GB
Charming sideboard designed by Vittorio Dassi made in Italy in the middle of the 20th century. This wonderful sideboard was rendered in veneer woods. It has five drawers configured b...
Wood
$13,200
H 30.5 in W 74.5 in D 20.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Credenza by Vittorio Dassi, Italy, Circa 1950
By Vittorio Dassi
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A brown, vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian credenza made of hand crafted lacquered palisanderwood with four drawers and a glass top, designed by Vittorio Dassi in good condition. The storage piece is ideal as a traditional sideboard...
Glass, Palisander
$4,409 / set
H 28.35 in W 37.41 in D 18.9 in
Set of Two "4D" Storage System Units by Mangiarotti for Molteni, Italy, 1960s
By Angelo Mangiarotti, Molteni & C
Located in Milan, IT
Set of two "4D" storage system units by Angelo Mangiarotti for Molteni. Totally built-in walnut with red marble base, these pieces are finished on all four sides, this allows to use...
Marble
$2,030Sale Price|30% Off
H 70.48 in W 78.75 in D 18.9 in
Mid-Century Modern Italian Sideboard Bar, 1950s
By Umberto Mascagni
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Four-door sideboard from the 1950s, made with green vinyl doors, inspired by the production of Umberto Mascagni. The main body structure is made of European wood. This piece features...
Aluminum
$6,034
H 32.29 in W 70.87 in D 21.26 in
Italian Midcentury Sideboard by La Permanente Mobili di Cantù, 1950
By La Permanente Mobili Cantù
Located in Traversetolo, IT
This exquisite Italian sideboard or chest of drawers crafted by Permanente Mobili of Cantù in the late 1950s is a stunning example of mid-century modern design. The beautiful woodwork on the front of the six drawers creates a striking contrast between light and dark tones, while the sides feature an elegant herringbone pattern that adds a touch of refinement. A hammered black lacquer band underneath the top adds a subtle but distinct touch of sophistication to the piece. The original and distinctive handles are crafted from the same wood as the drawers, adding to the seamless and cohesive design. The chest of drawers is topped with a sleek black glass plate...
Glass, Maple, Walnut
Caleno Sideboard by Giovanni Ausenda for Stilwood, 1960s
By Stilwood, Giovanni Ausenda
Located in Brussels, BE
Caleno Sideboard by Giovanni Ausenda for Stilwood, 1960s
Wood
Pinewood Sideboard, circa 1960, France
Located in Girona, Spain
Pinewood sideboard Two-door with four central drawers and spindled legs France, circa 1960 Very good vintage condition.
Iron
1950's Italian Wooden Chest of Drawers by Vittorio Dassi
By Vittorio Dassi
Located in Paris, FR
We’re pleased to present this exquisite 1950s chest of drawers in our collection attributed to the brilliant Italian vintage designer Vittorio Dassi that was sourced in Italy. The p...
Brass
$5,000 / set
H 28.35 in W 37.41 in D 18.9 in
Set of Three "4D" Walnut Storage System by Mangiarotti for Molteni, Italy, 1960s
By Molteni & C, Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in Milan, IT
Set of three "4D" storage system units by Angelo Mangiarotti for Molteni. Totally built-in walnut these pieces are finished on all four sides; this allows to use them as side table...
Wood
$5,453
H 29.14 in W 72.84 in D 20.48 in
Italian Sideboard attributed to Vittorio Dassi in Walnut, Glass and Brass, 1950s
By Vittorio Dassi
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Mid-Century Italian Sculptural Sideboard in Walnut – Attributed to Dassi, 1950s 10 drawers Refinished black edge and new glass top! Elevate your interior with this rare and elegant ...
Metal, Brass
$3,800 / set
H 28.35 in W 37.41 in D 18.9 in
Set of Two "4D" Storage System Units by Mangiarotti for Molteni, Italy, 1960s
By Angelo Mangiarotti, Molteni & C
Located in Milan, IT
Set of two "4D" storage system units by Angelo Mangiarotti for Molteni. Totally built-in walnut with marble base, these pieces are finished on all four sides; this allows to use the...
Marble
$6,730
H 55.12 in W 63 in D 18.31 in
Italian Midcentury Sideboard or Cabinet Bar designed by Vittorio Dassi, 1950s
By Vittorio Dassi
Located in Traversetolo, IT
Sideboard or Cabinet Bar designed by Vittorio Dasi in 1950s, great executive quality, wooden upper top, the front is characterised by the presence of two large compatments that open...
Brass
Sold
H 28.75 in W 53.55 in D 20.48 in
Vittorio Dassi sideboard in rosewood and marble Dassi Italy 1953
By Vittorio Dassi, Dassi
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Beautiful sideboard designed by Vittorio, Alessandro and Plinio Dassi and produced in Lissone by Dassi, Italy 1953. This wonderful sideboard is both refined and elegant in every way....
Marble
Sold
H 28.35 in W 80.32 in D 20.08 in
Vittorio Dassi vanity sideboard birch wood Mid-Century Italy 1950
By Dassi, Vittorio Dassi
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Beautiful sideboard designed by Vittorio, Alessandro and Plinio Dassi and produced in Lissone by Dassi, Italy 1950. This wonderful sideboard is executed in birch wood that supports a...
Glass, Birch
Sideboard by Edmondo Palutari for Dassi Mobili Moderni, 1960s
By Edmondo Palutari, Dassi
Located in bruxelles, BE
Wooden sideboard with 3 doors containing a shelf and a sliding door containing 5 drawers and a shelf. One key. Wear due to time and age of the sideboard.
Brass
Sold
H 29.14 in W 76.78 in D 19.69 in
20th Century Italian Rosewood Sideboard By Vittorio Dassi, c.1950
By Dassi
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A very elegant sideboard designed by Vittorio, Alessandro and Plinio Dassi and produced in Lissone by Dassi, made in Italy in the middle of the 20th century. This wonderful sideboard...
Marble
Sideboard Design Edmondo Palutari Dassi 1960s Veneered Wood
By Edmondo Palutari, Dassi
Located in Milano, IT
Sideboard with sliding and swing doors; teak veneered wood, brass inserts.
Brass
Edmondo Palutari Hanging Sideboard for Dassi 1960s
By Edmondo Palutari, Dassi
Located in Milano, IT
Sideboard with hinged doors, flap, open compartment and exposed drawers. Teak veneered wood, brass inserts.
Brass
Sideboard Edmondo Palutari for Dassi 1960s
By Edmondo Palutari, Dassi
Located in Milano, IT
Sideboard with sliding, hinged doors and exposed drawers. rosewood veneer, brass inserts.
Brass
Edmondo Palutari Dassi Rosewood Sideboard, Italy 1960s
By Edmondo Palutari, Dassi
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Edmondo Palutari Dassi highboard This sideboard has been crafted with Rosewood and brass detailing. The drop-leaf door on the right hand side allows ...
Brass
Sold
H 80.32 in W 113.39 in D 19.69 in
Rosewood Dining Room Set with Finely Carved Panels by Vittorio Dassi
By Dassi
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Vittorio Dassi room in rosewood with dark gold-colored glass shelves behind back shelves carved with breadstick finished in gold and green. The furniture bears...
Marble, Brass
Vittorio Dassi Sideboard Birch Wood, Italy, 1950
By Dassi, Vittorio Dassi
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Beautiful sideboard designed by Vittorio, Alessandro and Plinio Dassi and produced in Lissone by Dassi, Italy 1950. This wonderful sideboard is executed in birch wood that supports a...
Glass, Birch
Mid Century Sideboard by Vittorio Dassi
By Dassi
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
Produced in Italy in the 1950’s with five reeded doors and six legs and having a black glass top and brass sabots this is a large and important sideboard by master craftsman Vittorio...
Rosewood
Sideboard by Edmondo Palutari for Dassi Mobili Moderni, 1960s
By Vittorio Dassi, Dassi
Located in bruxelles, BE
Wooden sideboard, composed of 3 doors, a sliding door, 5 drawers, a key. Wear due to time and age of the sideboard.
Brass