Italian sculptor, furniture designer and maestro d’arte e mestiere (master of art and craft) Giuseppe Rivadossi is considered one of the 20th century’s leading woodworkers. His hand-carved, mid-century modern furniture has been described as poetic, ancient, ethereal and soulful.
Rivadossi was born in 1935 in Monteclana di Nave, where he still lives and works today. He began woodworking at an early age, learning the craft from his father, who founded a carpentry business in 1920. In 1962, Rivadossi took over his father’s workshop and transformed it into an artistic atelier, creating sculptural furniture and objets d’art.
Toward the late 1960s, Rivadossi’s friends and fellow woodworking artists encouraged him to exhibit his wooden sculptures at shows throughout Italy. In 1968, he participated in his first sculpture exhibition, which led to others throughout the 1970s, such as the Triennale di Milano in 1974 and the Biennale di Mentone in 1976. That same year, Rivadossi and several collaborators established Officina Rivadossi, which specialized in wooden objects, sculptures and modern furniture. Pieces included walnut dining room tables, oak sideboards and architectonic dining chairs and armchairs suitable for the home or office.
From the 1980s through the 2000s, Rivadossi’s designs took on a more organic, architectural approach. For instance, his Custodia Lombarda cabinet comprises two doors with hand-carved latticework that gradually reduces size. His decorative boxes with grooved textures, geometric patterns and curved forms also double as desktop sculptures.
In 2013, Officina Rivadossi evolved to become Habito di Giuseppe Rivadossi, which Rivadossi runs with his two sons Emanuele and Clemente. Since then, the furniture firm has shown at numerous exhibitions, including Salone del Mobile di Milano, the London Design Festival, PAD Paris and BRAFA Art Fair, in Brussels. Also, in 2018, Rivadossi received the prestigious Maestro d’Arte e Mestiere award at the Triennale di Milano.
On 1stDibs, find a range of vintage and contemporary Giuseppe Rivadossi case pieces, tables and decorative objects.
Set of Two Sofa's and Storage Elements by Giuseppe Rivadossi, Italy 1970s
By Officina Rivadossi, Giuseppe Rivadossi
Located in Hellouw, NL
There is a calm authority to this set by Rivadossi. Two low benches and two integrated storage elements come together in a composition that feels architectural rather than decorative...
Fabric, Oak
Three-seater Sofa by Giuseppe Rivadossi in Slavonian Oak and Leather, Italy 1960
By Giuseppe Rivadossi
Located in Hellouw, NL
Giuseppe Rivadossi, an esteemed Italian artist and craftsman, is renowned for creating furniture that harmonizes functionality with artistic expression. His works, deeply rooted in t...
Leather, Oak
1960s Danish Three-Seat Sofa in Cognac Leather and Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Three-seat sofa, leather, wood, Denmark, ca. 1960. This modest and comfortable three-seat sofa exhibits characteristics reminiscent of Borge Mogensen's design. The vibrant aestheti...
Leather, Wood
1970s Rare Mid Century Two-Seat Sofa, Italy
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition - Velvet fabric in good original condition - cleaned - high of seat 40 cm
Fabric
$7,500
H 29 in W 66 in D 27 in
Angel Pazmino Rosewood & Leather, Three-Seat Sofa, Made in Equador, 1960's
By Muebles De Estilo
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Angel Isaac Pazmino for Muebles de Estilo Solid Rosewood and Russet Leather Sofa. Featuring rugged handcrafted Rosewood peg construction, comfortable heavy strapped Leather with cris...
Leather, Rosewood
Three Seater Rattan Sofa, Italy 1960s
Located in Naples, IT
Elegant three-seater sofa from the 1960s. Beautifully shaped rattan and bamboo frame. This wonderful sofa is in very good condition with slight signs of wear from age and use, preser...
Bamboo, Rattan
$18,500
H 30 in W 82 in D 34 in
Pierre Chapo Leather & Elm Model S22R Three-Seater Sofa, France 1960's
By Pierre Chapo
Located in New York, NY
The largest of the S22 series with three-seat. This sofa is all original with down filled leather cushions and original elm frame.
Brass
Danish Three Seat Sofa in Umber Leather and Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, leather, mahogany, Denmark, 1960s This model evokes the timeless elegance of Borge Mogensen's designs. With three spacious seats, it provides ample room for relaxation. The we...
Leather, Mahogany
Italian vintage sofa by 1P, 1970s
Located in Palermo, PA
Italian vintage sofa by 1P, 1970s. Dimensions: H= 80 cm; W= 207 cm; D= 85 cm; H seduta= 40 cm.
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Brass Frame Sofa's, 1960
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Brass Low Frame sofas circa 1960. Restored and newly reupholstered. Sofa's measure 92" long, 34.5" deep 28" tall, seat height 13", 26" deep.
Brass
$2,943Sale Price|50% Off
H 25.6 in W 90.56 in D 35.44 in
Orange chenille sofas, two and three seater, set of 2, 1970s
Located in Manzano, IT
Orange chenille sofas, two and three seater, set of 2, 1970s Wooden frame, plastic feet. The backrest of both sofas has some slight signs of wear due to time. MEASUREMENTS 3-seater...
Chenille, Plastic
$6,950
H 31.7 in W 32.88 in D 27.17 in
Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi 'Rocca' Lounge Chair in Walnut
By Giuseppe Rivadossi, Officina Rivadossi
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi, 'Rocca' lounge chair, walnut, Italy, 1970s Giuseppe Rivadossi’s Rocca chair is a prime example of Italian craftsmanship from the second ha...
Walnut
1960s Dutch Oak Three Seater Sofa
Located in London, London
1960s Oak sofa with original upholstery This beautifully crafted mid-century Dutch sofa combines timeless design with practical comfort. Made from solid oak, the piece features a ro...
Oak
Pair of Mohair and Silk Striped Sofa's
Located in Spencertown, NY
The upholstery with studs, gimp and fringe, with velvet back and sides.
Mohair, Silk
Rare Italian Bench by Giuseppe Rivadossi
By Giuseppe Rivadossi
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rare bench by Giuseppe Rivadossi, Italy 1970's Constructed of solid wood with interlocking joints and slightly curved taper in the middle. Wonderful design and craftsmanship with ...
Wood
Sold
H 30.91 in W 74.61 in D 24.81 in
Giuseppe Rivadossi Sofa in Oak with Reupholstered White Cushions
By Giuseppe Rivadossi
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giuseppe Rivadossi, sofa, fabric, Italy, 1970s This exceptional sofa, crafted by Italian sculptor and artisan Giuseppe Rivadossi, exemplifies woodworking artistry. The piece is subs...
Fabric, Oak
Sold
H 28.15 in W 82.68 in D 33.08 in
Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Guiseppe Rivadossi, Wood and Fabric Italy, 1970s
By Giuseppe Rivadossi
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Sofa by Guiseppe Rivadossi, Wood and Fabric Italy, 1970s - New Upholstery
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 32.29 in W 80.32 in D 33.47 in
Mdcentury walnut sofa by Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi
By Officina Rivadossi, Giuseppe Rivadossi
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Iconic wooden sofa by Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi. Leather upholstered. The sofa shows the high-level of craft...
Wood