Paolo Piva Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Italian, 1950-2017
Juxtaposing sleek curves with angular, geometric shapes, the sophisticated minimalism of Paolo Piva’s furniture made him one of the most significant mid-century modern designers. Using understated, classic materials such as patent leather and glass, he created furniture that is as timeless as the buildings he designed as an internationally renowned architect. Piva’s armchairs, floor lamps and other furniture pieces were built to withstand changing tastes.
Born in 1950 in Adria in northern Italy, Piva pursued his career in design and architecture at the International University of the Arts in Venice under renowned architect Carlo Scarpa. While a student, he also worked with the Akademie für Angewandte Kunst in Vienna and the Institute of History and Architecture in Venice to create a major exhibition on Viennese architecture during the socialist period.
Gaining notice during his graduate studies in Rome, Piva established himself as an up-and-coming architect. In 1980, he emerged on the international scene with an acclaimed design for the Kuwait Embassy in Qatar, which led to design commissions for buildings and factories across Western Europe. At the same time, Piva began designing furniture that reflected the clean lines and artful forms of his building style. His most popular piece was the Pyramid coffee table, with inverted pyramids supporting a glass top.
A lifelong academic, Piva began teaching at the Akademie für Angewandte Kunst in 1988, becoming a full professor in 1991. He also collaborated with top brands, including Poliform, de Sede, B&B Italia, Wittmann and Riva 1920, designing center tables, club chairs and other furniture items. He continued his design pursuits throughout his life, traveling to conferences and exhibitions internationally up until his death in 2017.
Piva gained a nomination for the Compasso d’Oro award in 1987 and was one of the architects selected to design the Science and Technology Park in Vienna in 1995. His work has been exhibited at Galerie Ulysses in Vienna and the Architekturgalerie München in Munich, as well as in the VI Mostra internazionale di Architettura della Biennale di Buenos Aires.
On 1stDibs, delve into the graceful simplicity and elegant geometry of Paolo Piva’s lighting, tables, seating, and other furniture and collectibles.
to
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
62
376
334
229
197
Creator: Paolo Piva
Alanda Dresser by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva
Located in Conversano, IT
Discover a true design masterpiece - the rare "Alanda" dresser by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia.
This exclusive chest of drawers showcases a unique postmodern design, featuring four spacious drawers and two slimmer ones at the top, supported by elegant twin feet similar to those found on the sofas and beds from the same series.
Crafted with white laminate over a wooden base and accented with black steel details, this piece is a true work of art for design enthusiasts.
Currently a one-of-a-kind item on the market, this dresser is extremely rare and collectible, due to its high original production cost.
In excellent condition, it shows only minor signs of wear consistent with age, as shown in the photographs.
Matching nightstands and a queen-size bed from the same series are available upon request to complete the set.
Bring a distinctive touch to your space with this extraordinary Alanda dresser.
Product Name: "Alanda" Dresser by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia
Designer: Paolo Piva
Year of Design: 1970
Style: Postmodern
Main Materials: White laminate, wood, black steel
Distinctive Design: The "Alanda" dresser is defined by its postmodern silhouette, slender shape, and elegant twin feet. This design is a true icon of its era.
Typical Dimensions: 170 x 60 x 68 cm
Comfort: Designed with functionality in mind, the "Alanda" dresser offers generous and practical storage space.
Typical Use: Ideal for organizing personal belongings with style in a variety of interiors, from living rooms to bedrooms.
Design Icon: The "Alanda" dresser is considered a postmodern design icon and a major creation by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia.
Versatility: Its sleek design allows it to adapt to different rooms and décor styles, adding elegance wherever placed.
Current Condition: A unique piece on today's market, showcasing extreme rarity and collectibility. In excellent condition, with only light signs of wear.
Additional Notes: Matching nightstands and a queen-size bed from the same series are available upon request to create a cohesive and refined interior.
Paolo Piva (1933-2017) was a renowned Italian architect and designer, celebrated for his influential contributions to industrial design and architecture.
Career Beginnings: Born in Adria, Italy, Piva studied architecture at the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice. His design career began in the 1960s and flourished through the 1970s.
Iconic Designs: Paolo Piva gained fame for his work in furniture design, particularly for his collaboration with B&B Italia. One of his most iconic designs is the "Alanda" dresser, now considered a symbol of postmodern design.
Distinctive Style: His work is characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes, and a strong sense of minimalist aesthetics-elements that helped shape the language of contemporary Italian design.
Successful Collaborations: In addition to B&B Italia, Piva worked with several prestigious furniture and design companies, creating pieces that have become modern design classics.
Lasting Influence: His approach to balancing aesthetics and functionality continues to influence contemporary design. Piva's works are highly desirable among collectors and design lovers alike.
Architectural Work: Beyond furniture, Piva also worked in architecture, designing both residential and commercial buildings around the world.
Prestige and Recognition: He received numerous accolades and honors throughout his career, highlighting his importance in the design world.
Paolo Piva remains a key figure in Italian design history. His legacy is rich in innovation and elegance, and his creations continue to be internationally recognized and appreciated.
B&B Italia, short for B&B Italia S.p.A., is a prestigious Italian furniture manufacturer known for producing high-quality, contemporary design pieces.
History and Foundation: Founded in 1966 by Piero Ambrogio Busnelli in Novedrate, Lombardy, B&B Italia was created with the goal of producing cutting-edge designer furniture for the international market.
Collaboration with Renowned Designers: B&B Italia is known for its partnerships with some of the world's most acclaimed designers, including Antonio Citterio, Patricia Urquiola, Naoto Fukasawa, Marcel Wanders, and more. These collaborations have resulted in a broad portfolio of iconic pieces.
Innovation and Research: The company has always emphasized innovation and research, developing advanced materials and production techniques to craft highly functional, contemporary furniture.
Quality and Craftsmanship: Each piece is made with top-quality materials and expert craftsmanship, ensuring durability, comfort, and visual appeal.
Diverse Portfolio: B&B Italia offers a wide range of products-from sofas and chairs to beds...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Paolo Piva Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Steel
African Rosewood Cabinet by Paolo Piva
By Paolo Piva, Fama
Located in Conversano, IT
Discover the stunning "Daniel" cabinet from the 1970s, a unique creation by the renowned firm FAMA of Adria, designed by the acclaimed Paolo Piva during the early years of his design...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Paolo Piva Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Crystal
Related Items
Fine Mid-Century Trumeau Bar Cabinet Attr. to Paolo Buffa, 1950
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Rome, IT
Dry bar, walnut, Italy, 1940s
Elegant Italian bar cabinet in walnut and ebonized wood, inside with Mosaic mirrored glass attributed to Paolo Buffa, 1940.
Lower part with two draw...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Brass
$10,556
H 61.03 in W 47.25 in D 17.72 in
Vintage "Dania" Dresser by Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bring home a tremendous example of authentic Mid-Century Modern furniture with this stunning dresser designed by the legendary Merton Gershun for the famed American of Martinsville f...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paolo Piva Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Brass
$1,680 Sale Price
30% Off
H 44 in W 38 in D 19 in
MId-20th Century Chinese Carved Rosewood Siver Chest Cabinet
Located in Germantown, MD
An exceptional Mid-20th Century Chinese Carved Rosewood Siver Chest and Cabinet in great vintage condition.
Features a flip top that open to reveal two flatware storage trays all fel...
Category
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Chinese Export Paolo Piva Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Felt, Rosewood
Midcentury "Perspective" Dresser by Milo Baughman for Drexel
By Drexel, Milo Baughman
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Stunning midcentury dresser designed by Milo Baughman for Drexel´s “Perspective” collection in the United States, circa 1950s. This dresser has been constructed from an exotic and be...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood
Bel Geddes for Simmons Dresser
By Norman Bel Geddes
Located in New York, NY
Norman Bel Geddes design, for Simmons Furniture Company. Art Deco, Machine Age classic form, considered very Avant Garde when introduced and still considered stylish and relevant. Fo...
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Paolo Piva Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Steel
Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb Dresser Bachelors Chest
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in New York, NY
Sophisticated tailored design three drawer chest designed by T. H. Robsjohn Gibbings for Widdicomb circa 1950/1960’s.
The dresser features three deep drawers, each having a dowel form pull, and a picture frame molding cabinet...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paolo Piva Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood
Important Documented Qing Dynasty Chinese Deep Relief Rosewood Cabinet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An exquisite custom antique 19th century Qing Dynasty heavily carved Chinese rosewood and elm wooden cabinet with double-doors carved set with gilt and deep relief carved wood panels depicting scenes from historical legends and brass handles enclosing a cabinet set with four shelves. The elaborately carved Elmwood panels originally decorated a mid-19th century wedding bed then incorporated into the custom Rosewood frame around the late 1800s-early 1900s.
This incredible collectors piece of Chinese history was owned by a European diplomat in Shanghai China during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Documented in a large photobook of their home in Shanghai and their travels, this cabinet was an important piece in their collection and remained with their heirs until our acquisition. Some photos including the one showing this cabinet in their main room is displayed in the photo gallery of this listing. Many pieces owned by the diplomat collector were discarded or sold off over the decades whereas this important cabinet was passed on from generation to generation until we acquired it from a descendant of the diplomat collector.
This cabinet would work great as a cupboard, breakfront cabinet, buffet, sideboard, bookcase or bookshelf, vitrine, étagère, china or display cabinet and would work great in an Asian, chinoiserie, Traditional, Transitional, Classical or Art Deco room. Also consider mixing it up with a splash of juxtaposition in a Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern or Danish Modern, Contemporary or Postmodern home...
Category
19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Paolo Piva Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Brass
$10,600 Sale Price
43% Off
H 69 in W 45.5 in D 16 in
Small Rosewood Dresser by Kai Kristiansen for FM Møbler, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, FM Møbler
Located in Breda, Netherlands
Danish Design by Kai Kristiansen This stylish chest of drawers was designed by Kai Kristiansen and produced by Feldballes Møbelfabrik in the 1960s. This cabinet is made of rosewood a...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Rosewood
Small Precedent Dresser in Elm by Edward Wormley for Drexel
By Edward Wormley
Located in Dorchester, MA
Edward Wormley designed this small four-drawer dresser for Drexel's Precedent Collection. Composed of silver elm, the case sits on a plinth base and features large brass-plated zinc ...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Brass
Four-Drawer Walnut Dresser by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture
By Paul McCobb
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed by Paul McCobb and manufactured by Calvin Furniture, this four-drawer dresser features aluminum accents and slender drawer pulls that emphasize its clean lines and beautiful...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Aluminum
Thin Edge Walnut Dresser with Cabinet by George Nelson for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Dorchester, MA
This gorgeous dresser is part of George Nelson's 1950s Thin Edge collection for Herman Miller, which takes its name from the elegant, slim profile. Tapered trestle legs elevate the w...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Aluminum
$4,900
H 39.5 in W 55.75 in D 18.5 in
Paolo Buffa & Giovanni Gariboldi Inlaid Brass Secretary Cabinet c 1950, Restored
By Giovanni Garibaldi, Paolo Buffa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Experience the elegance of mid-20th century Italian craftsmanship with this beautifully restored secretary cabinet, crafted circa 1950. Designed by the renowned Italian artist Paolo Buffa (1903-1970), and featuring intricate brass intarsia by Giovanni Gariboldi (1908-1971), this piece is a testament to both artistry and functionality.
The upper section is framed by glazed doors adorned with brass star inlays. Unlocking these doors reveals a burgundy velvet-lined interior with two fixed glass shelves. Above, a majestic brass-inlaid swan neck split-pediment design crowns the case.
Opening the secretary desk door unveils a gorgeous fruitwood fitted interior accented with inlaid trim. A central brass crest with a working lock and decorated brass key adds a touch of security and sophistication. Flanked by three drawers on either side, each adorned with decorated brass knobs in similar style of Tommi Parzinger, the desk provides ample storage with its five central file dividers.
The lower cabinet features a pair of finely reeded doors that open to reveal additional finished storage space. Supported by brass sabots, every detail of this secretary showcases exceptional craftsmanship and enduring beauty, making it a prized addition to any collection of fine furniture.
The two parts can separate for easier transportation and shipping. There are brackets on the reverse that help to hold the top in place while in use.
This Italian secretary cabinet...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Piva Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Brass
$13,700 Sale Price
23% Off
H 87 in W 42.5 in D 20 in
Previously Available Items
Credenza "Daniel" di Paolo Piva per FAMA
By Paolo Piva, Fama
Located in Conversano, IT
Meravigliosa credenza della serie "Daniel" prodotta negli anni '70 dall'azienda FAMA di Adria e ideata da Paolo Piva nei primi anni della sua illustre carriera nel mondo del design.
...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Paolo Piva Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Rosewood
Coppia armadietti "Daniel" di Paolo Piva per FAMA
By Paolo Piva, Fama
Located in Conversano, IT
Esplorate una straordinaria coppia di armadietti della serie "Daniel," un'iconica creazione degli anni '70 realizzata dalla rinomata ditta FAMA di Adria e concepita da Paolo Piva all'inizio della sua illustre carriera.
Questi mobili rappresentano un prezioso esempio di artigianato italiano e qualità, confezionati con l'incantevole palissandro africano e dotati di antine in vetro fumè.
Questi armadietti, oltre a essere un'espressione di eccellenza nel design, sono un omaggio alla carriera di un designer che ha segnato la storia del design.
Paolo Piva ha iniziato la sua carriera con questa straordinaria serie, che oggi rappresenta un autentico pezzo di collezione.
In condizioni impeccabili e senza segni evidenti del passare del tempo, questi armadietti incarnano l'estetica senza tempo del design italiano.
Non perdetevi l'opportunità di possedere una coppia di armadietti che è stata citata persino nella famosa "Repertorio del design italiano 1950-1980" di G. Gramigna.
Nome del Prodotto: Armadietti della serie "Daniel" di Paolo Piva - FAMA di Adria, Anni '70
Designer: Paolo Piva
Anno di Progettazione: Anni 70
Stile: Design Italiano Vintage...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Paolo Piva Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Crystal
B&b Italia Athos Credenza, Paolo Piva, 2000's
By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva
Located in Culver City, CA
Available right now i have an Athos credenza by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia.
The credenza is a glossy dark grey lacquer with polished stainless legs and handles. The credenza has slid...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Paolo Piva Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Stainless Steel
B&B Italia by Paolo Piva White Glossy Athos Wide Sideboard
By B&B Italia, Paolo Piva
Located in Basildon, London
Designed by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia, the Athos sideboard perfectly showcases Piva’s architectural style.
Featuring a glossy white finish, the sideboard has two compartments, sit...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paolo Piva Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Metal
Paolo Piva case pieces and storage cabinets for sale on 1stDibs.
Paolo Piva case pieces and storage cabinets are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Paolo Piva case pieces and storage cabinets, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original case pieces and storage cabinets by Paolo Piva were created in the modern style in italy during the 1970s. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider case pieces and storage cabinets by Gionathan de Pas & Donato D’Urbino & Paolo Lomazzi, Andrea Branzi, and B&B Italia. Prices for Paolo Piva case pieces and storage cabinets can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,937 and can go as high as $6,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,151.