Joe Colombo Combi Center Cabinet

'Combi center' by Joe Colombo for Bernini, 1963

This mobile bookcase with a light level and opening compartments is a design classic, started as a storage unit for hobbies by Joe Colombo, it was quickly converted to a lighted mobile bookcase. The very first examples of Combi Center...

Combi Center storage unit designed in 1963 by Joe Colombo for Bernini, Italy. Large version with built-in lighting. Hardwood, acrylic, lacquered wood and ...

Rare and stunning illuminated rosewood and acrylic (plexiglass) coffee table by visionary Italian designer Joe Colombo. The table is signed to the underside of the base with the original 'Bernini' manufacturer's label. Colombo designed this illuminated coffee table in 1963 for 'Bernini' Italy and it formed part of his famous 'Combi' modular range of elements that could be ordered separately or in combinations of storage elements which stacked one atop another to form a multi purpose sculptural form column. This fine example is finished in luxurious flamed rosewood which was the rare high end option over the cheaper standard Italian walnut finish. Sandwiched between the two circular rosewood elements is a white acrylic plexiglass light diffuser which when illuminated from the inside creates a wonderful cozy low level lighting effect with a wonderfully warm tone. The circular rosewood tabletop features a central, removable, enameled steel container which could be used as a planter or to store glasses, bottles etc. The April, 1966 issue of the famous Italian design periodical 'Rivista dell Arredamento' illustrates Jo Colombo's visionary range of modular furniture from his inventive small foldaway micro kitchen, to the 'combi' range of stackable sculptural storage...