Tabula Aurea Chessboard

For more than half a century, Giordano Viganò has been creating beautiful furniture from his workshop in Novedrate, Italy. When he first opened his business, in 1959, Viganò did not expect to eventually find himself on the world’s stage of furniture design nor to have opportunities to work with some of the most bold-faced designers and architects.

After meeting and working with designer Luigi Massoni, in the mid-1970s, Viganò began making furniture with a more modernist appeal. He adapted his style and skills to the changing times. With a successful career spanning several decades, there are examples to be found of Viganò’s work in contemporary, modern, minimalist and Art Deco styles. 

In 1986, Viganò created one of his proudest series of works — a collection for furniture designer Giulio Cappellini, signed by designer Shiro Kuramata. Even though he crafts his finished products from finer types of wood, Viganò usually creates his unique prototypes in ashwood. Kurumata loved the Capellini prototype so much that he requested that it be finished and lacquered in black and white.

In 2016, Viganò was honored with receiving the Master of Arts and Crafts from the Fondazione Cologni dei Mestieri d'Arte. His work has also been featured in articles like Fratelli Borgioli’s blog b2b, La Repubblica Design and Mestieri D’arte & Design.

Viganò’s collection La Sapienza delle Mani is a tribute to his lifetime journey of developing his craft and seeking excellence in its execution. These finely detailed objects, created in exotic woods, glass, metal, bone, shell, leather and gold leaf, speak the story of their beauty and function, interpreted through Viganò’s expert hands and discerning eye. Continuously seeking that next inspiring thought or experience, Viganò is known for his charisma and desire to partner with young designers and makers, looking to innovate new designs and pass on his wisdom for the craft. 

On 1stDibs, find a selection of Giordano Viganò tables, decorative objects and collectibles.