Italian Modern Lounge Chairs Attributed to Paolo Buffa, Italy 1940s

Italian Modern furniture is defined by unique design, perfect execution, and exclusivity. This pair of armchairs is attributed to Italian design icon, Paolo Buffa. Coinciding with contemporary debates about the role of design and its responsibility to the larger population, Buffa reworked the presiding neoclassical idiom. The architect incorporated simplified forms into his designs in order to streamline production techniques, whilst always retaining a high regard for materials and harmonious portions. This pair of armchairs is said to have been designed by Buffa during the 1950s and elegantly balances comfort and functionality with high-quality craftsmanship and materials: the refined, articulated lines of the armchairs’ frames counter the volume of its cushions and uniquely patterned upholstery. By the mid-1930s, Buffa had established his own studio, where the Milanese architect designed expertly crafted furniture featuring intricate details and combined luxurious materials for an elite clientele. Buffa developed close relationships with cabinetmaking workshops in Brianza, renowned for their traditional furniture manufacturing, and during the following decades collaborated with some of the period’s most skilled artisans. These relationships enabled Buffa to introduce a modern vocabulary into his work whilst adhering to Milan’s heritage of artisan furniture production, in order to realize inventive furniture designs that revealed a skilful union of design and execution. These chairs embody this patently, with their most intricate feature being the upholstery covering the elegant, stylish shape of the solid wood frames. The elaborate pattern invites the eyes to spend time observing and exploring it, therefore the overall impression is interesting and stylish, while it also makes these chairs a one-of-a-kind pair. The exposed architectural, tapered legs supporting the comfortable seats and curved backs complement the design of this model greatly. The slim look serves as a counterweight to the voluptuous bodies, and the colour of the wood complements the pattern as well. The overall design is focused on elegant and measured proportions, balanced compositions, and refined décor elements including the exclusive materials. Besides the upholstery, the versatile shapes, from the curving, rounded edges on the top to the characteristic armrests and tapered legs, make these chairs stand out. Buffa’s designs were featured in important publications, such as Roberto Aloi’s L’arredamento moderno series, through which a coherent evolution can be traced in Buffa’s work as he interpreted the formal elegance of Italian design with a subtle yet recognizably modern rigour evidenced by this pair. Paolo Buffa was especially passionate about furniture and product design, an area where he remained faithful to a figurative repertoire of substantial classicism, while not disdaining impulses of authentic modernity. He was extremely active in the Milanese design scene that was just as vibrant and unique as these armchairs. In an atmosphere committed to the reinterpretation of the Lombard classicism and Milanese architecture, exceptional pieces were created, as this pair shows. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Small scratches and marks on the wood. The chairs have been reupholstered recently in a premium patterned fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information. Dimensions: 29.52 in W x 34.44 in D x 37 in H; Seat height 15.15 in; Arm height 22.44 in 75 cm W x 87.5 cm D x 94 cm H; Seat height 38.5 cm; Arm height 57 cm Literature: 'Alcuni Mobili di Paolo Buffa', Domus, no. 178, October 1942, p. 431 for a similar example Roberto Aloi, L’Arredamento Moderno, quarta serie, Milan, 1949, fig. 366 for a similar example Roberto Rizzi, I mobile di Paolo Buffa, exh. cat., Mostra Internazionale dell'Arredamento, Cantù, 2002, pp. 30, 34-35 for a drawing and images of a similar example About the (attributed) designer: Paolo Buffa (born 1903, Milan – died 1970, Milan) was an Italian furniture designer who defined his own unique design aesthetic to become one of the most sought-after Italian designers of his day. Renowned for pairing elements from both the opulent Neoclassical and the streamlined Art Deco styles around a more modern sensitivity, Buffa excelled in creating high quality pieces that spoke to the well-to-do clientele of the time. Born in Milan in 1903, Buffa trained at the Politecnico di Milano. Following his graduation in 1927, he worked briefly for Gio Ponti, and in 1928, he partnered with architect Antonio Cassi to establish their own design studio in Milan. By 1936, Paolo Buffa opened his own independent studio where he became particularly successful, in part because he had already tapped into his unique combination of stylistic elements. His incorporation of more traditionally Neoclassical motifs or materials – for example, rich rosewoods or supple, velveteen fabrics – with the relatively avant-garde forms and themes of a lighter Art...

This beautiful Danish cabinetmaker lounge chair recalls the peak of Danish Mid-Century Modern design. Thanks to its curved shape, this model is exceptionally cosy and elegant. Curved chairs like this are statement pieces in any space, but they can also adapt to a variety of styles thanks to their universal appeal. With its classic shape paired with modern design, the generous size, and fully upholstered body, this lounge chair is outstanding, even when measured to the many beautiful models created in Denmark during the mid-century era. The large, curved design is reminiscent of the Chesterfield style, with rolled arms and a curving back, short feet, and button tufting. While the impression may recall the historic style, it is its more streamlined, modern interpretation with fewer decorative elements and a much lighter colour palette. The stitches on the back create a scalloped look that sections the back, enhancing the voluptuous size. The Danish design idiom, among other things, was centred on gentle yet robust support for the spine - a quality that engender contentment and well-being, a defining characteristic of Danish culture. The visual appearance however, is not the only thing that echoes Danish design, but also the exquisite craftsmanship under the fully upholstered body. The short, mismatched stained beech legs add a modern, organic feel, balancing out the voluptuous profile of the sofa. The front legs differ in their angle and shape from the back ones, adding visual interest, while the masterful sense of proportions and the soft upholstery guarantee functionality and comfort. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The sofa has been reupholstered recently in a premium bouclé fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information. Dimensions: 37.2 in W x 40.55 in D x 35.03 in H; Seat height 16.33 in; Arm height 23.62 in 94.5 cm W x 103 cm D x 89 cm H; Seat height 41.5 cm; Arm height 60 cm About the Designer: This Danish-made sofa...

Italian Modern Lounge Chair Attributed To Paolo Buffa. This gorgeous mid century modern chair has a gorgeous finish and looks great from every angle. Paolo Buffa was born in 1903, in...

A pair of walnut and white fabric lounge chairs attributed to Paolo Buffa, Italy, 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 28.875"H x 26.375"W x 31.375"D Seat Height (inches): 16.25" A...