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Paolo Buffa & Giovanni Gariboldi – Set of Four Gilt and Lacquered Side Chairs

$79,480
£60,205.77
€69,460.68
CA$111,440.30
A$124,226.35
CHF 65,384.74
MX$1,505,970.86
NOK 832,470.40
SEK 773,995.87
DKK 518,439.93

About the Item

This elegant set of four chairs embodies the refined Milanese design sensibility of the mid-20th century. It was born from the collaboration between architect Paolo Buffa and designer Giovanni Gariboldi. Produced around 1950 by cabinetmaker Serafino Arrighi in Cantù, these chairs combine sculptural sophistication with artisanal craftsmanship. The back stiles with finials are a medieval revival form inspired by Hugo Gorge and the Neues Wiener Wohnen, yet they depart from these styles in ways that define Paolo Buffa’s distinctive vision. For the backrests, Buffa incorporated the floral motifs of Giovanni Gariboldi (1908-1971). Gariboldi is among the most influential figures in the history of Italian decorative arts. He was the Artistic Director at Ginori. The acanthus leaf has historical significance. It symbolizes immortality, longevity, and resilience, as well as nature’s abundance and the cycle of life. Significant is the treatment of the front legs. Rather than tapering, they grow stronger and more substantial toward the base, a typical Buffa design element with a futuristic aesthetic. By the 1960s, the sculptural qualities of his leg design had reached their zenith, resonating with a broader cultural readiness to embrace this kind of shape. In contraposition to this, Buffa incorporated the atavistic opulence of Gariboldi, transforming the chair into a work of art that embodies futuristic abundance. The design reflects postwar Italy’s search for beauty through tradition and innovation. These chairs are exquisite examples of collectible Italian design, representing the harmony between two of Milan’s most celebrated creative minds and the exceptional skill of Lombardy’s master artisans.
  • Creator:
    Giovanni Gariboldi (Designer),Paolo Buffa (Designer)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 40.16 in (102 cm)Width: 17.72 in (45 cm)Depth: 15.75 in (40 cm)Seat Height: 16.54 in (42 cm)
  • Style:
    Modern (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1950
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor fading. Some loss of lacquer and gilt.
  • Seller Location:
    Petershagen, DE
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 4551stDibs: LU10332246209102

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