20th Century Cabinets

Paolo Buffa (1903-1970) architect, designer Paolo Buffa was the son of artist Giovanni Buffa, long-considered a modern innovator of early 20th century applied arts. The elder Buffa was renowned for his studio works in stained glass, often collaborating with Eugenio Quarti and other important architects. After graduating in 1927 from Politecnico di Milano, Paolo began training in the studio of Gio Ponti and Emilio Lancia. The following year he opened his own studio with the architect Cassi Ramelli, designing private villas and residential buildings with a strong focus on fine furniture done in the neoclassical style of the Milanese School and its luminaries: Ponti, Lancia, Buzzi, Marellin, and Albini. His designs (which included lighting and textiles) were characterized by perfect execution, for homes of the wealthy middle class with a taste for modern design, that blended functionality and comfort with quality materials. His pieces were primarily executed by the highly skilled artisans of the Mario Quarti studio in Milan, by Serafino Arrighi, and later by the Angelo Marelli workshop. In 1930 Buffa and Cassi Remelli participated in The International Exhibition of Decorative Arts,which would later become the Triennale di Milano. At this time he also began his first collaboration with Gio Ponti's Domus magazine, to which he would contribute many writings in the years to follow. The 1933 Triennale, "Mostra dell Arredamento," presented a solo exhibition on Buffa, as well as a group show that featured his textile designs alongside works by Buzzi, Albini, and Pollini in the display hall of the government institution National Crafts and Small Industries (ENAPI). By the time of his participation in the 1936 VI Triennale, Buffa was considered one of the elite arbiters of modern taste and style. The painter Roberto Aloi, director of “L’Arredamento Modern” (the Hoepli periodic review of modern design) dedicated more space to Buffa in his publication than to any other Italian architect in future editions. 1940 saw an intense collaboration with the acclaimed Mario Quarti furniture studio in Milan, in which Buffa created the furnishings for the Royal Palace of King Zog, in Tirana, Albania. In 1945 Ico Parisi organized the exhibition "Prima Mostra dell Arredamento" in Como. Together he and Buffa designed 12 environments, displayed as real rooms in a home. The following year the show travelled to Milan as “Mostra Mercato per la Reconstruzione” (Exhibition of Reconstruction). In addition to Buffa and Parisi, among the participants were Cassi Ramelli, Gio Ponti, and Guillermo Ulrich, all working under an objective to foster a profound collaboration between architect and expert craftsman. In 1947 Buffa was invited by esteemed textile designer Fede Cheti to participate in the exhibition “Lo Stile nell Arredamento Moderno” (The Style of Modern Furniture), celebrating the rebirth of quality execution and technical perfection in the reinvention of classic Italian furniture...

Italian Mid-Century Cabinet By Paolo Buffa. This versatile chest is a perfect as a bedside chest or where space is limited. Great workmanship. Paolo Buffa was born in 1903, in Milan,...

A fine 1940s Italian cabinet by Paolo Buffa Resting on slender tapered legs with deep brass sabot feet. This piece has wonderful four panelled...

Paul Buffa Console

Paolo Buffa, wardrobe or highboard, walnut, ash, beech, brass, mirrored glass, steel, plastic, Italy, 1950s Elegant and modern at the same time, this magnificent armoire is by the ...

Paolo Buffa cabinet in beech wood with three lockable doors and four drawers. The doors and drawers have relief decorations of marine environments. Dassi production late 1940s.

Mahogany and Sycomore Bar Cabinet by Paolo Buffa decorated with fencing scenes. Interior fitted with four movable shelves Italy: circa 1950 Provenance: Blackman Cruz...

Rare trumeau by Paolo Buffa. Palisander with brass inlay by Giovanni Gariboldi. Brass sabots. Similar example I mobili di Paolo Buffa di R . Rizzi pag56

Paolo Buffa bar cabinet with gold star detailing. Incredible cabinet in perfect condition. This is a rare piece and not many of this model were made.   

Splendid living room furniture with bookcase shelves designed by the great designer Paolo Buffa for Permanente Cantù in the 1950s, with the collaboration of Reguitti for the decorati...

Important closet cabinet by Paolo Buffa for Arrighi's 1950s Italian production. The wardrobe is a great product of rare beauty , it is a priceless piece...

Paolo Buffa, wardrobe or armoire, chestnut, Italy, 1940s This rare wardrobe has a subtle decorative character and is created by the talented Italian designer and architect Paolo Buf...

Paolo Buffa (1903-1970) architect, designer Paolo Buffa was the son of artist Giovanni Buffa, long-considered a modern innovator of early 20th centu...

Beautiful wooden trumeau designed by the great Paolo Buffa for Serafino Arrighi in the 1950s. The cabinet is made entirely of very fine and durable curo wood. At the base there are...

Exceptional pair of high credenza's by Paolo Buffa in very good condition. What notices most is the size and the quality of these magnificent works of art. They are high and mighty a...

Paolo Buffa wall-mounted ribbed credenza in patinated, brass and glass, by master woodmaker Serafino Arrighi, 1950's What stands out in this small w...

Magnificent Italian sideboard designed by Paolo Buffa in the 50s. Underlining the upper floor is wood veneer arranged in a herringbone pattern. The doors have three panels each embel...

Charming 5-door vintage pear wood cabinet designed in the 1950s by the great designer Paolo Buffa, fine Italian manufacture. The cabinet is made entirely...

Enchanting vintage 6-door wooden cabinet designed in the 1950s by the great designer Paolo Buffa, fine Italian manufacture. The closet is made entirely in the light-colored fine woo...

Italian mid-century cabinet made by Paolo Buffa in cherry wood, circa 1930s. Dimension: W102 x D40 x H153 cm.  

A very good labeled Paolo Buffa for Arrighi Serafino rosewood and parchment front cabinet circa 1940. Having upper open shelf with sliding glas...

Well designed and finished with valuable materials. Ormolu-mounted, carved and inlaid with rare woods. Paolo Buffa was named one of the most important designers in Italy. Architec...

Exceptional cabinet by Paolo Buffa in walnut with mahogany interior and brass detail. Italy circa 1950. Measures: height 133cm, width 26cm, dept...

Fine mahogany free standing cabinet bar by Paolo Buffa made in Italy, circa 1950s. Opposing doors swing open to reveal mirrored and fitted interi...

Well designed and finished with valuable materials. Ormolu-mounted, carved and inlaid with rare woods. Paolo Buffa was named one of the most important designers in Italy. Archit...

Pair of cabinet Paolo Buffa design Mid-Century Modern bar furniture, mahogany and brass. It has a large flap door that hides an elegant mirrored bar with glass shelf, noteworthy car...

Splendid Paolo Buffa oakwood cabinet Beautifully crafted with large copper hinges. Italy 1940s

Mahogany, brass. 6-drawer storage cabinet with highly figured mahogany veneer. Open and closed storage areas, 8 stylized feet with brass sabots and branded line decorations. A very u...

Wonderful wooden bookcase cabinet designed by Paolo Buffa in the 50's, fine Italian manufacture. Provenance is from the house on Lake Como. The structure is totally made of bleached...