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Slant Front Desk with Bookshelf attributed to Paolo Buffa
$9,500
£7,062.17
€8,267.51
CA$13,285.47
A$14,834.66
CHF 7,738.16
MX$182,414.25
NOK 97,665.27
SEK 91,948.41
DKK 61,675.64
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About the Item
A sophisticated and sharply composed architectural slant front desk attributed to celebrated Milanese designer Paolo Buffa. Constructed from richly grained oak, the piece features a sculptural stack of four angular slant-front drawers, counterbalanced by an open column of asymmetrical shelves on one side—resulting in a bold yet balanced profile that is deeply rooted in architectural thinking.
The use of oak, particularly in Buffa’s earlier work of the 1930s and 1940s, is significant. While later known for luxurious veneers and inlaid details, Buffa's early oak furniture showcased his commitment to honest materiality, structural clarity, and Rationalist principles. Oak allowed him to highlight form and proportion without the distraction of ornament, aligning with the architectural modernism of prewar Milan. These early pieces often conveyed a sense of quiet strength and modest elegance—qualities very much present in this desk.
Buffa (1903–1970), trained at the Politecnico di Milano, was a contemporary of Gio Ponti, though he charted a distinctive path by fusing historical reverence with forward-looking design. He collaborated with some of Milan’s best cabinetmakers and often worked on custom interiors for discerning clients, including industrialists, diplomats, and high-society patrons across Italy and beyond.
This desk’s refined geometry and use of exposed storage evoke Buffa’s unique talent for blending utility with sculptural form. While rooted in modernism, it also retains a sense of warmth and tradition—making it ideal for both historical and contemporary interiors.
A compelling and rare example of Buffa’s early oak work, and a testament to his enduring influence in 20th-century Italian design.
- Attributed to:Paolo Buffa (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 44 in (111.76 cm)Width: 49 in (124.46 cm)Depth: 15 in (38.1 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. light restoration/cleaning minor wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Kilmarnock, VA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU8830789268
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