Vico Magistretti for Gavina Caori Coffee Table with Record Storage, Italy 1962

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Vico Magistretti for Gavina Caori Coffee Table with Record Storage, Italy 1962

About the Item

Sleek, cool, functional and elegantly constructed Caori coffee table by Vico Magistretti for Gavina, Italy Circa 1962 signed by 1960s / 70s interior designer and decorator James Hong. This broadly proportioned cocktail table comprises of a generously expansive brushed aluminum tabletop and features several concealed compartments that can be easily accessed. The surface has a central chamber and the door can be raised using the finger hole to reveal several slots for holding records or magazines plus there is an additional side storage space next to this. Lacquered wood in a metallic gray with undertones of green surround this metal top. The pieces on both ends of the table pull out to reveal two drawers and the pieces on the sides have fronts which pulls open to uncover two storage spaces. This table is mounted on a plinth like base, giving the illusion that this piece is floating. The original Gavina manufacturer’s sticker can be found on the inside compartment. In original condition, there are marks and blemishes throughout however it does not detract from the overall look. The name James Hong, who was a designer and decorator in the 1960s and 70s has been written in marker on the inside storage area purportedly was his signature for an interior design project that he worked on. This piece can either be partially or fully refinished upon request and a new color can be selected if desired. This stylish and serviceable piece would be a great addition as part of a classic or contemporary living room, den, man (or woman!) cave, family room, office or bedroom. It would also be an apt choice in a corporate, retail or hospitality location such as a boutique hotel lobby, cocktail bar, members club, workspace studio, executive office or in a luxe clothing emporium. Measurements: 16" H x 50.75" W x 38" D Pull down compartments 6.5" H Center door 17" H (when opened) 23" W In original vintage condition. Some small dents to the aluminum and scuffs to the lacquer. Fully functional and presents very well.

Creator:
Vico Magistretti (Designer),Gavina (Manufacturer)
Dimensions:
Height: 16 in (40.64 cm)Width: 50.75 in (128.91 cm)Depth: 38 in (96.52 cm)
Style:
Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Aluminum,Wood,Lacquered
Place of Origin:
Italy
Period:
1960-1969
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1962
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. In original vintage condition. Some small dents to the aluminum and scuffs to the lacquer. Fully functional and presents very well.
Seller Location:
Los Angeles, CA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU133029071853

Shop All Vico Magistretti

Vico Magistretti

As one of the founding fathers of modern Italian design, prolific architect and industrial designer Ludovico Magistretti (known by his nickname Vico) was guided by his philosophy, “There is no excuse for bad design.” His architectural projects are widely revered, and an ingenious meld of form and function can be found in his stylish and deceptively simple table lamps, sofas, armchairs and other mid-century furnishings.

Born in Milan, Magistretti followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather (both architects) to study architecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan. At the outbreak of World War II, he fled to Switzerland, and it was there he met his role model and mentor, renowned humanist architect Ernesto Nathan Rogers. Magistretti was inspired by Rogers’s vision to revive postwar Italy, and they collaborated on several reconstruction projects. Among Magistretti’s first architectural designs is a “poetic” round church, which he created for the QT8, an experimental Milanese neighborhood.

When Magistretti returned to Milan in 1945, he worked at his father’s architectural firm. It wasn’t until the early 1950s that he expanded his talents into design while working with furniture artisans.

In the 1960s, Magistretti began his 30-year working relationship with famed entrepreneur Cesare Cassina of the Cassina furniture manufacturing company. In their design approach, the two men shared a vision of the relationship between modernity and tradition and enjoyed a close bond (Magistretti designed Cassina’s luxurious villa in 1965). However, their friendship was not without contention.

Legend has it that upon seeing the prototype for Magistretti’s Maralunga sofa, Cassina hated it so much that he punched it, breaking the back of the sofa, which crumpled into itself.

“Right, great, it looks perfect to me like that,” an unfazed Magistretti allegedly responded, and the Maralunga’s slumped, adjustable-height backrest was born. Incidentally, the Maralunga sofa won Italy’s Compasso d’Oro award as did his Eclisse lamp for Artemide and his Atollo lamp for Oluce.

Magistretti died in 2006, but his designs live on in galleries, museums and private residences and offices around the world.

Find a range of vintage Vico Magistretti furniture and lighting on 1stDibs.