Items Similar to Gaetano Borsani for Atelier di Varedo Wardrobe or Higboard
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 11
Gaetano Borsani for Atelier di Varedo Wardrobe or Higboard
$16,000
£12,132.03
€14,009.19
CA$22,448.98
A$25,011.49
CHF 13,191.15
MX$303,223.97
NOK 167,810.40
SEK 156,326.02
DKK 104,635.68
About the Item
Gaetano Borsani for Atelier di Varedo - Gaetano Borsani, wardrobe, walnut burl, brass, mirrored glass, metal, linoleum, Milan, Italy, 1930
An exceptional armoire designed by Gaetano Borsani, founder of the Atelier di Varedo, the workshop where his son Osvaldo Borsani’s artistic path would begin to take shape. This piece exemplifies geometric purity and material sophistication of 1930s Italian design, with walnut burl playing a central role. At the time, this richly figured wood was considered a luxury material, often found in the interiors of affluent Italian homes. The walnut burl here has been expertly bookmatched, a technique that creates a kaleidoscopic effect across the surface. The mirrored grain patterns appear almost organic in form: symmetrical, fluid, and deeply sensual. Its overall structure gives off a slightly monumental presence; a composition of clean, rectilinear forms that communicate solidity and restraint. It is essentially a large, block-like volume broken into three vertical sections: a dominant central body, which is subtly framed and slightly recessed, flanked by two narrower side compartments. The top and sides are crisp and flat, free from ornamentation or curvature, emphasizing the boxy geometry. The base is a low plinth with boxy feet that ground the wardrobe visually, lifting it slightly from the floor but maintaining its sense of weight. The brass handles on the wardrobe are small but commanding accents that contrast elegantly with the organic fluidity of the walnut burl. Each handle consists of stacked brass cylinders mounted vertically. Inside, the armoire reveals a thoughtfully designed interior with mirrors, shelving, and coat racks. This juxtaposition of elaborate surface and strict geometry reflects a distinctly 1930s Italian ethos: a commitment to refinement with an embrace of the modern and the natural.
The piece bears the signature: Atelier di Varedo Gaetano Borsani Varedo (Milano)
Biography
In the shifting design landscape of early 20th-century Lombardy, one small workshop rapidly rose to prominence: Atelier di Varedo, founded in 1923 (also known as Atelier Borsani Varedo). This family-run enterprise would, in the span of just over a decade, become a touchstone of the Italian modern movement – bridging craftsmanship, innovation, and artistic vision. The roots of the Borsani family ran deep in the world of furniture-making. Maria Galimberti and Gaetano Borsani both descended from families who had been working wood and crafting interiors since the early 1800s. It was this generational knowledge – this embedded culture of artigianato – that Gaetano built upon when, shortly after World War I, he struck out to form his own studio. By the mid-1920s, his workshop employed around twenty workers, a modest but serious operation focused initially on producing period furniture, still very much in line with postwar bourgeois tastes.
But the Borsani workshop would not remain tied to the past. Quite the opposite. The firm had begun to pivot toward more modernist idioms. Pieces would take cues from the expressive geometry and stylized forms of Art Deco, and increasingly, from the sinuous, ornamental elegance of German Jugendstil. On the other, there’s an underlying solidity, almost sculptural, that gestures toward Novecento aesthetics, with even traces of Futurist abstraction in the bold contours and crafted dynamism of certain works. This wasn’t just a surface-level stylistic update; it was a philosophical shift in how furniture could be conceived, produced, and lived with. The workshop's internal library, filled with cutting-edge European design journals, speaks volumes about their appetite for international influence.
Central to this transformation was Gino Maggioni, a young architect brought into the fold as what we might now call the company’s creative director. Gaetano Borsani entrusted him with the aesthetic reins of the business, and Maggioni – wide-eyed and ambitious – did not disappoint. Maggioni's intellectual trajectory was shaped in part by his presence at one of the 20th century’s most iconic architectural gatherings: the first Congrès International d’Architecture Moderne (CIAM) in 1928 at the Château de la Sarraz. There, he encountered the likes of Le Corbusier, Gerrit Rietveld, Alberto Sartoris, and Pierre Chareau – names synonymous with European modernism. This experience would prove formative, not just for Maggioni personally, but for the direction of Atelier di Varedo. Under his stewardship, the company rebranded – at least partially – to reflect his authorship. It became Atelier di Varedo – diretto dall’architetto Gino Maggioni, Mobili d’arte G. e Gaetano Borsani Varedo. That label, verbose as it may seem, marks a fascinating moment in Italian design history: the co-signature of the artisan and the architect, of making and thinking. This was not simply furniture production – it was an atelier in the fullest sense of the word. By the early 1930s, Maggioni’s tenure had ended, and the company shifted its name once again: Atelier di Varedo, Gaetano Borsani Varedo (Milano), coinciding with the moment when Osvaldo Borsani began to take a more active role in shaping the future of his father’s enterprise.
Kindly note that the piece is in good, used condition with signs of age and use. For further details, we encourage you to reach out to our team of design specialists.
- Creator:Gaetano Borsani (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 70.87 in (180 cm)Width: 78.75 in (200 cm)Depth: 15.75 in (40 cm)
- Style:Art Deco (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1930s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Every item Morentz offers is checked by our team of 30 craftspeople in our in-house workshop. Special restoration or reupholstery requests can be done. Check ‘About the item’ or ask our design specialists for detailed information on the condition.
- Seller Location:Waalwijk, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: 501171501stDibs: LU933145538772
About the Seller
4.9
Established in 2006, Morentz has a team of approximately 55 restorers, upholsterers, interior advisers and art historians, making it a gallery, workshop and upholstery studio, all in one. Every day, a carefully selected array of 20th-century furniture arrives from all over the world at the firm’s warehouse, where the team thoroughly examines each piece to determine what, if any, work needs to be done. Whether that means new upholstery or a complete restoration, Morentz's aim is always to honor the designer’s intention while fulfilling the wishes of the client. The team is up to any challenge, from restoring a single piece to its original glory to furnishing a large-scale hotel project.
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Diamond Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2006
1stDibs seller since 2012
5,427 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 2 hours
Associations
20th Century Specialists
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Waalwijk, Netherlands
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllErnesto Valabrega for Vittorio Valabrega Studio Large Highboard in Chestnut
By Vittorio Valabrega
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ernesto Valabrega for Vittorio Valabrega Studio, large cabinet, chestnut, mirrored glass, iron, metal, Italy, ca. 1935
This expansive highboard beautifully exemplifies Ernesto Valab...
Category
Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Cabinets
Materials
Metal, Iron
Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi Grand Wardrobe in Walnut
By Giuseppe Rivadossi, Officina Rivadossi
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi, wardrobe, Italy, 1980s
A beautiful and grand wardrobe by Italian sculptor and designer Giuseppe Rivadossi, showcasing exquisite woodworkin...
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Walnut
Large Italian Art Deco Wardrobe or Highboard in Walnut 1940s
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wardrobe or highboard, walnut, wood, Italy, 1940s
This large, elegant sideboard embodies the refined aesthetic sensibilities characteristic of the Italian Art Deco period of the 19...
Category
Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Walnut
Ernesto Valabrega for Vittorio Valabrega Art Deco Large Cabinet in Oak
By Vittorio Valabrega
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ernesto Valabrega for Vittorio Valabrega Studio, large cabinet, oak, iron, mirrored glass, Italy, 1930s
A versatile cabinet, crafted in oak and designed by Ernesto Valabrega, exempl...
Category
Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Cabinets
Materials
Iron
Gaetano Borsani for Atelier di Varedo Chest of Drawers in Walnut Burl and Brass
By Gaetano Borsani
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gaetano Borsani for Atelier di Varedo - Gaetano Borsani, chest of drawers, walnut burl, brass, linoleum, Milan, Italy, 1930
An exceptional commode designed by Gaetano Borsani, foun...
Category
Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Ernesto Valabrega for Vittorio Valabrega Art Deco Cabinet in Oak and Iron
By Vittorio Valabrega
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ernesto Valabrega for Vittorio Valabrega Studio, cabinet, oak, iron, Italy, 1930s
This cabinet, crafted in oak and designed by Ernesto Valabrega, exemplifies both aesthetic refineme...
Category
Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Cabinets
Materials
Iron
You May Also Like
1930s cabinet in the style of Borsani
By Gaetano Borsani, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Correggio, IT
This 1930s Italian-made bar cabinet, in the style or Gaetano and Osvaldo Borsani, is distinguished by its clean and rational lines, an expression of the sober and functional design t...
Category
Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Cabinets
Materials
Mirror, Stained Glass, Wood
Italian Art Deco 1940s Wardrobe
Located in Milan, IT
Splendid Italian 1940s Art Deco wardrobe.
Category
Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Wood
Art Deco corner display case in walnut burl with sliding glass and compartment
Located in Premariacco, IT
Italian-made 1930s Art Deco corner cabinet with double screen-printed sliding glass and clear glass interior shelves.
The lower area contains two doors with original period handles ...
Category
Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Corner Cupboards
Materials
Glass, Nutwood
Art Deco Figured Walnut Compactum Wardrobe
Located in London, GB
A beautiful original Art Deco figured walnut compactum wardrobe. This was made in England, it dates from the 1930’s.
It is of superb quality...
Category
Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Walnut
Art Deco Trumeau Cabinet in Walnut Briar by Atelier di Varedo, Gaetano Borsani
By Gaetano Borsani, Atelier Borsani Varedo
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Art Deco Trumeau Cabinet in Walnut Briar by Atelier di Varedo, Gaetano Borsani, with three external drawers, spacious upper compartment that can be opened with two doors containing t...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Cabinets
Materials
Walnut
Art Deco walnut feather dresser with brass handles
Located in Premariacco, IT
1940s Art Deco walnut feather chest of drawers with four drawers decorated with a distinctive set of brass handles.
The dresser can be used in a bedroom or in hallways or living roo...
Category
Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
More Ways To Browse
Used Metal Wardrobe
After Gerrit Rietveld
Cylinder Mirror
Vintage Eye Glass Case
Vintage Cues
Live Edge Wood Art
Cylindrical Plinth
Vintage Glass Eye Studio
Provence Mirror
Burl 1920s
Art Deco Shelving
Folding Brass Mirror
Burl Mirror Frame
Folding Coat Rack
Pivot Mirror
Walnut And Brass Shelving
Modernist Coat Rack
1930s Art Deco Burl Walnut