Attributed to Paolo Buffa

Attributed to PAOLO BUFFA (Milan, 1903-1970).
Sideboard. Italy, ca. 1960.
Blackened oak veneer.
Stained walnut interior.
Nickel-plated brass keys.
Open pore" shellac finish.
Measurements: 50 x 200 x 98 cm.

Landscape rectangular sideboard with four doors in blackened oak veneer supported on two uprights joined by a crossbeam. The front alternates a central part molded in a grid design and squares, with smooth sides.

The furniture designed by Milanese architect and designer Paolo Buffa is usually unique, based on the needs of his clients and, therefore, always different. What unites his pieces, besides perfection of execution, is the neoclassical style Buffa absorbed during his training at Gio Ponti's studio in the 1920s: the solid, elegant lines Buffa applies to his furniture maintain a kind of continuity between the 19th and 20th century and characterize his entire production. The use of precious woods, often decorated with fine grooves on the surfaces and brass ornaments, is another recognizable feature of his pieces. His most frequent collaboration was with the historic Milanese furniture factory Quarti, with whom he designed several public and private projects for prestigious clients, such as the decoration of King Farouk of Egypt's yacht Mahroussa in 1951. In the 1960s, the designer collaborated with the great Italian manufacturer Cassina.