Attributed to Paolo Buffa

Attributed to PAOLO BUFFA (Milan, 1903–1970).
Pair of armchairs, Italy, 1950s.
Solid cherry wood with gray upholstery.
In very good condition with recently reupholstered seats.
Measurements: 76 x 60 x 77 cm (x2); 43 cm (seat height, x2).
Pair of mid-20th-century Italian armchairs, attributed to Paolo Buffa, crafted from solid wood with a warm reddish hue and characterized by the open construction of their armrests, which are joined by a series of diagonal crossbars forming a distinctive X-shaped lattice.
The curved armrests extend all the way to the legs, creating a structure of remarkable visual lightness, while the generously upholstered backrest and seat lend the piece a distinct sense of comfort. In terms of their formal language, these armchairs are fully in line with the tradition of mid-20th-century Italian furniture, where the legacy of classical cabinetmaking coexists with a progressive refinement of forms.

Paolo Buffa graduated from the Politecnico di Milano in 1927. After completing his studies, he worked alongside Gio Ponti and Emilio Lancia, and in 1928, he opened his own studio with architect Antonio Cassi Ramelli. He participated in various editions of the Triennale di Milano, including those of 1930, 1933, and 1936. One of his most significant collaborations was with Mario Quarti, one of Milan’s historic furniture manufacturers. Together they carried out numerous interior design projects for private and institutional clients. Among their most significant commissions was the renovation of the interiors of the Egyptian royal yacht El Mahroussa, carried out in 1951–52 at the request of King Farouk, in collaboration with Quarti and based on a design by Paolo Buffa. He also collaborated with specialized workshops and manufacturers in the Brianza region, including Marelli & Colico, Fratelli Lietti, Serafino Arrighi, and Cassina, establishing a production process characterized by a combination of architectural design and extraordinary craftsmanship.