Paolo Buffa, wardrobe or armoire, oak, Italy, 1940s
This rare wardrobe has a subtle decorative character and is created by the talented Italian designer and architect Paolo Buffa (1903-1970). This specific design truly embodies the modern ethos of the forties. The front of this wonderful piece features an artistic composition that has been established by vertical and horizontal slats placed upon each other. The base embodies a wave pattern, an ornament that has been frequently used by renowned Italian designers such as, Lina Bo Bardi, Carlo Pagani, and Mario Quarti in that period. The oak material has an incredibly naturalistic, visual texture that shows nice wooden grains and admirable age-appropriate patina. The legs lift the wardrobe up and create this elegant appearance. An exceptionally poetic wardrobe that adds a lively dimension to your interior. This wardrobe has been created in an experimental period where a lot of styles and philosophies were produced during that era. Taking every stylistic realization into account, this wardrobe has the exact charm and vitality it needs to breathe the quintessentially Italian ethos of the forties.
Paolo Buffa was an Italian furniture designer who is known for his Neoclassical and streamlined Art Deco Styles. Born in Milan in 1903, Buffa studied at the Politecnico di Milano. After graduating, he worked for a short period for Gio Ponti. However, already in 1928, he was able to establish a design studio in Milan, together with architect Antonio Cassi Ramelli. During this period, the duo made numerous designs that had a classical revival inspired style. By 1936, Buffa eventually opened his own design studio where he mostly focused on pieces in an Art Deco style. It was especially during this period that he gained popularity. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Buffa experimented with rising trends such as minimalism in order to stay up to date. His designs were characterized by streamlined forms as well as modern materials. He continued to create designs until shortly before his death in 1970. Until this day, he is recognized as one of Italy’s most accomplished designers.
