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1940s Osvaldo Borsani Contenitore

About the Item

Rare and very unusual piece of Italian modern design. Vintage 1940s Italian bow-fronted secretary in walnut with seven drawers with brass ring pulls, attributed to Osvaldo Borsani. The curved drawer faces are applied with vertical reeding in walnut. I believe the word in Italian is grissinatura or 'con decoro grissinato', a technique frequently found on the pieces of Gio Ponti, Paolo Buffa and Osvaldo Borsani. The locking drop down door panel is faced with hand painted goatskin parchment depicting an Italian surrealist interior, attributed to Adriano Spilimbergo. The writing surface is ebonized as is the fitted interior with slots and cubbies and four small drawers. The interiors of the main drawers (four above and three larger below) are finished with what appears to be sycamore or fruit wood. Secret stash compartment hidden under one of the upper drawers! The entire case stands of four stylized feet. No apparent signature found; only some notations on the backside in pencil by the workshop who made it. Mobile secretaire o scrittoio a ribalta con faccia nel cassetti in decoro grissinato grissinatura grissinata grissinati? #AdrianoSpilimbergo #OsvaldoBorsani
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 66 in (167.64 cm)Width: 39 in (99.06 cm)Depth: 18 in (45.72 cm)
  • Style:
    Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Late 1940s-Early 1950s
  • Condition:
    Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use. Piece was given a light refinishing and polish which was all it required. Ready to place.
  • Seller Location:
    Hanover, MA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU886618894982

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