Mid-Century Walnut, Maple, and Brass Nightstands, Set of 2

Midcentury Paolo Buffa nightstands, walnut bicolor, inlaid burl and maple, golden brass accessories. Emerald green lacquered glass top. Two drawers.
Measures cm: H 56, W 60, D 36

La Permanente Mobili Cantù
The History of Furniture cannot forget the history of an important reality which has become an institution such as that represented by the CONSORZIO ESPOSIZIONE MOBILI CANTU, born and strongly desired in 1893 on the initiative of a group of qualified craftsmen from Cantù. The intent was to join forces to be able to exhibit their products to the public, especially Milanese ones at the time, in a single large building. It was thus possible to offer a global vision of the furniture production of the Cantù context, encouraging its sale, but not only. It was and has remained an important moment of aggregation for its members, useful for comparing and exchanging experiences and knowledge. Experiences and knowledge that have contributed to the success of Cantù furniture throughout the world. The recognized professionalism of the members of the La Permanente Mobili consortium, founded mainly on the imitation of styles of the past, around the 1930s brought authoritative and extraordinary exponents of not only Italian architectural culture to Cantù with whom they had the opportunity to compare and renew themselves thanks to important projects that were formally very different from those created up until then. Projects that decree the start of lasting collaborations and will give impetus to glorious initiatives such as the Selective Furniture Exhibitions, events that have contributed to electing Cantù as the center of international design. One of the winning strategies that allowed the Cantù artisans, members of La Permanente to be appreciated over time was the choice not to specialize in a single style or in a single type of product, but to have proposed and created, often with extraordinary results, artefacts responding to the different stylistic trends emerging in furnishing and design culture. Renovating themselves in their aesthetic and formal language, aided by new materials and technologies, demonstrating sensitivity and awareness: qualities that have favored their growth and emancipation.

ABOUT Paolo Buffa
One of the greatest Mid Century Modern designers in Italy and in the world
The Italian architect-designer Paolo Buffa (1903-1970) was active between the ’30s and’ 60s. It is known for a series of furniture designs that combine neoclassical and art deco motifs with modernist principles. His pieces rarely include identifying marks, making them difficult to authenticate.
After receiving his architectural degree from the Politechnico di Milan in 1927. Buffa worked briefly in the studio of Gio Ponti and Lancia. By 1928 he had opened a studio with architect Antonio Cassi Ramelli with whom he designed a dining room for the 1930 Triennale exhibit. Not long after Buffa opened his own studio.
His furniture, stylish, comfortable and functional is often witty and exceptionally well made. Buffa furniture is known for it’s elegant Neoclassical lines, fine woods and beautiful intarsias. Best quality Buffa pieces marry classic Milanese taste with rigorous modern design. In terms of craftsmanship and high quality materials, Buffa’s best furniture, can be equal to that of the French master; Emile Jacques Ruhlmann.