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Paolo Buffa Secretaires

Italian, 1903-1970

With a surname that loosely translates to a synonym for “bizarre” in Italian, Milanese designer and architect Paolo Buffa is best known for capturing the best of both old and new in his plush, enveloping lounge chairs and wingback chairs as well as his range of modern tables, each dazzling and provocative but built using classical techniques.

Purposely playful and airy, mid-century Italian interiors encouraged merriment and socializing. Buffa’s work was well suited to this, but unlike the postwar designers who established recognizable trademarks and signatures, his vintage furniture for Cassina and other firms — the sculptural side tables and case pieces of walnut and solid oak, the luxurious sheepskin sofas — differed considerably from one design to the next, making them appealing to a range of interior decorators and socialites with specific taste. The son of a highly sought-after artist, Giovanni Buffa, Paolo graduated in 1927 from Politecnico di Milano. He then spent time working under architects and designers Gio Ponti and Emilio Lancia. Ponti, who himself crafted thousands of furnishings and endlessly creative rooms, was so taken with the young designer that in 1928 he featured his simple and elegant rosewood dressing table in his new magazine, Domus.

After opening a firm with his regular collaborator Antonio Cassi Ramelli, Buffa became one of the leading tastemakers of Italian mid-century modern furnishings, designing for villas and residential buildings across the country. His style was a mix of Art Deco, Rationalism, neoclassicism and a bit of whimsy. He used high-quality materials and regularly worked with local ateliers known for their fine craftsmanship to produce his designs, such as Serafino Arrighi and Marelli & Colico. In 1940, he partnered with the Mario Quarti furniture studio on the royal palace of Albania’s King Zog, with Buffa designing the furniture, and in 1951, Egypt’s King Farouk enlisted him to redecorate his yacht.

While Buffa’s transcendent pieces are now collector’s items, there are a few still in production, such as those he made with Angelo Marelli. His eponymous firm, the Italian furniture producer Eredi Marelli, still manufactures some designs based on Buffa’s archives.

Find a collection of vintage Paolo Buffa furniture today on 1stDibs.

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Creator: Paolo Buffa
Italian secretaire Paolo Buffa and Serafino Arrighi on Anzani execution Signed
Italian secretaire Paolo Buffa and Serafino Arrighi on Anzani execution Signed

Italian secretaire Paolo Buffa and Serafino Arrighi on Anzani execution Signed

$9,394Sale Price|20% Off

Italian secretaire Paolo Buffa and Serafino Arrighi on Anzani execution Signed

By Serafino Arrighi, Paolo Buffa, Anzani

Located in Milano, IT

Majestic Italian 1950s Secretaire by Paolo Buffa - Execution by Serafino Arrighi, Inlay by G. Anzani An outstanding and highly collectible Italian mid-century secretaire, designed by...

Category

1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Paolo Buffa Italian Mid-Century Brass Inlaid Secretary
Paolo Buffa Italian Mid-Century Brass Inlaid Secretary

Paolo Buffa Italian Mid-Century Brass Inlaid Secretary

$12,500

Paolo Buffa Italian Mid-Century Brass Inlaid Secretary

By Paolo Buffa, Marelli & Colico, Giovanni Gariboldi

Located in Atlanta, GA

Paolo Buffa, Secretary, Italy c. 1948, Brass Intarsia by Giovanni Gariboldi, Manufactured by Marelli e Colico, Cantù. An exquisite and collectible Mid-Century secretary by esteemed ...

Category

1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Paolo Buffa & Giovanni Gariboldi Inlaid Brass Secretary Cabinet c 1950, Restored
Paolo Buffa & Giovanni Gariboldi Inlaid Brass Secretary Cabinet c 1950, Restored

Paolo Buffa & Giovanni Gariboldi Inlaid Brass Secretary Cabinet c 1950, Restored

$11,875Sale Price|34% Off

Paolo Buffa & Giovanni Gariboldi Inlaid Brass Secretary Cabinet c 1950, Restored

By Giovanni Garibaldi, Paolo Buffa

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Experience the elegance of mid-20th century Italian craftsmanship with this beautifully restored secretary cabinet, crafted circa 1950. Designed by the renowned Italian artist Paolo Buffa (1903-1970), and featuring intricate brass intarsia by Giovanni Gariboldi (1908-1971), this piece is a testament to both artistry and functionality. The upper section is framed by glazed doors adorned with brass star inlays. Unlocking these doors reveals a burgundy velvet-lined interior with two fixed glass shelves. Above, a majestic brass-inlaid swan neck split-pediment design crowns the case. Opening the secretary desk door unveils a gorgeous fruitwood fitted interior accented with inlaid trim. A central brass crest with a working lock and decorated brass key adds a touch of security and sophistication. Flanked by three drawers on either side, each adorned with decorated brass knobs in similar style of Tommi Parzinger, the desk provides ample storage with its five central file dividers. The lower cabinet features a pair of finely reeded doors that open to reveal additional finished storage space. Supported by brass sabots, every detail of this secretary showcases exceptional craftsmanship and enduring beauty, making it a prized addition to any collection of fine furniture. The two parts can separate for easier transportation and shipping. There are brackets on the reverse that help to hold the top in place while in use. This Italian secretary cabinet...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Italian Mid-Century Brass Inlaid Secretary, by Paolo Buffa
Italian Mid-Century Brass Inlaid Secretary, by Paolo Buffa

Italian Mid-Century Brass Inlaid Secretary, by Paolo Buffa

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Italian Mid-Century Brass Inlaid Secretary, by Paolo Buffa

By Paolo Buffa

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A fine example of a Mid-Century rosewood secretary by Italian designer, Paola Buffa (1903-1970) and brass intarsia inlay by artist Giovanni Gariboldi (1908-1971). The upper case with...

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1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paolo Buffa Secretaires

Materials

Brass

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Paolo Buffa secretaires for sale on 1stDibs.

Paolo Buffa secretaires are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Paolo Buffa secretaires, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original secretaires by Paolo Buffa were created in the mid-century modern style in italy during the 20th century. Prices for Paolo Buffa secretaires can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $5,474 and can go as high as $77,887, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $10,709.