lacquered wood, enameled metal, brass 20½ h × 8 w × 4 d in (52 × 20 × 10 cm)
The present lot was created by Piero Fornasetti in the 1950s and features identical details—from the enameled metal elements to the functional drawers and doors—to the full-scale production pieces. This miniature maquette served as a step in the realization of Fornasetti’s remarkable decorative trumeaus. This rare form was housed in his personal collection for many years.
This miniature cabinet features two doors concealing storage and one drop front desk above three drawers. Sold with a letter of authenticity issued by Barnaba Fornasetti.
provenance: Collection of the artist | Themes & Variations, London | Acquired from the previous c. 1992 by the present owner
literature: Fornasetti: The Complete Universe, Fornasetti et al., pg. 348 illustrates full size model Fornasetti: Designer of Dreams, Mauries, pg. 179 Piero Fornasetti: A Conversation Between Philippe Starck and Barnaba Fornasetti, Fitoussi, pg. 24