Italian Mid-Century Modern Sideboard in Chestnut and Patinated Brass

Mario e Enrico Dassi, sideboard, chestnut, patinated brass, Italy, 1940s

At the turn of the century, in the industrious town of Lissone – known for its centuries-old tradition of woodworking – the carpentry shop of Mario e Enrico Dassi contributed to this legacy, producing furniture in the varied styles of the time. This 1940s chestnut sideboard embodies that moment in which rustic craft encountered the formal clarity of mid-century design. The structure is conceived with a strong horizontal emphasis: a long, rectangular volume resting on sculptural legs joined by a stretcher. The legs, carved in a subtle organic outline, recall vernacular craftsmanship. Yet their slight inward curve introduces a sense of refinement. The façade is the true protagonist of the piece. Its surface is articulated by a rhythmic sequence of horizontal wooden slats, their relief lending depth and tactility. Within this wooden cadence, rectangular brass panels punctuate the rhythm. As a composition, the sideboard balances rustic tendencies with a distinctly modern sensibility. Its rusticity lies in the materiality; the visible grain in wood, the handcrafted allure, and the irregular patina of the brass. Its modernity, however, is visible in the clarity of the proportions, the disciplined geometry, and the way ornament becomes structural pattern rather than applied decoration. In this sense, the Dassi brothers’ work exemplifies the essence of Italian mid-century modernism.

Kindly note that the piece is in good, used condition with some signs of age and use. For further details, we encourage you to reach out to our team of design specialists.