Ico Parisi (1916-1996)

Ico Parisi was an Italian architect and designer whose work came to characterize Italian, Mid-century modern design. Born in Palermo in 1916, Parisi studied construction, graduating in 1934. In 1947 he married Luisa Alani, a former student of Gio Ponti. The couple moved to Switzerland and Parisi studied architecture from 1949-1952. Together, Luisa and Ico ran their own design studio, their philosophy of design being that of the Renaissance artist, an interest in everything and avoiding labels of architect, designer or painter. A successful contemporary furniture exhibit in 1945 in Como, as well as the studio’s all encompassing approach to design meant that by the early 1950s, Ico was seen as one of Italy’s most important furniture designers. Parisi furniture uses soft woods, curves and bright upholstery to display the pared back aesthetic that Italian mid-century modern design is famous for. Always collaborating with other designers and artists such as Gio Ponti, Mario Radice and Fausto Melotti among many others, Parisi worked with manufacturers such as Cassina and Cappelini to produce his work. The beauty of Parisi’s work lies in its ability to work in any interior and his work is eagerly sought by collectors of Italian design.

Table (1950s) Marble, Walnut Brass Dining Chairs (1950s) Pair of Chairs (1950s) Rosewood Corner Desk (1950s)

Made by Fratelli Rizzi, Intimiano, Italy. Maple and new velvet upholstery New velvet Upholstery Ico and Luisa Parisi

Sold at Phillips New York, Dealer: La Contessa Arreda (Italy) Dealer: Spirit Gallery, Morocco Made by: MIM Roma

June 6 2019 Lot 24 Dealer: Kameleon Designs (NL)

Carlo Bugatti (Italian, 1855-1940)

Once you have seen a piece of furniture by Carlo Bugatti, it is hard to forget.  His furniture is know for the inclusion of unusual materials, such as parchment, mixed metals, silk and exotic woods and the combining of Moorish, African and Japanese aesthetics. In 1888, Bugatti showed his designs at the Milan Industrial Arts Exhibition and the response to his designs was immediate and led to many commissions. In 1898 he established his studio based in Milan called ‘C. Bugatti & C., Fabbrica Mobili Artistici Fantasia.’  The name of the studio hinting at his design style. He continued to show at world’s fairs including the 1900 L'Exposition de Paris, where his designs captured the essence of the Art Nouveau movement. After 1900, Bugatti started producing more works in silver, exhibiting at the 1907 at the Paris gallery of A. A. Hébrard. Bugatti called his fantastical silver pieces ‘Ses Bêtes’ (his creatures).

Desk, ca. 1902 Walnut, copper, pewter, vellum. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Chair, ca.1895, Partly ebonized wood, vellum seat and back, metal inlay and embossed metal decoration. The Victoria and Albert Museum, London, UK.

Settee ca. 1900. Walnut, brass, pewter, vellum and silk. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

Silver Claret Jug. ca. 1907 dragonfly and grotesque motifs. Christies, New York.  Lot 908, Sale 1733 Important 20th Century Decorative Arts & Design, 2006.