Mid-Century Bar Cabinet by Vittorio Dassi for La Permanente Mobili di Cantù, Italy, 1950s

Bar cabinet/sideboard, wood, Vittorio Dassi for La Permanente Mobili di Cantù, Mid-century, 1950s – Italy

Designer: Vittorio Dassi
Company: La Permanente Mobili di Cantù
Style: Mid-century
Materials: Wood, mirrors
Period: 1950s
Country of origin: Italy
Good condition considering its age and use
Overall dimensions: 130 x 190 x 45 cm

A majestic bar cabinet designed by Vittorio Dassi for La Permanente Mobili di Cantù, a prestigious Italian designer active in the mid-20th century. Made of wood, its main modules feature an original herringbone design thanks to the wood grain.

The upper half is divided into three sections, each with its own independent lock; The central section opens like a bar cabinet and is entirely covered in mirrors, also featuring a glass shelf. The side sections are divided by another glass shelf. The handles are gilded bronze.

The lower section is open, with a carved and gilded background forming small recesses and projections that create a striking interplay of light and shadow. Beneath the central door is a curved shelf. The base is made of smoked glass in a mahogany tone.

The front is recessed, so the side modules protrude from the central panel. This central panel is precisely the most distinctive feature of the piece due to its ornamentation. It features a bas-relief in carved and gilded wood, depicting a beautiful Art Deco scene alluding to board games, with dice, cards, chess pieces, as well as doves and butterflies. This door opens horizontally.