The British Antiques Company
NEW ARRIVAL!! Iconic Italian Mid-Century Modern sideboard by Ico Parisi
NEW ARRIVAL!! Iconic Italian Mid-Century Modern sideboard by Ico Parisi
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you are looking at a classic piece of 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern design. This specific style of sideboard is strongly associated with the renowned architect and designer Ico Parisi (1916–1996), particularly his work produced in Cantù, Italy.
Domenico "Ico" Parisi was a central figure in the Italian Rationalist movement. Based in Como, he didn't just design furniture; he was an architect who viewed furniture as "functional sculpture." His pieces are known for their elegant, tapering lines and the use of high-end materials that bridge the gap between Art Deco craftsmanship and modern minimalism
Key Design Hallmarks
Chevron Marquetry: The most striking feature of your sideboard is the herringbone or chevron-patterned veneer. This was a hallmark of high-end Italian "Stile" furniture from the '50s. It requires immense skill to align the wood grains so perfectly across multiple doors and drawers.
The "Fluted" Silhouette: Note how the side panels gently curve or "flare" outwards. This organic, slightly aerodynamic shape is typical of Parisi's collaboration with manufacturers like Fratelli Rizzi or Singer & Sons
Materials: These were typically crafted in European Walnut or Rosewood. The legs are iconic "stiletto" tapered wood, finished with brass ferrules (the gold-toned caps at the feet), which provide that luxury "floating" look
The Top: Authentically, these often featured an inset glass top (sometimes back-painted in a deep green or black) or a slab of Italian marble, adding a cooling, reflective contrast to the warm wood.
Historical & Market Value
Market Price: Authentic or well-attributed Parisi sideboards of this scale often range from $7,000 to $15,000+ at high-end galleries like 1stdibs or Pamono
Cultural Significance: Parisi’s work is celebrated for defining the "Italian Look" that dominated global design in the post-war era—a mix of optimism, luxury, and rigorous architectural precision
The Craftsmanship: Chevron Marquetry
The "V" shape you see is not how the wood grows naturally. It is a high-luxury technique called marquetry or bookmatching:
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How it's made: Craftsmen take thin slices of wood (veneer) from the same log and flip them like pages in a book so that the grain patterns mirror each other.
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The Result: This creates that rhythmic, symmetrical zigzag pattern (chevron) that defines the "Parisi look," turning functional storage into a piece of graphic art.
Measuring L270 cm x D48 x H 95.3 cm , this statement sideboard balances functional storage with gallery-worthy presence. A rare opportunity to acquire a designer work of enduring quality and cultural significance.
Materials
Materials
Dimensions
Dimensions
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Care information

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