Incollect Magazine - Issue 4

Issue 4 80 www.incollect.com shaped brass and glass table lamp for Fontana Arte, circa 1960s, at Lost City Arts — the form is unusual, in the shape of a helix, but wonderfully proportioned. It is vintage and yet looks and feels strangely futuristic. Osvaldo Borsani is a designer who is undergoing a renaissance with collectors and his furniture is becoming increasingly harder to find. There is one magnificent piece on the floor, a credenza in mahogany produced by Arredamenti Borsani Varedo in the 1940s with exquisite bronze sculptural handles designed by Lucio Fontana. This really is an outstanding piece of furniture and a genuine collector’s item. With so much on offer in the booths throughout the floor, it can be difficult sometimes to take notice of an abundance of wonderful accessories, including delightful works of ceramics by a range of mid-century Italian ceramic artists. The market for ceramics has exploded in recent years and collectors have rediscovered the work of historical figures from Italy including Bruno and Guido Gambone and Marcello Fantoni. On the 10th floor you can find examples of the work of Bruno Gambone at soyun k., and Guido Gambone and Marcello Fantoni at Milord. A rustic, free form, primitive quality defines the work of both artists, who liked to mix sand and glass in glazes. There are many other wonderful mid-century Italian designers represented by one or two items on the 10th floor. Robert Stilin has a glorious Carlo Mollino armchair from the RAI Auditorium, Turin, Italy, circa 1951, upholstered in orange velvet. Another standout piece is Angelo Lelli’s “Eye” floor lamp made of brass, marble, perspex and painted metal from circa 1956, produced by Arredoluce and offered by Portuondo. Signed Gio Ponti for Venini multicolored Murano glass chandelier. 12 arms, colorful and effusive with elegant form by the undisputed master of Italian style. At Elizabeth Pash Interiors & Antiques. Also by Gio Ponti, this pair of large custom commission sculptural sconces can be found at Fred Silberman. Elegant and restrained design with white enamel frames and slim brass elements from which soft light emits. Centered between the brass elements, a small display niche, which originally held porcelain figures.