An incredible collection of works by Carlo Bugatti (1856 -1940)
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Carlo Bugatti (1856-1940)
Carlo Bugatti, born in Milan in 1856, is best known for his innovative furniture and interior design, which are characterized by their use of unusual materials and decorative motifs. Bugatti had an artistic background, his father being an architect and sculptor. His sons carried on this tradition, Rembrandt becoming a sculptor of some renown and Ettore, a car designer, founding the Bugatti automobile company. Around 1880, after training in architecture and cabinetmaking, Carlo Bugatti opened his own studio in Milan and began to produce furniture. Its inventive and theatrical construction gradually evolved from dramatic rectilinear shapes to more fluid forms. This furniture was unique in its time and remains so today.
Bugatti also incorporated a variety of unusual materials into his furniture, such as fringing and tasselling, which added an exotic flavour and softened the hard-edged geometric style. Other unusual materials were used to embellish Bugatti’s furniture, including brass pressed with geometric patterns, pewter and other metal inlays, silk cords, ivorine (an aritficial product that has the charactistics and look of ivory), white wood and bone.
His use of vellum is also particularly characteristic and Bugatti often illuminated it with plant motifs in a soft brown wash or a delicate spider with web. He often framed these panels with strips of copper beaten with geometric patterns. Bugatti’s employment of asymmetry contributed significantly to the individual nature of his work. Its use is striking yet his furniture never appears unbalanced or out of proportion. It is completely grounded and rich with exotic ornament and imagination.
We are delighted to be able to present to you a stunning collection of these delicate and exotic works of art. A collection which has taken over a decade to formulate, signature features include Bugatti’s use of ebonized wood inlaid with metal, which has been described as Moorish but, equally, may owe as much to Japanese inspiration as to Islamic and European. Strikingly original, Carlo Bugatti’s furniture combines the picturesque asymmetry of Art Nouveau with the exoticism of Moorish, Eurpoeanand Japanese influences.
1. One of the most Important Two Seater Settee
Circa: 1900
The rarity amd importance of this work cannot be underestimated. A delicate design with infinit luxurious detail. Highly decorated wood inlaid with pewter, bone, hand beaten copper and polychrome painted vellum embleshed with hand painted ink drawings. Ivorine has been used in small blocks in an architectural fashion, juxtaposing large and small rectangles to create a dentil inlay effect.
Provenance: Private Collection, Paris
Size: 42” x 46” x 20”
Carlo was nicknamed
‘The Young Leonardo’ for the diversity of his creative drive.
A musuem quality piece, exceptional detail and the condition is superb. Beautiful as a focal point in an interior setting.
The ‘Important Two Seater Settee’ photographed with ‘Le Dorade’ Oil on Canvas - 17” x 46” by Claude Venard (1913-1999)
Carlo’s passion for decoration was perhaps the essence of his talent. During his most sophisticated period, from about the 1890’s on, he displayed brilliance as a graphic artist and his furniture are worthy of study in close up, the detail being often more fascinating and revealing than the whole.
2. A Rare & Important & one of a kind Display Cabinet
Circa: 1900
Polished & stained walnut, profuesely inlayed with hand beaten copper and brass. Decorated throughtour with pewter and white wood.
The most amazing stylised strawberry decoration appear throughout the piece.
Provenance: Private Collection,
Milan
Size: 59” x 25”
Whether used to house treasured possessions, books, or collected objects, the cabinet brings both practicality and beauty into the home. Its sculptural silhouette and richly textured detailing allow it to function as a standalone focal point, equally compelling within traditional interiors or more
Whether used to house treasured possessions, fine linens, books, or collected objects, the cabinet
The stylised strawberry motif is one we have never seen before, which leads us to believe this work was commisoned as a one off, one of a kind piece.
3. Exceptionally Keyhole Hallway Circa
Highly detailed turned black copper with bone applications intricately
Decorated with hand painted
Provenance:
Size: 83”
In an entrance hall, unforgettable first architectural form enhances theunusual keyhole design grandeur.
Within a bedroom or dressing comes both practical and proportions beautifully depth and softness
Exceptionally Rare
Hallway Floor Mirror
Circa: 1890
stained wood, hand pressed beaten bone and white wood applications with a fusion of intricately turned turnings. painted floral and bird motifs.
Provenance: Private Collection, Germany
83” x 36” x 7”
hall, the mirror creates an first impression. Its tall, enhances light and space, while design lends an air of mystery and grandeur. dressing room, the mirror beand decorative. The elongated beautifully reflect natural light, adding softness to the space.
4. Small Ladies Chair
Circa: 1900
Black stained wood (walnut), inlaid with white wood, metal, and covered in painted vellum with hand painted floral motif’s. Decorated with wrought copper applications.
Provenance: Private Collection, Paris
Size: 36” x 12”
5. An Amazing Circular Wall Mirror
Circa: 1900
Two tone wood profusely inlaid with bone, hand beaten copper and pewter. Wrought iron hinged door enclosing three graduated trinket draws. Complete with original key.
Provenance: Private Collection, Paris Size: 29” x 31”
The Circular motif as shown here in this Circular mirror was widely explored by Bugatti and is featured in some of his very best work.
The incredible small bone pieces that are so intricately laid with the upmost precision, add another dimension to the piece.
Placed in a hallway, this amazing mirror would create a beautiful moment of pause before leaving the house.
Positioned above a console table or alongside antique lighting, the mirror reflects natural light and movement, making even narrow entranceways feel more open and inviting.
Beautifully inlaid with floral motifs and intrically detailed with bone and copper.
6. An Rare & Important, One of & Mirror Circa: 1902
Polished walnut and black lacquered wood, with hand beaten copper and pewter. Decorated with abalone and white wood
Provenance: Private Collection,
Size: 110” x 52”
The very best work we have ever seen the exquisite details, monumental scale remarkable.
The ultimate statement for hallway entrance. More than functional furniture, the commands attention as a sculptural dramatic, theatrical, and entirely unforgettable moment one enters the
of a Kind Console
wood, profusely inlaid
Decorated throughout wood & bone.
Collection, Milan
seen by Carlo Bugatti, scale and design is truly for a grand than simply the piece sculptural work of art; unforgettable from the the home.
7. A Spectacular Walnut Ladies Desk & Chair
Circa: 1900
An extremely rare walnut ladies writing desk and matching chair. Black stainedwood inlaid profusely with metal and bone. Hand beaten copper adorn the desk and chair throughout.
Provenance: Private Collection, New York
Size: Desk: 39” x 25” x 19”
Chair: 36” x 12” x 18”
Beyond its decorative impact, the desk also lends itself beautifully as a place to display treasured and personal objects. Fine books, jewellery, letters, bronzes, or collected curiosities become elevated when arranged upon such an extraordinary piece of furniture. The desk almost functions as a private cabinet of wonders; a place reserved for meaningful possessions.
8. Spectacular Armchair
Circa: 1902
Two toned stained wood profuesely inlaid with applications of pewter, brass and white wood, arranged in a precise geometric pattern. The vellum is hand painted with ink wash illuminations.
Provenance: Private Collection, Paris
Size: 42” x 23½” x 24½”
9. Exquisite Single Wall Corner Mirror Unit
Circa: 1902
This beautiful corner cupboard features decorative pewter inlay, two tone wood and wrought copper disks which have been hand beaten.Spectacular turned finials to the top. Compete with orignal silk tassels.
Provenance: Private Collection, Paris
Size: 61” x 17½” x 9½”
A hidden door opens the top compartment of the cupboard, so the most precious objects an be kept in secret.
10. Amazing Hexagonal Table Circa: 1900
A highly detailed hexagonal occasional ly inlaid with pewter, ivorine and copper. patterns create a design that is both visually and incredibly intricate.
Provenance: Private Collection, Size: 30” x 22” x 22”
Perfect as an elegant side table or table. Positioned beside a sofa, armchair, longue, it provides the ideal place book, a glass of wine, or a carefully all while acting as a striking decorative in its own right.
Table occasional table, profusecopper. Geometric visually stunning intricate. Collection, Paris or refined wine armchair, or chaise for a favourite carefully chosen object, decorative statement
11. Exceptional Square Occasional Table
Circa: 1900
This incredible table displays two tone wood, inlayed with pewter and bone with delicate hand painted illustrations of two water birds on the surface of the work. A repetitive pattern of various flowers, stars and patterns adorn the surface of the table. Hand beaten copper legs with ivorine detailing adds to the charm and beauty of this work.
Provenance: Private Collection, Italy
Size: 29” x 22” x 22” Incredible
Not many where made these
Incredible as a wine table or occassion table.
many of Bugatti’s works made to be practical - but gem like small tables are beautifully
12. Exceptional Writing Desk
Not yet professionally photographed, as just arrived into the collection. You are the very first to view this incredible work on the market in over 100 years.
Circa: 1900
Two toned stained wood profuesely inlaid with applications of pewter and brass, arranged in a precise geometric pattern. Adorned with the most amazing treasure trove of decorations.
Provenance: Private Collection, Italy
13.
Circa: 1902
Two toned stained wood profuesely inlaid with applications of pewter and brass, arranged in a precise geometric pattern.
Provenance: Private Collection, London
Size: 7½” x 8”
