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An incredible collection of works by Carlo Bugatti (1856 -1940)

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. 2

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.

Literature References:

22-23 St Mary’s Street, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 1ED +44(0) 1743 343452 / +44 (0)7810 714545 +1 615 870 7639 art@callaghan-finepaintings.com / www.callaghan-finepaintings.com

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 4

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. 5

2. Excep Keyhole Hal

Cir

Highly detailed turned black copper with b application intricately Decorated with hand p Provenance:

Size: 8

This incredibl unforgettable first impression. light and space, while the unu mystery

The mirro practical and decorative. The elo natural light, adding dep 6

ptionally Rare llway Floor Mirror

rca: 1890

k stained wood, hand pressed beaten bone and white wood ns with a fusion of y turned turnings. painted floral and bird motifs. : Private Collection, Germany

83” x 36” x 7”

le mirror creates an . Its tall, architectural form enhances usual keyhole design lends an air of y and grandeur.

or becomes both ongated proportions beautifully reflect pth and softness to any space. 7

3. 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” 11

4. 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 12 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 & Im Kind Conso

Circa Polished walnut and profusely inlaid with h pewter. Decorated th and white w

Provenance: Priva

Size: 11

The ultimate statement More tha functional furni commands attention as dramatic, theatri unforgettable from enters the space 16

mportant, One of a ole & Mirror

a: 1902 black lacquered wood, hand beaten copper and hroughout with abalone wood & bone.

ate Collection, Milan

10” x 52”

for any interior setting. an simply iture, the piece a sculptural work of art; ical, and entirely m the moment one e this work sits. 17

7. Spectacular Armchair - ON HOLD

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”

8. 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. 23

9. 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”

Inc

Not m made t like s compos

credible as a wine table or occassion table.

many of Bugatti’s works where to be practical - but these gem small tables are beautifully sed and the perfect size to place in any interior.

10. Ladies Throne Chair

Circa: 1902 Consisting of highly decorated wood inlaid with pewter and white wood, beaten copper with a range of geometric repeats, vellum embellished with brown wash and bamboo and bird hand painted designs. Within this one piece you see many cultural references & inspirations Moorish, Japanese and Islamic Provenance: Private Collection, Munich Size: 41” x 14” x 14”

22 & 23 St Marys Street Shrewsbury SY1 1ED, UK Tel: +44(0) 1743 343452 UK Mobile: +44(0) 7810 714545 USA Cell: +1 615 870 7639 art@callaghan-finepaintings.com www.callaghan-finepaintings.com 28