Material Belgian black marble, brass, mahogany wood, exotic wood. Carved wooden panels with gilding and polychrome decorations, China, second half of the 19th century
Dimensions 163.5 × 174 × 53 cm
Place of Creation Italy
Status Vetted

About the Work

Unique piece commissioned by an Italian private collector family, this storage cabinet represents a remarkable example of Osvaldo Borsani’s ability to merge refined craftsmanship, architectural rigor, and the eclectic sophistication that often characterized his bespoke creations. Conceived as a one-off commission, the piece demonstrates Borsani’s mastery in balancing modern Italian design with historical and exotic elements, creating an object that is both functional and sculptural.


The cabinet stands on an elegant base in Belgian black marble with finely cast brass feet—materials that highlight Borsani’s preference for precious, carefully selected finishes. The most striking feature, however, lies in the doors: each is fitted with carved wooden panels originating from China and dating to the second half of the 19th century, decorated with gilded and polychrome motifs. Their inclusion is not merely ornamental; it reflects Borsani’s sophisticated approach to integrating antique components into modern compositions, a practice he sometimes adopted for important private commissions.


The dialogue between the linear, modernist structure and the richly detailed Eastern panels creates a unique aesthetic tension, elevating the cabinet beyond its utilitarian function. It stands as a testament to Borsani’s versatility and to the cultured taste of the clients who entrusted him with this project—an object in which Italian design sensibility and Eastern artistic heritage coexist in perfect visual harmony.

Show moreless

Provenance

A unique work commissioned by a private collection

Literature

The piece is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by the Borsani Archive.

View artwork at TEFAF Maastricht 2026

View Full Floorplan