Paolo Buffa Table for Galdino Maspero, 1948
Description
Paolo Buffa table for Galdino Maspero, wood, Italy, 1948
This collectible table from the late 1948 embodies the refined vocabulary of Italian designer Paolo Buffa. Crafted in natural varnished wood, the top features a softly contoured square shape with a starburst veneer pattern radiating from the center—an expressive detail rooted in the Lombard cabinetmaking tradition.
The apron, fully sculpted with vertical fluting, conceals four discreet drawers—one on each side—intended for cards or accessories, maintaining the table’s clean silhouette. The four tapered legs, splayed slightly outward, lend a sculptural balance and echo the formal elegance typical of Buffa’s postwar creations.
This piece stands at the intersection of decorative sophistication and functional clarity. Its precise joinery and rich surface detailing are reminiscent of Gio Ponti’s influence, while also sharing kinship with Scandinavian contemporaries such as Carl-Axel Acking. It reflects the broader context of mid-century design that balanced artisanal values with modernist ideals.
Paolo Buffa (1903–1970) was one of the most important figures in Italian design during the mid-century era. Collaborating with master cabinetmakers such as Serafino Arrighi, Fratelli Lietti, and Mario Quarti, Buffa created furnishings that bridged neoclassical heritage and modernist innovation. His works were regularly featured in exhibitions like the Triennale di Milano and appeared in leading design publications, including Domus.
This table was conceived not only as a game piece, but also as a sculptural centerpiece for the living room—offering both function and aesthetic presence.
Dimensions
Height: 30.52 in (77.5 cm)
Width: 35.44 in (90 cm)
Depth: 35.44 in (90 cm)
Design
1948
Manufacture
1940-1949
Material
Wood
Condition
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