Side chairs

This is a rare pair of side chairs of unknown authorship, produced in the 1960s by A. Bulleri & Co. Cascina in Italy. The chairs exhibit an expressive sculptural form characteristic of Italian mid-century design, merging artisanal craftsmanship with modernist sensibilities.

Each chair features a high, tapering ladder-back with five undulating crossbars and pointed finials, executed in solid wood and finished in a bold red lacquer. The vivid lacquer is smooth and reflective, lending a dynamic quality to the otherwise organic silhouette. The seat is handwoven in natural cane, offering textural contrast and breathability while preserving traditional Italian chairmaking techniques. The cane is tightly and evenly woven, secured to a subtly curved seat frame that gently transitions into turned front legs and swept rear stiles. Additional stretcher supports beneath the seat enhance structural stability, with a central baluster-shaped element on the front stretcher providing a visual anchor to the lower frame.

A. Bulleri & Co. based in Cascina—an important furniture-producing area in Tuscany—was known for its meticulous craftsmanship and occasional collaborations with designers, though many pieces were left unsigned. The refinement of form and balance in this pair suggests a connection to the sculptural experimentation of Italian designers such as Gio Ponti or Paolo Buffa, though the exact designer is not documented.

These chairs are in very good vintage condition with only minor signs of wear to the lacquered finish and cane seats, consistent with careful use and age. The combination of expressive lines, bright color, and traditional materials makes them an illustrative example of mid-century Italian decorative arts.

Each chair measures 41 cm wide, 45 cm deep, and 110 cm high, with a seat height of 43 cm. In inches, that translates to approximately 16.1 inches in width, 17.7 inches in depth, 43.3 inches in height, and a seat height of 16.9 inches.