Italian Rosewood Storage Chest or Bench by Santambrogio e De Berti, 1960s
An Italian storage chest or bench from the 1960s by Santambrogio e De Berti, the esteemed Milanese metal atelier known for their collaborations with Gio Ponti.
Low and elongated, the body is crafted in richly grained rosewood, the surface alive with deep browns and warm undertones that shift subtly with light. The lid sits flush and unadorned, allowing the integrity of the wood to remain uninterrupted.
Across the front, a continuous band of finely worked embossed copper introduces a counterpoint. Each panel is articulated with geometric and abstract motifs, pressed into the metal with precision. The chest is raised on small, sculpted feet that lift it just enough from the ground, creating a shadow line beneath and reinforcing its horizontal emphasis.
The interior offers generous concealed storage, but it is the exterior that defines its role. At the foot of a bed, it extends the line of the room. Along a wall, it reads almost as a low frieze—wood and metal working in tandem.
Founded in Milan in the early 1900s, Santambrogio e De Berti rose to prominence between the 1930s and 1970s, becoming a trusted fabricator for Italy’s leading modernist architects. Their practice spanned custom furnishings, staircases, and decorative elements—each marked by precision, structural honesty, and an ability to bring a sense of permanence to everyday objects.
DIMENSIONS: 46.5"W x 16"D x 18.25"H
ORIGIN: Italy
PERIOD: 1960s
MATERIALS: Copper,Rosewood
CONDITION:
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White Glove Delivery
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