Pair of Italian exhibition quality demi-lune commodes by Ferrario

A stunning pair of early 20th century (circa 1930) Italian exhibition quality demi-lune commodes in the Neoclassical style by Pietro Ferrario - ADDITIONAL IMAGES CAN BE VIEWED BELOW:

This superb pair of commodes each consist of a demi-lune top with fine quality inlaid radiating fan decoration and inlaid borders of various exotic woods.

This leads down to a carved edge with central drawer consisting of a finely inlaid oval escutcheon with fan design and diamond border with geometric decoration of various woods with inlaid foliate decoration and figures to either side.

This leads down to a magnificently inlaid shaped door of superb craftsmanship consisting of a finely carved egg and dart moulding with Vitruvian scroll border of various woods with central parquetry lattice design of burr woods.

The central eight sided panel (irregular octagon) with shaped and finely carved egg and dart moulding surrounding a superb quality marquetry panel, each commode with a different Classical scene, both with signature ‘P. FERRARIO’, each of the doors opening to reveal one shelf with storage space.

To either side of the doors carved uprights with a shield to the top with foliate carving with an urn below, a panel to either side with frieze to the top of inlaid foliate decoration and figures, this being a replicated design to the central frieze drawer.

This leads down to egg and dart moulding, Vitruvian scroll border and foliate marquetry design with circular egg and dart moulding with an inlaid Classical figure to the centre.

Below the doors and side panels a finely carved frieze of Grecian key pattern with egg and dart moulding below, each commode supported on four finely carved turned and tapered legs.
 
The pair of commodes with original locks and keys to the two drawers and two cupboards.

Pietro Ferrario was the son of Francesco Ferrario (1875-1946), Francesco was born in Caravaggio, Italy in 1875 and later moved to Milan becoming an apprentice in the workshop of the brothers Scotti, who were carpenters, sculptors and wood carvers, he also attended a School of Arts and an Academy.

Francesco became an artist with a great ability for combining various woods in inlaid designs and in 1901 he opened his own workshop in Milan receiving numerous professional awards and also participating in the International exhibitions of Decorative Arts.

The company was a true family business with four of his children working for the business including Pietro who joined in 1927.

An almost identical commode can be found in a catalogue produced by Francesco Ferrario in 1937 showcasing various pieces of furniture the company had produced.

This pair of commodes are in excellent condition for age, are of stable construction and can go straight into a home being very versatile items.

Size of each commode:

Height: 37'' / 94cm

Width: 48.5'' / 123cm

Depth: 21'' / 53.25cm