Sideboard Model Birds-Eye in Maple by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti, Italy, 1970s

Saporiti's darling Giovanni Offredi showed with this 1970s sideboard from the 'Birds-Eye' series that he remained true to his modernist view on design. As a great critic of the rise of postmodernism back in the sixties and how it influenced Italian design, he stoically continued to maintain the balance between rationality and fantasy. According to him, this had always been the essence and success of Italian design. You can clearly see his principles and ideas reflected in this sideboard. The sideboard is of substantial size and depth, which ensures a pleasant proportion. The chrome-plated legs raise the sideboard to a height of 7 centimeters from the floor. In combination with the extremely sharply finished edges, it appears as if it is floating when placed against the wall. A typical drawing of the maple wood with which the entire cabinet is veneered is a refined addition to the sleek rectangular shape. Its subtle lacquer also creates a beautiful glow and allows this object to occupy a key role in the interior. Three highly stylized chromed handles from which the series may have derived its name ensure that the doors open easily. Behind these doors, you will find a large completely veneered storage space with glass shelves and a compartment with drawers on the right side. The decoration on the front of the cabinet and on the top is inlaid with walnut wood. They are placed in a contrasting direction with respect to the wood handles and contribute to their coherence. The condition of the cabinet is in accordance with use and age, but we can say that this is a particularly well-preserved item with only light superficial scratches.