Carlo Bugatti
Armchair

DesignerItalian, 1856–1940
CultureItalian
Titles
  • Armchair
Datec. 1890–1900
PlaceMilan, Italy
MediumWood, vellum, silk, copper, brass, and pewter
Dimensions47 × 47 × 28 1/4 in. (119.4 × 119.4 × 71.8 cm)
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. John W. Mecom, Jr.
Object number81.284
Non exposé

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Object Type
DescriptionItalian designer Carlo Bugatti created some of the most exotic furniture of the Art Nouveau period. Bugatti combined a wide range of materials with wildly different decorative sources, including Moorish- and Japanese-inspired motifs. With its inlaid arms, repoussé copper work, and decorative tassels, this chair exemplifies Bugatti's style. The writing on the parchment seat was intended to look Islamic, a fanciful nod to exotic worlds.

ProvenanceMr. and Mrs. John W. Mecom, Jr., Houston; given to MFAH, 1981.
Exhibition History"Defining Modern: European Design 1890-1935," Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, August 26, 2001–November 11, 2001

"Circa 1900: Decorative Arts at the Turn of the Century," Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, February 26–July 31, 2011.

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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