Mid 20th Century Pier Luigi Colli Style Gilded Wrought Iron Umbrella Stand

Description

We kindly invite you to read the full description, as we strive to provide detailed technical and historical information to … more We kindly invite you to read the full description, as we strive to provide detailed technical and historical information to ensure the authenticity of our objects. This pretty and elegant umbrella stand is made of gilded wrought iron and features a decorative design with curved lines and spiral motifs, typical of high-quality craftsmanship. The piece has a sleek and refined appearance, with eight curved feet that rise to form the body of the umbrella stand. The top is adorned with a decorative band that serves as a support ring for the umbrellas. The symmetrical and harmonious spiral decorations along the sides give the object a dynamic look while maintaining a sense of elegance. The base is circular and includes an iron plate at the bottom to collect water dripping from wet umbrellas. The umbrella stand was produced between 1955 and 1958 in a workshop on the outskirts of Milan, likely by one of the many artisans who collaborated with Pier Luigi Colli, a renowned Italian designer active primarily between the 1930s and 1950s. Colli was known for his refined creations, often made in partnership with highly skilled craftsmen. We can attribute this piece to Colli due to the quality of its details and the use of gilded wrought iron. Colli often experimented with metal, crafting pieces that were both functional and elegant, enhanced by sophisticated decorative elements, such as the spirals and curves seen in this object. The production of gilded wrought iron involves several artisanal steps, including heating the iron to high temperatures to shape it, followed by gilding, which can be applied using gold leaf or galvanic gilding techniques. The spiral decorations and sinuous details suggest manual hammering and shaping, characteristic of craft workshops of the time. This umbrella stand dates back to the 1950s, a period when Italian design was heavily influenced by high-quality craftsmanship. The curves and organic or floral decorations evoke neoclassical style and the influence of Art Deco, which was very popular in those years. The Milan-based firm Colli was founded in 1855 under the name Miram and originally produced embroidery and upholstery for sofas and armchairs. In 1926, Colli-Miram acquired the Martinotti company, which had been producing fine furniture for nearly a century, and began manufacturing all the components for luxury interior furnishings, becoming a benchmark both locally and nationally. Under Pier Luigi Colli’s leadership after World War II, the company saw growing success, reaching 100 employees by the 1950s, including many external artisans. In addition to his work as an interior designer, Colli created pieces commissioned by famous designers such as Gio Ponti and Carlo Mollino, achieving international success in the 1950s. Upon Pier Luigi Colli's death, the company was passed to his daughter Claudia, who managed it until the early 1980s when the business ultimately closed. The umbrella stand is in good condition only the bottom shows traces of oxidation due to water.. Dimensions: diameter 33 cm, height 53 cm. For all our shipments, we use special packaging materials (wooden crates, polystyrene, etc.) to ensure maximum protection and safety of the items. less