Pietro Lingeri was a key Italian architect in the Rationalist movement, celebrated for his modernist designs that emphasized geometric forms and functionality. Born in Tremezzo, Lingeri studied at Milan’s Brera Academy of Fine Arts and became known for merging traditional Italian elements with modern aesthetics. His notable works include the Casa Rustici in Milan and the unbuilt Danteum project in Rome, conceived as a tribute to Dante Alighieri. Collaborating with architects like Giuseppe Terragni, Lingeri left a lasting impact on Italian architecture, known for his refined approach to balance, proportion, and innovative material use.This showcase that can also be used as a counter was commissioned in the 1930s for the Genoese leather goods company PAM. Drawings of the interior design and a single photo of the actual furnished shop have been preserved.

Design

The design of this piece of furniture is a typical example of l'Architettura Razionale or rational architecture in which a strong leaning and respect for architectural tradition is combined with modern and sometimes even futuristic elements that are often geometric in nature. The elongated rectangular upper section has a super sleek design and is completely veneered in a beautiful walnut root veneer. A luxurious finish that is also often seen in many older pieces of furniture. Now almost eighty-five years later, the veneer shows a sublime patina.The upper section contains three large drawers, each with two brass handles. Directly below these are three smaller drawers with brass handles over the entire length. A proportional space has been left on both sides. A black enameled round metal frame that protrudes through the first part of the wooden counter section gives this piece a modern feel. Geometric lines of the frame correspond with other parts of the original interior, such as the metal suspension of the second floor. This counter was designed to be able to stand freely and the backside is therefore also veneered in a sublime way.

Condition

This impressive piece of furniture has been restored by us with careful safeguarding of the original appearance. The glass top that covers the entire length has been replaced and the veneer has been restored in several places. Over time the wood has expanded and shrunk in some places, causing for some irregularities. Other small irregularities such as marks and discolorations are part of a piece of furniture of this age.