Taichiro Nakai, Pair of Duo-Tone Writing Desks for La Permanente Mobili Cantù, 1955

The desk designed by Taichiro Nakai and crafted by La Permanente Mobili Cantù. Made in a duo tone wood of Cherry and Maple and decorated with solid brass handles and a black lacquered tubular steel frame.

Nakai, renowned for his minimalist yet refined aesthetic, merged Italian design sensibilities with Japanese influences, resulting in a piece that is both practical and visually appealing. It exemplifies mid-century modern design with a focus on elegance, functionality, and craftsmanship.
The desk, which is presumably made for the 1955 'Prima Mostra Selettiva' in Cantu, Italy 1955, features clean lines, sleek surfaces, and high-quality materials, emphasizing both form and function.
Nakai his collaboration between Nakai and La Permanente Mobili Cantù exemplified the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design principles, solidifying the desk as a timeless piece of furniture history.

Taichiro Nakai (or Nakay) was a talented Japanese designer, though little is known about his life and work.
He was one of the founding members of the Japan Industrial Design Association (JIDA), established on October 20th, 1952.

In 1955, Nakai participated in the renowned 'Prima Mostra Selettiva del Mobile' competition in Cantù, Italy. This competition aimed to promote the development of regional furniture. The jury that year included prominent figures such as Gio Ponti, Carlo de Carli, Alvar Aalto, and Finn Juhl. Nakai’s innovative furniture ensemble earned him a special prize.

Nakai’s contributions to mid-century modern design were significant, with his work blending minimalist Japanese aesthetics with the bold modernist trends of the time. His recognition at the Prima Mostra Selettiva del Mobile marked a high point in his career, even as his legacy remains largely enigmatic.

Condition
These desks received a minor restoration and shows some signs of age and usage, especially around the drawers there are some dents visible. The handles are patinated and the steel frame is in good vintage condition.
(Both desks come with a complimentary glass top in deep Orange and sea Blue, which shows signs of usage and is missing some small chips.)

We have consciously chosen to photograph all of our items in their current state to present the real original condition as completely as possible for transparency towards our clients.

In case you have any additional questions about the original condition, always feel free to reach out and ask us for additional images. We do also offer services such as restoration and re-upholstery in case this is wished for.

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