History of Italian Furniture

History of Italian Furniture: Sixteenth Century

In the sixteenth century, the Renaissance spread from Italy throughout Europe. The essence of home design from religion to the court. Architectural elements are widely used, carving, mosaic, painting has become a common decorative techniques, the overall design is simple and refined. In terms of materials, walnut became the most sought-after wood at the time, giving a heavy feeling.

The furniture of this period generally belonged only to the nobility, and the quality of the furniture directly reflected the owner's status, wealth and taste. As the Italian aristocratic mansions were large, in order to look more grandiose, the proportion of furniture will be correspondingly larger, which directly leads to the furniture looks better than comfortable, but does not in any way hinder the aristocrats dazzling affluent behavior.

History of Italian Furniture Development: Seventeenth Century

In the 17th century, the new bourgeoisie dominated the socio-economic sphere, and they advocated hedonistic aesthetic tendencies and luxurious design styles. As a result, the exaggerated movement and clearly recognizable details of the Baroque style had become popular throughout Europe. Furniture at this time was still relatively large, but began to choose walnut root as a decorative material, while putting brass into the mix for a little extra flair. In terms of craftsmanship, sculpture was used more for furniture decoration.

Intricate carving techniques began to surround the furniture, making it look more like a sculpture. Stone carving was another decorative technique that emerged at the time. Legend has it that in 17th century Florence there would be a group of people who used to go to the Arnold River and pick up beautiful stones for furniture decoration. It can be seen, this decorative technique on the type of stone is not fussy, "value" is the only standard.

Italian furniture development history: the eighteenth century

Eighteenth-century European furniture history, there is a Feng Shui ridge, that is, Louis XV and Louis XVI throne. Prior to this, Italy had been the leader of the European furniture industry, however, after this, the rapid development of French furniture design, Italy's leading position in the industry is gradually shaken. Louis XV, Louis XVI period of residential style is also very different, Louis XV period of time to start the overall size of the residence will be relatively small, gradually close to our sense of "home", and gradually prevalent its Rococo style.

Unlike the previous straight architectural elements, some rhythmic lines began to appear in the furniture. One side of the furniture is no longer so square, but appeared a round arc, the most representative is the appearance of the table legs on the "little belly". And in the period of Louis XVI, due to the ancient city of Pompeii is excavated from the volcanic rock, designers began to find inspiration from the ruins of the ancient city, this time the ancient Greek and Roman architectural elements are respected, neo-classicism has become the mainstream. The style of home décor became simpler. Lines became straight lines, no longer the original curves, and rounded corners became right angles, in sharp contrast to the Rococo style.

History of Italian Furniture Development: 19th Century

In the early 19th century, Napoleon overthrew the government of the governor and was crowned Emperor of France. After his inauguration, he and his wife visited a furniture carpentry workshop to order furniture for their mansion, leading to the birth of the Empire style. Imperial style furniture is characterized by its richness and highlights the spirit of nobility. Roman decorations, such as the Statue of Liberty, Roman bundle of sticks, overflowing pots of gold, crowns, etc. became the decorative motifs of the time.

These patterns generally have their own symbolism, for example, the laurel crown in ancient Rome period symbolizes knowledge and power, with this element to decorate the furniture, in order to reflect the authority of the empire. Similarly, the ancient Chinese emperor often "dragon" as the main element of the design of the dragon chair, dragon couch. It can be seen that the imperial style of home furnishings on the pursuit of beauty is secondary to the symbol of power and authority is dominant.

History of Italian furniture: World War II

This time the Italian furniture is not much more complicated, practical and beautiful from now on has become the main principle of Italian design, which Gio ● Ponti is the main initiator of this movement, his Italian design encompasses everything, not just furniture, which public **** building, interior decoration, ceramics, lamps and lanterns, His influence was felt in public architecture, interiors, ceramics, lighting, metalwork and glasswork, influencing designers of his generation as well as those of the younger generation.