This elegant umbrella stand, crafted in gilded wrought iron, features a decorative design with curved lines and spiral motifs, characteristic of high-quality artisanal work. The piece has a sleek and refined appearance, with eight curved feet that support a drip tray for water from wet umbrellas. At the top of the feet, semi-curved bars extend upward, forming the body of the stand; at the top, these bars twist into spirals that join in a circle, creating the upper section of the stand. The spiral decorations are symmetrical and harmonious, giving the piece a dynamic yet elegant appearance. 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 mainly from the 1930s to the 1950s, known for his refined creations often made in partnership with highly skilled craftsmen. This piece can be attributed to Colli due to the high quality of the details and the use of gilded wrought iron; indeed, Colli enjoyed experimenting with metal, crafting functional yet elegant items enhanced with sophisticated decorative details, such as the spirals and curves seen in this piece. The production of gilded wrought iron involves several artisanal steps, including heating the iron to high temperatures for shaping, followed by gilding, which can be done with gold leaf or through galvanic gilding techniques. The spiral decorations and flowing details suggest manual hammering and shaping, typical of mid-century craft workshops. The umbrella stand dates back to the 1950s, a period when Italian design was heavily influenced by high-quality craftsmanship. Its curves and organic or floral decorations echo the neoclassical style and the Art Deco influence, which were highly popular at the time. The Colli firm, based in Milan, was founded in 1855 under the name Miram, initially producing embroidery and upholstery for sofas and armchairs. In 1926, Colli-Miram acquired the Martinotti firm, a producer of fine furniture for nearly a century, and began manufacturing luxury interior furnishing components, establishing itself as a point of reference locally and nationally. Under Pier Luigi Colli’s leadership, the company experienced significant growth after the war, expanding in the 1950s to employ one hundred people, including numerous external craftsmen. Colli complemented his work as an interior designer with commissioned projects for renowned designers, such as Gio Ponti and Carlo Mollino, achieving notable international success in the 1950s. After Pier Luigi Colli’s passing, the business was managed by his daughter Claudia until the early 1980s, when it eventually closed. The umbrella stand is in good condition, with only slight traces of oxidation on the bottom due to water exposure. Measurements: diameter 32 cm, height 50 cm.
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SILVER Seller in Prato, Italy
