Mario Quarti Attribuited Raised Coffee Table in Solid Chestnut and Glass, 1940s

A refined raised coffee table attributed to Mario Quarti, dating to the 1940s, embodying the warmth and structural intelligence characteristic of Italian craftsmanship of the period.

Executed in solid chestnut (castagno), the table presents a circular form crowned by a thick glass top resting within a sculpted wooden frame. Beneath the glass, a carefully constructed grid of intersecting wooden slats forms a rhythmic lattice — both structural and decorative — revealing a refined sensitivity to proportion and geometric clarity.

The craftsmanship is evident in the precision of the joinery. The lattice is composed of interlocking cross-lap elements, meticulously fitted together, while the rounded perimeter frame is softly beveled and tactile, elegantly framing the glass surface. The chestnut displays subtle tonal variations, where darker oxidized veins contrast with warmer honeyed passages, creating a rich natural patina developed over decades.

The structure rests on four elegantly tapered legs, slightly curved and gently flared outward. These are connected by angular stretchers that meet at the center in a dynamic cross formation, reinforcing the table’s stability while introducing a sculptural presence beneath the top. The visible joinery reflects traditional cabinetmaking techniques, executed with clarity and restraint.

The choice of chestnut is particularly notable. During the 1930s and 1940s, Italian designers frequently turned to native woods such as castagno, appreciated for its durability, expressive grain, and warm tonality.

Mario Quarti (1901–1976), active primarily in Lombardy, was known for furniture that balanced structural clarity with artisanal warmth. The architectural logic of the grid, the sculptural profile of the base, and the emphasis on visible craftsmanship reflect the restrained elegance typical of Italian design of the 1940s.

The glass top enhances the dialogue between transparency and structure, allowing the latticework below to become the visual focus of the composition.

A piece of quiet authority that reflects the material integrity and refined craftsmanship of mid-century Italian design.