Rosewood Archimede Sideboard by Hirozi Fukuoh for Gavina, 1960s

A vintage Italian rosewood Archimede modular sideboard, designed by Hirozi Fukuoh for Gavina and produced in Italy in the early 1960s. This rare mid-century modern credenza combines a long, low architectural profile with four sliding doors, richly figured rosewood and the distinctive modular construction associated with Gavina’s experimental Italian furniture of the period. Designer: Hirozi Fukuoh. Maker: Gavina. Model: Archimede. Origin: Italy. Period: 1960–1962. Style: Italian modern / mid-century modern / architectural modernism. Materials: Rosewood, likely combining solid and veneered rosewood elements. Dimensions: 230.5 W X 43.5 D X 73.5 H cm (90.7 W X 17.1 D X 28.9 H in) The elongated body is framed by slender cylindrical uprights and raised from the floor on narrow legs, giving the substantial cabinet an unexpectedly light presence. Four sliding rosewood doors create a restrained rhythm across the front, while the projecting posts, gently shaped upper rails and finely framed panels reveal the construction rather than concealing it. The dark rosewood has a warm, varied grain and a softly aged finish that gives the piece depth without taking away from its precise architectural character. The Archimede system is documented in connection with Japanese designer Hirozi Fukuoh and Gavina. Period references place the design at the beginning of the 1960s, with the system appearing in Domus in December 1960. The concept was conceived as a modular storage system that could be repeated horizontally and vertically, reflecting Gavina’s progressive approach to industrial furniture design. Condition. Good vintage condition with signs of age and use consistent with its period. The rosewood shows light scratches, small surface marks, scattered finish wear and minor spotting, particularly across the top surfaces. There is visible wear to parts of the sliding-door tracks and lower edges, together with small areas of rubbing and finish loss around the posts, joints and corners.