Confident and composed, this vanity - or writing desk attributed to Vittorio Dassi was produced in Italy in 1939, at a moment when modernist restraint began to replace decorative excess.

Design

Constructed in rosewood, the desk presents a strong geometric form with subtle refinements. The wood’s rich tonal variation and straight grain are set against the deep black lacquer of the three drawers, offering a purposeful contrast. Circular resin knobs, each inset with a brass keyhole, punctuate the front with sculptural clarity. This attention to material interplay and proportion aligns with Dassi’s broader design language.

A contemporary of the Rationalist movement, Dassi developed furnishings that served both domestic function and visual clarity. The glass top, inset and flush with the upper frame, protects the rosewood while maintaining the unity of the surface. Compact in size, the desk likely functioned as a vanity or writing table; its proportions suited to a private interior, possibly a bedroom or dressing area. Slender squared legs subtly taper at the base, offering a light yet grounded presence.

Condition

The desk is in very good condition. The rosewood retains its depth of colour, the lacquer is even, and the knobs are original. Glass and drawer components show minimal age-related wear.