Extraordinary and extremely rare Barium Frame bed, part of the “Scultura 99” series by Luciano Frigerio for Frigerio di Desio.
Entirely crafted from sculptural slats of solid African walnut, it belongs to the celebrated series of sculptural furniture designed and produced by Frigerio in the late 1960s.
Few are aware that Luciano Frigerio’s “Scultura 99” series designated furniture produced in strictly limited editions of a maximum of 99, 66, or even just 33 examples.
This makes the bed—unlike many other Frigerio pieces—an authentic and extremely rare collector’s item. The piece is accompanied by the original certificate of authenticity issued by the Heirs of Luciano Frigerio, who have personally confirmed the importance of this production.
An exceptionally rare piece, produced in very few examples—33 in this case—being the most expensive object in the collection at the time. It has never appeared at auction and is currently the only example available on the market, making it a true collector’s piece.
The condition is near-perfect, as shown in the photographs, with only a few minimal signs of age.
Product Name: Rare Barium Bed by Luciano Frigerio for Frigerio di Desio
Designer: Luciano Frigerio
Year of Design: Late 1960s
Style: Brutalism
Main Materials: Solid walnut, solid brass with original patina
Distinctive Design: Solid walnut elements arranged to evoke a musical score; corners and side elements in unpolished brass
Dimensions:
Bed: Length 200 cm – Width 173 cm – Height 31 cm
Standard Double Mattress Size: Length 190 cm – Width 160 cm
Headboard: Length 189 cm – Height 92 cm
Comfort: High, thanks to the solid structure and refined detailing
Typical Use: Sleeping area
Design Icon: Represents a rare example of 1960s Brutalist design
Current Design Condition: Extremely rare piece, never auctioned and currently unique on the market
Additional Notes: Near-perfect condition with minor signs of age; an object of exceptional collector’s value
Luciano Frigerio, born in Desio in 1928, revolutionized the world of design and furniture production, inheriting a family tradition rooted in high-end cabinetmaking. After earning a diploma in accounting, he developed a deep passion for furniture design and musical composition. In the 1960s, capitalizing on the entrepreneurial opportunities of the Brianza region, he transformed the family business into an internationally oriented company, collaborating with major figures such as Gio Ponti and Franco Albini.
Frigerio fulfilled his vision of creating furniture as unique works of art, introducing the “solid wood sculptural furniture” and the “bronze cast sculptural beds,” combining artisanal excellence with precious materials. His company produced numbered and signed pieces and collaborated with renowned architects and designers. Between the 1970s and 1990s, the company opened ten showrooms across Italy.
Honored with several prestigious titles, his works are exhibited in art galleries and have received important awards. Permanent exhibitions in Milan testify to his lasting influence on contemporary design, celebrating the fusion of functionality, aesthetics, and exceptional craftsmanship.