Elegant, bold, and timeless: this rare bar display cabinet designed by Willy Rizzo is the perfect expression of his unmistakable style, poised between rationalist functionalism and sophisticated glamour.
Rizzo – a key figure in European design of the 1970s, renowned for furnishing the residences of actors, filmmakers, and international aristocracy – brings to this piece the same controlled theatricality that defines his design language.
The cabinet is crafted in precious sequoia burl wood, featuring deep, vibrant grain patterns that create a warm and hypnotic chromatic composition.
The architectural structure, rigorous and geometric, is framed by satin brass profiles and glossy black lacquered side panels, which enhance by contrast the luminosity of the burl. Full-height glazed doors with integrated gilded frames reveal two internally suspended polished glass shelves supported by metal fittings, ideal for displaying glassware, collectibles, or fine spirits.
The base houses a series of four concealed drawers, also entirely veneered in burl wood, executed with a level of craftsmanship worthy of the finest cabinetmaking tradition. Every element is meticulously detailed: from the invisible joints to the perfect alignment of the drawers, and the precision of the chromed corner accents.
The piece is presented in excellent condition and is entirely original. The lacquer finish is glossy and even, the brass profiles are perfectly preserved with no oxidation or dullness, and the glass panels show no scratches or cracks. The burl veneer remains vivid and deep, with no visible signs of wear. Only extremely light age-related micro marks are present, fully consistent with its period and in no way affecting either aesthetics or functionality.
Willy Rizzo was not merely a designer, but a true protagonist of the cultural jet set of the second half of the twentieth century. A celebrity photographer and contributor to magazines such as Paris Match and Vogue, he translated into design the essential elegance of his portraits. His furniture – loved by icons such as Brigitte Bardot, Salvador Dalí, and Luchino Visconti – is today highly sought after and increasingly rare to find in such exceptional condition.
Product Name: Sequoia Burl Bar Display Cabinet by Willy Rizzo for Mario Sabot
Designer: Willy Rizzo
Year of Design: 1970s
Style: European glamour modernism with rationalist influences and Hollywood accents
Primary Materials: Sequoia burl wood, satin brass, glossy black lacquered wood, polished glass, chromed details
Distinctive Design: Rigorous architectural structure framed by gilded profiles, full-height glazed doors, four perfectly integrated concealed drawers, and exceptional attention to detail and finishes
Dimensions: Length 132.5cm | Depth 52.5cm | Height 190cm
Comfort: High functionality and easy access to shelves and drawers make it both practical and refined in daily use
Typical Use: Bar display cabinet or statement storage piece for prestigious residential interiors, hotel lobbies, private studios, or high-end lounges
Design Icon: A perfect example of Willy Rizzo’s sophisticated style, an emblematic figure of European design in the 1970s, beloved by celebrities and collectors
Versatility: Suitable for use as a bar, storage cabinet, or scenographic display piece, adaptable to both classic and contemporary interiors
Current Condition: Excellent condition, completely original. Lacquer and burl veneer perfectly preserved, brass profiles intact, glass free of scratches or cracks. Only minimal age-related traces consistent with the period
Additional Notes: Please note that this object is in excellent vintage condition. Minor signs of age may be present and do not affect its functionality.
Willy Rizzo (1928–2013) was an Italian-French photographer and designer renowned for his glamorous and sophisticated style in both photography and interior design. His career began in the world of photography, working for prestigious magazines such as Paris Match, where he portrayed celebrities including Marilyn Monroe, Salvador Dalí, Brigitte Bardot, and Coco Chanel. During the 1960s and 1970s, he also established himself as a designer, creating furniture characterized by luxury and modernist refinement. Willy Rizzo revolutionized the concept of interior furnishings by combining minimalism with opulence. His pieces are distinguished by clean, elegant lines, often enhanced by refined materials such as polished brass, chromed steel, lacquer, and marble. Deeply influenced by haute couture and the international jet set, his designs possess a strong scenographic presence, ideal for sophisticated interiors. His most iconic creations include tables, chairs, sofas, and cabinets defined by a restrained yet highly refined aesthetic. Among his best-known works are low tables with concealed storage compartments, geometrically structured seating, and lacquered consoles with metal inlays. The SQ-AL chair, for instance, exemplifies his ability to merge functionality with elegance. Today, Rizzo’s design remains highly appreciated and sought after, both on the vintage market and through re-editions produced by Maison Willy Rizzo. His creations continue to symbolize the spirit of the 1970s, uniting glamour and timeless refinement.