An extraordinary sideboard designed by Luciano Frigerio for Frigerio di Desio in the early 1980s.
The sideboard is titled “Chiaro di Luna” and is crafted from extremely precious bird’s-eye maple burl, also known as occhio di pernice, renowned for its luminous, iridescent grain. The surface is stained in a warm brown tone and enriched with an elegant decorative pattern of octagonal ebony lines and refined wood marquetry inlay.
A truly outstanding and imposing piece, it stands as a testament to the highest level of craftsmanship of its time. The sideboard features a compartment with an internal shelf entirely veneered in burl, as well as three large drawers with fronts in matching burl and acid-etched glass.
The condition is virtually impeccable, almost like new, with no notable flaws as shown in the photographs. The original production mark is present on the right side.
 
Product Name: Chiaro di Luna Sideboard by Luciano Frigerio for Frigerio di Desio
Designer: Luciano Frigerio
Year of Design: Early 1980s
Style: 1980s Italian modernism with references to traditional craftsmanship
Main Materials: Bird’s-eye maple burl (occhio di pernice), ebony, wood marquetry, acid-etched glass
Distinctive Design: Octagonal ebony line motifs and refined wood marquetry decorations executed with exceptional craftsmanship; luminous, iridescent bird’s-eye maple burl stained in a warm brown tone
Dimensions: Height 78 cm | Length 196 cm | Depth 50 cm
Comfort: Generous storage capacity
Typical Use: Storage furniture for living rooms, dining rooms, or bedrooms, suitable for elegant and sophisticated interiors
Design Icon: A testament to the exceptional artisanal quality and creative vision of Italian design in the 1980s
Versatility: Ideal for large spaces and interiors requiring a strong central statement piece
Current Design Condition: Virtually impeccable condition, almost like new, with no visible defects
Additional Notes: Original production mark present on the right side of the sideboard; internal compartment with shelf fully veneered in burl and three large drawers with burl fronts and acid-etched glass
 
Luciano Frigerio, born in Desio in 1928, left an indelible mark on the world of design and furniture production, inheriting a family tradition rooted in high-end cabinetmaking. His early education, completed with a degree in accounting at the Collegio Pio XI, was enriched by a deep passion for furniture design and musical composition.
The socio-economic context of Brianza in the 1960s offered fertile ground for entrepreneurial ventures in fine furniture, and Frigerio was able to seize these opportunities. His frequentation of renowned workshops and encounters with leading figures such as Gio Ponti and Franco Albini inspired the transformation of the family business into a company oriented toward the international market. In 1973, Frigerio was awarded the title of Commendatore della Repubblica Italiana, recognizing his dedication to high-level cabinetmaking.
The defining element of his career emerged with the realization of his vision of furniture as a unique work of art. Supported by a team of skilled technicians, Frigerio created the “sculptural furniture in solid wood” and the “sculptural beds in cast bronze,” offering a unique alternative to the industrial production of the period. These singular works embody artisanal excellence and the fusion of precious materials, positioning themselves as true works of art within the design landscape.
Collaborations with renowned Italian architects and designers, including Franco Albini, Sergio Asti, and Paolo Portoghesi, further consolidated Frigerio’s standing in the design world. His belief that architects could create unique furniture pieces for high-end cabinetmaking guided the company’s philosophy, characterized by the production of numbered and signed pieces, each one unique. During the 1970s and 1990s, the company expanded its presence with the opening of ten showrooms in major Italian cities.
Recognition of his contributions to design culminated in his appointment as Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem in 1989. Frigerio’s works are displayed in important art galleries in Italy and abroad and have received awards at events such as the Salone Internazionale del Mobile Italiano and Abitare il Tempo.
Permanent exhibitions in Milan, including the Galleria del Sagrato and the “Art Gallery” on Via Montenapoleone, testify to Frigerio’s enduring and recognized presence at the heart of the Milanese artistic scene. His legacy lives on through exclusive works that celebrate the meeting of functionality, aesthetics, and master craftsmanship in furniture and art. His influence continues to shape contemporary design, remaining a benchmark for innovation and excellence in the field.