Rare low cabinet model “Pitagora”, designed by Renato Venturi and Ennio Fazioli and produced by MIM – Mobili Italiani Moderni around 1960, during the full maturity of Italian Rationalist design applied to domestic furniture.
The cabinet exemplifies the design philosophy of Venturi and Fazioli, based on geometric rigor, modular functionality and formal clarity, expressed through a sober yet extremely refined language. The name Pitagora itself recalls the proportional balance and structural clarity that define the entire project.
The structure is crafted in fine African rosewood, featuring a deep and warm grain typical of the exotic woods widely used in high-end furniture production during the 1960s.
The body of the cabinet is raised on cylindrical metal feet, visually lightening the volume and enhancing its modernist character.
The composition features three side drawers with elegant integrated satin-finished metal handles and an open shelving section on the right side, designed to accommodate books, equipment or decorative objects. This combination of closed storage and open compartments makes the piece extremely versatile: ideal as a low credenza, TV cabinet, living room sideboard or storage element for offices and professional environments.
From a design perspective, Pitagora fully embodies the Italian research of that period into high-quality serial furniture capable of combining industrial production, noble materials and a timeless aesthetic. MIM – Mobili Italiani Moderni was in fact one of the most interesting companies within the Italian post-war design landscape, distinguished by its collaborations with high-level designers and advanced technical solutions.
The condition is good, with minor signs of age consistent with the piece’s history, bearing witness to its authenticity and over 60 years of life, without compromising its structural or aesthetic quality. All parts are original from the period.
A cabinet of great balance and presence, collectible yet extremely contemporary, perfect for modernist, mid-century or contemporary interiors where it can dialogue with clean architectural lines and authentic materials.
Product Name: Low cabinet Pitagora by Renato Venturi and Ennio Fazioli for MIM, 1960
Designer: Renato Venturi and Ennio Fazioli
Year of Design: Circa 1960
Style: Italian post-war Rationalism, full maturity of modernist design applied to domestic furniture
Main Materials: Structure in African rosewood with deep and warm grain; cylindrical metal feet; integrated satin-finished metal handles
Distinctive Design: The “Pitagora” model expresses geometric rigor, proportional balance and structural clarity. The volume, raised on metal feet, appears visually light and slender. The composition alternates three side drawers with integrated handles and an open shelving section on the right side, creating a refined dialogue between solids and voids, function and proportion.
Dimensions: Length 132 cm | Depth 45 cm | Height 62.5 cm
Comfort: Spacious drawers with smooth opening and easily accessible open compartments; functional height ideal for use as storage or multimedia support
Typical Use: Low credenza, TV cabinet, living room sideboard, storage element for study or professional environments
Design Icon: Produced by MIM – Mobili Italiani Moderni, a leading company in Italian post-war design, the model reflects the research into high-quality serial furniture capable of combining industrial production, noble materials and a timeless aesthetic
Versatility: The combination of closed storage and open shelving makes it extremely adaptable to modernist, mid-century or contemporary interiors, dialoguing with essential architecture and authentic materials
Current Condition: Good overall condition with minor signs of age consistent with the piece’s age; solid structure and original period parts preserved
Additional Notes: Please note that this object is in excellent vintage condition. Minor signs of age may be present, which do not affect its functionality. We kindly invite you to consider these characteristics before purchasing.
MIM Roma, an acronym for Mobili Italiani Moderni, was founded in the Italian capital in 1959 during the period of the economic boom, immediately distinguishing itself as one of the most innovative realities in the contemporary furniture landscape. From the outset, the company set out to combine modern design, craftsmanship quality and advanced industrial production, introducing in Italy a new concept of furniture intended both for domestic environments and, above all, for executive spaces. The MIM style is characterized by a sober and rationalist language, with clean lines, rigorous volumes and functional details, always made with fine materials such as rosewood, mahogany, teak, nickel-plated steel and brass. Particular attention was given to modularity and storage capacity, elements that ensured practical solutions without sacrificing elegance. Over the years, the company collaborated with important designers, including Ennio Fazioli, Ico Parisi, Luigi Pellegrin and, in some projects, Gio Ponti, helping to consolidate a strong and recognizable identity. In the 1960s and 1970s, MIM represented a benchmark for modern Italian furniture, competing with brands such as Olivetti Synthesis and Tecno, and is today highly sought after on the international vintage market. Its creations are considered authentic icons of postwar design, appreciated for the balance between functional rigor, aesthetic refinement and exceptionally high construction quality.