Italianl Burl Wood Magazine Stand by GieMme, circa 1970s An unusually substantial and beautifully made Italian magazine stand in richly figured burl wood, produced by GieMme of Romano d’Ezzelino, Vicenza, most probably during the 1970s. The original maker’s label is preserved inside the cleverly concealed side drawer and reads “GieMme, Romano d’Ezzelino, Vicenza - Italy.” GieMme was the manufacturing company associated with Francesco Molon, whose furniture business was established in the Veneto in 1966. The company became known internationally for high-quality Italian furniture drawing on classical European traditions, with particular attention paid to cabinetmaking, veneers and carefully finished details. Comparable documented GieMme pieces from the 1970s are described as designs by Francesco Molon in a Neoclassical / Regency vocabulary. This magazine stand fits beautifully within that tradition. Rather than treating a utilitarian object as something to hide away, the design gives it the presence of a small piece of furniture. The body rises through three graduated compartments, each with a gently curved front edge, while the tall side panels descend in a softly stepped profile. A shaped back panel finishes in a rounded crest with an integrated carrying handle. Below, the whole structure is raised on four finely turned legs. Particularly beautiful is the use of highly figured burl veneer across the large surfaces. Its swirling, cloud-like grain becomes part of the decoration. The darker edges and mouldings frame the burl and emphasize the architectural construction. One of the best details is almost invisible: what appears at first to be part of the side panel is actually a long concealed drawer, fitted with a traditional metal ring pull. It slides discreetly into the lower section of the stand and provides useful storage for small objects, correspondence or stationery. The piece is also remarkably substantial. Weighing at least 7 kilograms, it has none of the lightness sometimes associated with magazine racks and feels much more like a miniature cabinet. The considerable weight, veneered construction and carefully fitted drawer all underline the quality of its manufacture. Stylistically, it combines Italian 1970s luxury furniture with English Regency and Neoclassical references, yet the strong stepped silhouette and dramatic burl figuring give it enough character to sit very comfortably in a contemporary interior. In very good vintage condition, with only minor signs of age and use. The original GieMme label remains present inside the drawer. Dimensions: H 71 × W 40 × D 20 cm | H 28.0 × W 15.7 × D 7.9 in