Rago/Wright celebrates Danese

The fascinating story of Italian firm Danese has come to mirror the evolution of Italian modern design. Founded in 1957 by Bruno Danese and Jacqueline Vodoz, this innovative hub of modern design was one of the ventures, forging the successful story which brought Italy to become the mecca of modern industrial design during the postwar years. Now, Chicago-based auction house Rago/Wright offers the most spectacular single-owner collection of Denese design. The European collector who assembled this comprehensive collection bought the first piece in 1969, and has since developed connoisseurship creating a personal collection, which includes works obtained near their time of production, much by Enzo Mari and Bruno Munari, the company’s two stars.

The legacy of Italian design of the postwar era, the emphasis on quality craftsmanship, and innovative forms have been at the core of Danese, but its enormous success has been attributed to the philosophies and creations of Enzo Mari and Bruno Munari-Mari, known for asserting that ‘Form is everything.’ The astonishing variety of products, from items for the home and office, to games, exhibitions, books and more, the two designers set the company on its course and established the quality and gold standard of Danese production.

By the 1970s, Danese achieved global recognition, participating in international fairs and exhibitions while opening stores and selling products around the world, including the United States, France, Japan, etc. The firm paid great attention to the presentation and display of their product aligning themselves more closely with the world of art. And indeed Danese was in the business of selling works of art for the home and office. Over the years, many other influential designers –Angelo Mangiarotti, Claudio Boselli, Achille Castiglioni, Matali Crasser, Marco Ferreri, Naoto Fukasawa, Jonathan Olivares — came to create enduring and coveted objects for the use, enjoyment and benefit of all for Danese.

Here is an rare opportunity to acquire genuine, timeless Italian design by the pioneers of modern design.