Dining Table with Sunburst Top by Gianni Moscatelli for ARREDOFORM, Italy circa 1965 (sold)













Dining Table with Sunburst Top by Gianni Moscatelli for ARREDOFORM, Italy circa 1965 (sold)
With its beautiful column base, this dining table has an aesthetic that is historic and modern at the same time. The different carved shapes of the wood on the column and the impeccable joinery illustrate the originality of the designer, Gianni Moscatelli. The solid wood is shaped into elegant forms effortlessly with smooth surfaces, a sign of high-quality craftsmanship.
The beautifully sculpted edges and inlay testify to Moscatelli’s artistry, especially the symmetrical legs that give the table an elegant look. The sculpted base consists of a central leg stand, supported by four legs with rounded feet. Since this table was made in the heyday of the mid-century, the design as a whole lacks heavy ornamentation and instead focuses on the natural beauty of the wood, accentuated by the sunburst detail of the tabletop.
The round sunburst tabletop is the evident main feature of this design. A sunburst is a design or figure commonly used in architectural ornaments and design patterns; it consists of rays or "beams" radiating out from a central point in the manner of sunbeams. Thanks in great part to an emphasis on wood as the sole material, this table has avoided associations with cold industrialization and machine aesthetics of the era.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some marks and scratches on the wood.
Dimensions:
46.06 in Ø x 28.54 in H
117 cm Ø x 72.5 cm H
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
The 1960s saw furniture makers apply the principles of modern design to increasingly versatile pieces. As homes became increasingly modern, desks were no longer treated as purely utilitarian objects but as pieces of furniture expected to integrate naturally within a living space. Designers responded by refining forms, adding sleek storage, and placing greater emphasis on the visual lightness of their creations. The result was furniture that remained highly functional while maintaining a distinctly architectural character.
At first glance, this 1960s desk appears simple. The rectangular top rests within a clean, open framework, creating a silhouette that feels balanced and remarkably precise. Closer inspection reveals its most distinctive feature: three integrated drawers concealed behind a series of horizontal fronts. This detail looks like a simple aesthetic detail, while it showcases the designer’s concern with practicality. The stacked drawer fronts create a subtle rhythm across the front without disturbing the calm geometry of the piece. When opened this detail creates a layered effect that captivates the eye and emphasizes the horizontal construction. The warm tone of the wood further enhances the design. The open sides prevent the desk from appearing heavy, while the strong stretcher below reinforces the structure and contributes to its clear architectural presence.
What makes this desk particularly successful is the way storage is incorporated into the overall composition. Rather than reading as separate functional elements, the drawers become part of the design itself. The piece carries the quiet confidence associated with the best Italian modern furniture, where proportion, practicality, and visual clarity work together effortlessly.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The desk has recently been reconditioned. Due to the age and nature of the material, the item has minor scratches and dents, and may have additional marks or discolouration.
Dimensions:
59 in W x 30.3 in D x 31.6 in H
150 cm W x 77 cm D x 80.5 cm H