Best known for its elegant and innovative vintage lighting fixtures, the Milan-based firm Fontana Arte pioneered one of the key features of 20th-century and contemporary Italian design: the union of artistry and industry wrought by partnerships between creative talents — chiefly architects — and entrepreneurial businesses. Fontana Arte is further distinguished by having had as artistic director, in succession, four of Italy’s most inventive modernist designers: Gio Ponti, Pietro Chiesa, French transplant Max Ingrand and Gae Aulenti.
The bread and butter of the glassmaking company that Luigi Fontana founded in 1881 was plate-glass panels for the construction industry. In 1930, Fontana met Ponti — then the artistic director of the Richard Ginori ceramics workshop and the editor of the influential magazine Domus — at a biannual design exhibition that became the precursor to today’s Milan Design Triennale, and the two hatched an idea for a furniture and housewares firm. Fontana Arte was incorporated in 1932 with Ponti as its chief of design. He contributed several lamps that remain among the company’s signature works, including the orb-atop-cone Bilia table lamp and the 0024 pendant — a stratified hanging sphere.
The following year, Fontana Arte partnered with the influential Milan studio glassmaker and retailer Pietro Chiesa, who took over as artistic director. Chiesa’s designs for lighting — as well as for tables and items including vases and ashtrays — express an appreciation for fluidity and simplicity of line, as seen in works such as his flute-shaped Luminator floor lamp and the 1932 Fontana table — an arched sheet of glass that is held in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
Six years after Chiesa’s 1948 death, the École des Beaux Arts–trained Max Ingrand took over as head of design at Fontana Arte. Ingrand brought a similarly expressive formal sensibility to wares such as lamps and mirrors, but he also had a masterful eye for the manipulation of glass surfaces — whether they be cut, frosted, acid-etched or sand-blasted. His classic design is the Fontana table lamp of 1954, which has a truncated cone shade and curved body, both of which are made of pure, chic white-frosted glass.
Following Ingrand, the often-audacious Italian architect Gae Aulenti served as the company’s artistic director from 1979 to 1996, and while she generally insisted that furnishings take second place aesthetically to architecture, she made an exception for Fontana Arte pieces such as the Tavolo con Ruote series of glass coffee and dining tables on wheels, bold lighting pieces such as the Parola series and the Giova, a combination flower vase and table lamp. As a key incubator of modern design under Aulenti’s tenure, Fontana Arte remained true to its long-held commitment — creating objects that have never been less than daring.
Find vintage Fontana Arte lighting fixtures such as pendants, table lamps and more on 1stDibs.
Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte, Mid-Century Modern, Large Ashtray, Cut Crystal, 1960s
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Manhasset, NY
Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte, Mid-Century Modern, Ashtray or Decorative Bowl/Platter, Cut Crystal, 1960s Max Ingrand's 1960s cut crystal ashtray, designed for Fontana Arte, exemplifies...
Crystal
1950 "FX" Fontana Arte Max Ingrand midcentury Design Crystal bowl Ashtray
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Brescia, IT
Curved Crystal Bowl Fontana Arte 1950 Smoked crystal "FX" signed Excellent condiction, two micro chips on the edge
Crystal
Fontana Arte Mirrored Crystal Italian Design, 1960s Ashtray Bowl
By Fontana Arte
Located in Brescia, IT
Fontana Arte 1960s Mirrored crystal Perfect condiction Measure: Diameter 16.5 cm, height 2.5 cm.
Crystal
Fontana Arte standing ash tray
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in London, GB
Rare original Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte ashtray. Brass and glass. Retains original glass insert
Brass
Pair of Fontana Arte Midcentury Green Crystal Glass Squared Italian Ashtrays
By Fontana Arte
Located in Roma, IT
Two Incredible Mid-Century Modern square green glass ashtrays. These wonderful pieces were produced by Fontana Arte in Italy during the 1960s. ...
Crystal
Fontana Arte Floor Ashtray Brass Glass, 1955, Italy
By Fontana Arte
Located in Milano, IT
Fontana Arte floor ashtray brass glass, 1955, Italy.
Brass
Rare ashtray in ground crystal glass produced by Fontana Arte, 1960
By Fontana Arte
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Rare ashtray/pocket emptier produced by Fontana Arte in the 1960s, thick beveled glass, Nile green color. Decorative element that can be used as a pocket emptier or ashtray, excellen...
Stained Glass
Fontana Arte freeform glass ashtray, Italy 1950s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Milan, IT
Fontana Arte freeform glass ashtray, Italy 1950s
Glass
Fontana Arte 1970s, Ashtray in Leather, Brass and Faceted Glass, Italy Art Glass
By Fontana Arte
Located in Roma, IT
Fontana Arte 1970s. Ashtray in leather, brass and faceted glass.
Glass
$852Sale Price|20% Off
Fontana Arte Italian Midcentury Pocket Tray Ashtray, 1950s
By Fontana Arte
Located in bari, IT
Fontana Arte, pocket tray ash tray in cut glass circular base with three concave circles inside from 1950s.
Cut Glass
Midcentury Ashtray by Fontana Arte Crystal Glass and Leather Italy, 1960s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Palermo, PA
Indulge in the elegance of this exquisite ashtray, crafted in Italy during the prestigious Fontana Arte's prime in the 1960s. The square-shaped design boasts a transparent crystal gl...
Crystal
Fontana Arte Crystal Ashtray Transparent Mid Century Modern Made in Italy 1960s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Palermo, IT
FONTANA ARTE Made in Italy, circa 1960. A thick crystal ashtray in shades of Nile green and clear, with a faceted body and a central circular concave. Please watch the video and phot...
Crystal
Freeform Fontana Arte 1950s Glass Ashtray
By Fontana Arte
Located in Milan, IT
Freeform Fontana Arte 1950s glass ashtray.
Glass
Pietro Chiesa Crystal ashtray for Fontana Arte, Italy 1940
By Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa
Located in Conversano, IT
Exceptional solid crystal ashtray designed by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte in the 1940s. The piece perfectly expresses the maestro’s poetics, capable of blending architectural rigo...
Crystal
Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte, Mid-Century Modern, Ashtray, Cut Crystal, 1960s
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Manhasset, NY
Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte, Mid-Century Modern, Ashtray, Cut Crystal, 1960s Max Ingrand's 1960s cut crystal ashtray, designed for Fontana Arte, exemplifies mid-century modern design ...
Crystal
Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte Dodecagon Crystal Ashtray
By Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa
Located in Hanover, MA
Twelve sided cut crystal ashtray with three wheel-ground optic bubble dimples by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte.
Optical Glass
Round Bowl or Ashtray in Green Glass Mirrored by Fontana Arte, Italy 1960s
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Rome, IT
Rare round bowl or ashtray in green crystal glass and mirrored underside with four concave circle by Fontana Arte. Made in Italy in the 1960s.
Crystal
Fontana Arte, Very Rare Pietro Chiesa, Glass, Smokey Ashtray, Acid and FX Signed
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is an early Fontana rare ashtray signed with both FX and Fontana Italy, this kind of work was made under the direction of both Pietro Chiesa and Max Ingrained.
Glass
Rare and Elegant Dark Green Glass Ashtray by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Italy
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1950s - 1960s. This vide-poche / ashtray is made in 3-cm thick dark green curved and ground glass. On the bottom it shows slight traces of use. It is a vintage piec...
Cut Glass
Crystal ashtray, Fontana Arte, Italy, 1950s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Conversano, IT
Made in Italy in the 1950s by the renowned manufacturer Fontana Arte, this extraordinary solid crystal ashtray stands as one of the most emblemat...
Crystal
Fontana Arte Ashtray/Empty Pockets Ground Glass, 1960, Italy
By Fontana Arte
Located in Milano, IT
Fontana Arte ashtray/empty pockets ground glass, 1960, Italy.
Glass
Fontana Arte Ashtray/Centerpiece/Glass, 1950, Italy
By Fontana Arte
Located in Milano, IT
Fontana Arte.
Glass
Fontana Arte Rare Ashtrav 1950 Emerald Green Color, Italy
By Fontana Arte
Located in Milano, IT
Fontana Arte rare Ashtrav 1950 emerald green color, Italy.
Crystal
Vintage Nile Green Ground Glass Ashtray by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Italy
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1950s. This vide-poche / ashtray is made in 3-cm thick Nile green ground glass. It is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be co...
Glass
Fontana Arte Box/Empty Pockets/Ashtray Glass Wood, 1950, Italy
By Fontana Arte
Located in Milano, IT
Fontana Arte Box/Empty Pockets/Ashtray glass wood, 1950, Italy.
Glass
$1,800 / set
H 0.79 in W 9.53 in D 6.62 in
Fontana Arte Mid-Century Modern 1950s Glass Pen Holder Stand & Ashtray Desk Set
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte (attributed) Midcentury Modern desk set featuring a pen holder or stand with a tray and an ashtray. Made in Ita...
Metal
Mid Century Crystal Glass Ashtray Bowl, Italy, 1970s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
This original vintage glass element was designed and produced in the 1970s in Lombardia, Italy. It is made in Sommerso Technique and has a fantastic faceted form. The vibrant color m...
Crystal
Fontana Arte freeform glass ashtray, Italy 1950s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Milan, IT
Fontana Arte freeform glass ashtray, Italy 1950s
Glass
Lalique French Crystal Jewelry Dish or Ashtray Leaf Design
By René Lalique, Lalique
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful, signed, Lalique crystal dish with decorative leaf and indent design around edge, circa 20th century, France. Piece is from French luxury crystal maker Lalique. Made...
Crystal
Fontana Arte Glass/ Crystal, Dish, Vide-Poche, Free Form Shape Signed FX
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very pretty signed Fontana Arte, vide-poche. We think is Max Ingrand design.Also Pietro Chiesa worked at Fontana's at same time. Signed with FX and acid Fontana Italy.
Art Glass, Glass
$1,500
H 1.75 in W 8.75 in D 7.5 in
Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte, Mid-Century Modern, Ashtray, Cut Crystal, 1960s
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Manhasset, NY
Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte, Mid-Century Modern, Ashtray, Cut Crystal, 1960s Max Ingrand's 1960s cut crystal ashtray, designed for Fontana Arte, exemplifies mid-century modern design ...
Crystal
$852Sale Price|20% Off
H 1.38 in Dm 7.88 in
Fontana Arte Italian Midcentury Pocket Tray Ashtray, 1950s
By Fontana Arte
Located in bari, IT
Fontana Arte, pocket tray ash tray in cut glass circular base with three concave circles inside from 1950s.
Cut Glass
Flavio Poli Murano Glass Ashtray, Blue Sommerso Design, 1960s Italy
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous blue ashtray or catchall by Flavio Poli for Seguso in Murano sommerso glass. Made in Italy. So rare to find it in this color. The item is in excellent condition. Dimen...
Murano Glass
$304Sale Price|20% Off
H 3.93 in Dm 3.93 in
1960s Murano Blue Ashtray/Vide Poche Designed by Flavio Poli
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s stunning blue ashtray / Vide Poche designed by Flavio Poli in Murano Sommerso Glass. This piece is unique and the shape and the color are amazing. Made in Italy The item is in ...
Murano Glass
$697
H 1.19 in W 6.7 in D 6.7 in
Midcentury Ashtray by Fontana Arte Crystal Glass and Leather Italy, 1960s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Palermo, PA
Indulge in the elegance of this exquisite ashtray, crafted in Italy during the prestigious Fontana Arte's prime in the 1960s. The square-shaped design boasts a transparent crystal gl...
Crystal
Murano Italian, 1950 Glass Bowl or Ashtray
By Murano 5
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Murano Italian, 1950 glass bowl or ashtray.
Murano Glass
Midcentury Murano Ashtray or Bowl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian midcentury clear Murano glass ashtray or bowl hand blown with beautiful curvatures / Made in Italy, circa 1960s Measures: width 7.5 inches, depth 5 inches, height 3 i...
Murano Glass
Fontana Arte Glass Dish or Vide Poche by Max Ingrand
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Chicago, IL
Green iconic glass dish designed by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, circa 1960. Rare collectable crystal bowl, dish, candy dish or vide poche with wavy edges by Italian master designer...
Glass
Sold
H 22.84 in Dm 8.27 in
Gallotti e Radice per Fontana Arte Posacenere o Svuotatasche da Terra, Italia 70
By Fontana Arte, Gallotti & Radice
Located in Naples, IT
Raro Posacenere da terra disegnato da Pierangelo Gallotti e Gigi Radice per Fontana Arte nel 1970, realizzato con una robusta e pesante base in acciaio inossidabile e una bellissima ...
Metal
Fontana Arte Mirrored Glass Vide Poche, 1950, Italy.
By Fontana Arte
Located in Brussels, BE
Original vinrtage Fontana Arte vide-poche, circa 1950, Italy. 3 cm thick mirrored circular glass with 4 concave circles. Dimensions: 20 cm diameter, 3 cm H. Original condition. All p...
Glass
Sold
H 0.79 in W 5.52 in D 3.55 in
Italian glass Ashtray with original box by Fontana Arte, Model 2502, 1960s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Meda, MB
Gracious ashtray by Fontana Arte produced in Italy around the 60s/70s. Keep its original box. Model 2502. In Very good Vintage Condition. Ashtray measurements: 14cm x 9cm H2cm Box...
Glass, Art Glass
Sold
H 2.96 in W 5.71 in D 5.71 in
Modern crystal molded ashtray / vide poche, Fontana Arte style Italy 1970s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Firenze, IT
Modern molded crystal ashtray / vide poche in the manner of Fontana Arte, Italy 1970s H 7.5 cm - 14.5 x 14.5 cm Conditions: excellent, no defects
Crystal
Vintage Italian Crystal Ashtray By Fontana Arte 1960s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the timeless elegance of the Vintage Italian Crystal Ashtray by Fontana Arte, a stunning piece from the 1960s. Crafted with exquisite precision, this crystal ashtray exudes ...
Crystal
Vintage Glass Ashtray by Fontana Arte, Italy 1970s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Ashtray by Fontana Arte, Italy 1970s cm. 20x3x20 Vey good condition.
Murano Glass
1950 Fontana Arte Italian Design Midcentury Glass Ashtray Bowl
By Fontana Arte
Located in Brescia, IT
Ashtray by Fontana arte Italy, 1950s Glass in perfect condiction
Glass
Sold
H 1.58 in W 7.09 in D 7.09 in
Octagonal Green Centrepiece / Vide Poche by Fontana Arte, Italy, 1950s
By Fontana Arte
Located in London, GB
Beautiful and unique octagonal centrepiece or vide poche signed Fontana Arte. Green Art Glass. A remarkable piece for a study or living room. Signed FX Italy 1950s.
Art Glass
Sold
H 23.23 in Dm 8.27 in
Italian Mid-Century Floor Standing Glass Ashtray with Steel Base by Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Gorgeous floor standing ashtray made of strong heavy stainless steel base and beautiful crystal cut glass bowl. The hand-crafted crystal bowl i...
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 1.19 in W 7.88 in D 7.88 in
Ashtray Emerald Green Glass by Pietro Chiesa Fon Fontana Arte, Italy, 1970s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Rome, IT
Ashtry or vide-poche in green glass with chiseled edge by Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte. Made in Italy in the 1960s.
Crystal
Vintage Crystal Ashtrays by Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte
Located in Milano, IT
Wonderful pair of crystal ashtrays or pocket emptiers produced by Italian manufacture Fontana Arte in the 1960s. The ashtrays are square and have a central basin, useful for placing...
Crystal