Domenico “Ico” Parisi was one half of a prolific postwar design duo he comprised with his wife, Luisa. Their furniture designs are known for running the stylistic gamut, with celebrated mid-century modern pieces ranging from elegantly skeletal — like dramatic ebonized dining chairs — to plush and shapely, like the iconic 1951 Egg chair, in a plethora of materials.
The son of an art teacher father, Ico Parisi was exposed to art at an early age. Born in 1916 in the Sicilian capital of Palermo, he and his family moved to Como in 1925. There, the young Parisi would begin to develop his interest in architecture and design. After earning a degree as a building inspector in 1936 and working as a civil engineer, Parisi took on an apprenticeship in the studio of Giuseppe Terragni, the modernist, fascist Italian architect, pioneer of the Rationalist movement and creator of the iconic Casa del Fascio.
While working for Terragni, Parisi crossed paths with such contemporary design talents as Lucio Fontana, Bruno Munari and Pietro Lingeri, though he briefly moved away from design and architecture to explore photography and film. His artistic work would soon be interrupted, however, by the outbreak of World War II, during which he served at the front before returning to Como in 1943. There, he resumed work as a designer and architect, founding two architecture groups: the Alta Quota and the Gruppo Como.
Through his creative circles, Parisi met Luisa Aiani, a former student of the prolific architect and furniture designer Gio Ponti, who was affiliated with the Alta Quota. They married in 1947 and founded the studio La Ruota — a cross between a design firm and an intellectual salon — in Como shortly thereafter. In 1950, Parisi finally completed his architectural schooling, studying under the nationalist architect Alberto Sartoris at the Athenaeum Architecture School in Lausanne, Switzerland. He and Aiani began several decades of sophisticated output, designing curved sofas upholstered in yellow velvet and armchairs with slender mahogany frames for enduring Italian manufacturers such as Cassina and others.
Much like Charles and Ray Eames in America, the Parisis worked as a team and relied on experimentation in style and material for many of their designs. Ico Parisi died in Como in 1996.
Find a collection of vintage Ico Parisi coffee tables, dining chairs and more on 1stDibs.
Ico Parisi Mid-Century Modern Italian Corner Sofa for Ariberto Colombo, 1950s
By Ico Parisi, Ariberto Colombo
Located in Puglia, Puglia
L corner sofa designed by Ico Parisi for Ariberto Colombo Cantù. The sofa, as shown in the photo, is L-shaped, has a depth of 165cm and a length of 240cm...
Fabric, Beech
20th Century, Ico Parisi for Cassina Sofa mod. 865
By Ico Parisi, Cassina
Located in Turin, Turin
Ico Parisi was an Italian architect and designer, born in Palermo in 1916. His activity, marked by continuous experimentation, consists in an incessant research in the fields of arch...
Metal
Curved Italian Sofa by Ico Parisi, Burnt Orange Mohair, Mid-Century
By Ico Parisi
Located in Hudson, NY
A curved Italian sofa by Ico Parisi. Gorgeous freshly upholstered burnt orange mohair fabric. Petite chic wooden legs. Stylish and timeless addition to any room.
Velvet
20th Century, Ico Parisi for Cassina Blue Velvet Sofa mod. 975
By Ico Parisi, Cassina
Located in Turin, Turin
Ico Parisi was an Italian architect and designer, born in Palermo in 1916. His activity, marked by continuous experimentation, consists in an incessant research in the fields of arch...
Steel
$14,519Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Italian Red Sofa by Ico Parisi for Cassina Mod. 875, Published
By Cassina, Ico Parisi
Located in Milano, IT
Rare four-seater sofa by Ico Parisi for Cassina model 875 of the 60s. The structure is metal, and the cover is red cotton fabric. The sofa through the clean lines and defined very ri...
Steel
Ico Parisi sofa, model 875 in steel and upholstered fabric
By Ico Parisi
Located in Milano, IT
COD-2183 Ico Parisi (1916-1996) Rare model 875 sofa in steel and upholstered fabric. Cassina 1960 manufacturing. Bibliography: R. Lietti, Ico Parisi. Design. Catalog raisonné 1936...
Steel
Ico Parisi Curved Back Sofa Manufactured by Ariberto Colombo
By Ico Parisi
Located in North Miami, FL
As documented by Phillips Auction House - Design Masters Sale on December 17, 2014. Very sculptural details and perfectly restored to its original glo...
Chenille, Wood
Big Ico Parisi for Cassina, Italian Midcentury, "Model 865" Sofa, 1955
By Cassina, Ico Parisi
Located in Rovereta, Repubblica di San Marino
Big Ico Parisi for Cassina, Italian midcentury, "Model 865" sofa, 1955.
Steel
Ico & Luisa Parisi Large Italian mid-century sofa model 869, walnut, cream white
By Ico Parisi
Located in Barcelona, ES
Ico Parisi (1916–1996). Sofa model "869." Manufactured by Figli di Amadeo de Cassina. Italy, 1960. Walnut wood and upholstery. Large Sofa 3/4 place designed with walnut wooden legs ...
Upholstery, Walnut
$27,200Sale Price|20% Off
Ico Parisi Sofa Model 865
By Ico Parisi, Cassina
Located in New York, NY
Ico Parisi Sofa Model 865. Enameled metal and upholstery. Manufacture: Figli di Amedeo Cassina Lit: Roberta Lietti: Ico Parisi Design - Catalogue R...
Metal
Leather Sofa Model 919 by Ico Parisi for Cassina, Italy, 1960s
By Cassina, Ico Parisi
Located in Milan, IT
Scarce leather sofa model 919 by Ico Parisi for Cassina. The piece was manufactured by Cassina upon commission for interiors projects by Ico Parisi. Sold together with a certificate ...
Leather
Sofa in Grey-Green, Model '875', Ico Parisi, 1960
By Cassina, Ico Parisi
Located in Berlin, DE
This minimalistic and elegant three-seater sofa has a matt chromed metal structure and new upholstery and cover. The cover is made of 100% wool in a cool grayish green. Excellent con...
Metal, Chrome
$10,688
H 36.23 in W 114.18 in D 35.44 in
Ico Parisi Curved fabric sofa with brass legs by Isa Bergamo, Italy, 1950s
By Ico Parisi, ISA Bergamo
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
Curved fabric sofa with brass legs, designed by Ico Parisi, manufactured by Isa Bergamo. This sofa, designed by Ico Parisi, epitomizes the finest stylistic research of the 1950s. It...
Brass
Sold|$1,450
H 37 in W 17.25 in D 19 in
Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Desk Chair by Ariberto Colombo for Ico Parisi
By Ariberto Colombo, Ico Parisi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Beech, Wood, Foam, Mohair, Fabric
Curved Sofa by Frederico Munari Italy, 1960's
By Federico Munari
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
A stunning and lovely curved Italian sofa by Federico Munari, original from the 50's. This amazing sofa has a deep, highly comfortable seat and a gracefully sloping back. The or...
Metal
Italian Modern Curved Sculptural Loveseat or Sofa
By Ico Parisi, ISA Bergamo, Federico Munari, Paolo Buffa, Gio Ponti
Located in Houston, TX
Italian Modern curved sculptural loveseat or sofa. This stunning Italian Federico Munari inspired postmodern sofa, chaise or loveseat has interesti...
Stainless Steel
Curved sofa by Federico Munari, Italy
By Federico Munari
Located in Tourinnes-la-Grosse (Beauvechain), BE
Beautiful curved Federico Munari sofa, in blue velvet. Iconic piece of Italian design.
Brass
$4,263 / set
H 37.01 in W 17.33 in D 17.33 in
Set of 6 chairs by Ico Parisi for Ariberto Colombo, 1950.
By Ico Parisi, Ariberto Colombo
Located in MADRID, ES
Set of 6 chairs by Ico Parisi for Ariberto Colombo, 1950. Ico Parisi was an architect, designer, and photographer. He was born in Palermo and later moved to Como, where he trained a...
Wood
Modular Sofa and Ottomans for Cassina
By Cassina
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Fully upholstered modular seating system with slab sides, tight seats, and ‘saddle bag’ style back and end cushions. Labeled Cassina under the seats on its metal frame as well as lab...
Metal
$4,081Sale Price|20% Off
H 25.99 in W 86.62 in D 30.32 in
Afra and Tobia Scarpa Mod. "920" Dark Blue 3 Seats Sofa for Cassina, Italy '70
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Sacile, PN
Afra and Tobia Scarpa mod. "920" dark blue fabric three-seats sofa manufactured by Cassina, Italy '70.Good Vintage condition. Set of 2 armchairs available. References: G. Gram...
Wood, Fabric
1950s Italian Curved Sofa
Located in London, London
Italian Curved Sofa, 1950s A refined expression of mid-century Italian design, this sculptural two-seat sofa dates to the 1950s and offers a striking silhouette—low, elegant, and ge...
Fabric
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Sofa for Cassina, Green Velvet
By Cassina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” sofa for Cassina, green velvet, Italy Although technically designed in the 1960s, the "Soriana" model by the Italian duo Tobia and Afra Scarpa is firm...
Stainless Steel
Corner Sofa Blond Wood and Fabric, Italy, 1950's
By Ico Parisi
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Corner sofa in blond wood and fabric,, Italy, 1950's What stands out most in this low corner bench are the recesses in the framework and the 9 straight, tapered, squared stiletto legs that are so typical for that period in Italy. As you can see the backrest is optional and was probably designed later to give it some extra comfort. Back in the days these sofas were mostly used for very practical purposes like a quick coffee or pasta. This sofa would work very well in a corner of course but strangely enough this rectangular sofa also works very well in the middle of a room for example with a round table and two chairs...
Fabric, Wood
$19,000
H 25.6 in W 98.43 in D 39.38 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Soriana” Sofa for Cassina, Burgundy Velvet, 1969
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Soriana" Sofa for Cassina, Burgundy Velvet, Italy, 1969. Although technically designed in the 1960s, the "Soriana" model by the Italian duo Tobia and Afra Scarp...
Velvet
Ico Parisi for Cassina, Italian Midcentury, "Model 865" Sofa, 1955
By Ico Parisi, Cassina
Located in Rovereta, Repubblica di San Marino
Ico Parisi for Cassina, Italian midcentury, "Model 865" sofa, 1955.
Steel
Ico Parisi Curved Sofa
By Ico Parisi
Located in Red Lion, PA
Italian mid-century curve sofa by Ico Parisi with tapered wooden legs Italy Circa 1951
Fabric, Wood
Vintage Large Beige Sofa attr. to Ico Parisi, Italy
By Ico Parisi
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1950s. A model like this one but with different feet has been published on a catalogue. This sofa is upholstered in beige fabric, which makes it ready to be covered w...
Metal
Ico Parisi '869' Sofa for Cassina, 1960s
By Ico Parisi, Cassina
Located in Milano, IT
1960s sofa model 869 designed by Ico Parisi and produced by Figli di Amedeo Cassina.
Fabric
Sold
H 33.47 in W 90.56 in D 33.47 in
Curved Sofa by Ico Parisi in Newly Upholstered Teddy Fabric, Italy 1950s
By Ico Parisi
Located in Almelo, NL
Curved sofa by Ico Parisi in newly upholstered teddy fabric, Italy 1950s Italian 1950s curved sofa, attributed to Ico Parisi .(also sometimes attributed to Federico Munari). This...
Fabric, Beech
Sold
H 34.26 in W 76.78 in D 41.74 in
Ico Parisi Mid-Century Modern Two Armchairs and Curved Sofa for Ariberto Colombo
By Ariberto Colombo, Ico Parisi
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Two iconic armchairs and three-seater sofa designed by Ico Parisi for Ariberto Colombo Cantu. Very elegant and comfortable, with velvet upholstery, a new upholstery is recommended ...
Velvet, Beech
Sold
H 31.5 in W 81.5 in D 40.16 in
Ico Parisi Mid-Century Modern Italian Curved Sofa for Ariberto Colombo, 50s
By Ariberto Colombo, Ico Parisi
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Three seater sofa designed by Ico Parisi for Ariberto Colombo Cantu, 1950s production. Very elegant and comfortable, upholstery and cushions to be redone.
Velvet, Beech
Pair of Sculptural Two Seat Sofas by Parisi
By Ico Parisi
Located in Kent, Dover
A pair of elegant two seat, sculptural sofas by Ico Parisi. On turned fruit wood legs, with symmetrical curved backs, newly upholstered in a Giorgio Armani navy blue wool twill, with...
Beech
Vintage Beige Large Sofa by Ico Parisi, Italy
By Ico Parisi
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1950s. A model like this one but with different feet has been published on a catalogue. This sofa is upholstered in beige fabric, which makes it ready to be covered...
Metal
Sold
H 35.44 in W 106.3 in D 44.49 in
Ico Parisi Mid-Century Modern Four Armchairs and Sofa for Ariberto Colombo, 50s
By Ico Parisi, Ariberto Colombo
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Four iconic armchairs and four-seater sofa designed by Ico Parisi for Ariberto Colombo Cantu. Very elegant and comfortable, with upholstery redone twenty years ago but in good condi...
Fabric, Beech
Mid-Century Italian Sofa by Ico Parisi, 1950s
By Ico Parisi
Located in Antwerp, Antwerp
Large Italian curved four-seater sofa composed of six splayed polished legs, large wing shaped arms and a curved high back, in the style of Ico Parisi. Upholstered in beige fabric. ...
Brass
Small Curved Ico Parisi Sofa circa 1950 Italy
By ISA Bergamo, Ico Parisi
Located in London, GB
Original 1950s curved sofa by Isa Bergamo from 1950s, Italy. Style of Ico Parisi or Munari. Similar to Gio Ponti ISA sofas. Re upholstered in an o...
Brass