Gaetano Pesce, Nobody's Perfect Zerodesegno Dining Table, Multicolor Resin
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare and exceptional Gaetano Pesce Nobody's Perfect Zerodesegno dining table.
Resin
Gaetano Pesce "Nobody's Perfect" Chair, Zerodisegno
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in PARIS, FR
Nobody's perfect chair Gaetano Pesce, Zerodisegno / Italy Mark: Zerodisegno / Gaetano Pesce Signed and dated: 27. 11. 09 UNIQUE PIECE.
Epoxy Resin
Gaetano Pesce "Nobody's Perfect" chair for Zerodisegno
By Zerodisegno, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Rotterdam, ZH
“Nobody’s Perfect” chair by Gaetano Pesce (La Spezia 1939 – New York 2024) for Zerodisegno, Italy, 2005.
Resin
" Nobody's King" Gaetano Pesce, Nobody's perfect serie, Zerodisegno
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in PARIS, FR
The King armchair by Gaetano Pesce, 2003, made by Zerodisegno, is part of the "Nobody's Perfect" collection made by Gaetano Pesce for Zerodisegno, stamped and dated by hand in the re...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Nobody’s perfect chair Zerodesigno Italy 2007
By Zerodisegno, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
This rare and one-of-a-kind “Nobody’s Perfect” chair, designed by Gaetano Pesce and manufactured by Zerodesigno, Italy, in 2007, is a striking example of postmodern functional art.
Resin
$8,199Sale Price|20% Off
Gaetano Pesce Nobody's Perfect Small Chair in Red Resin by Zerodisegno 2000s
By Zerodisegno, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Small chair in red and black resin from the Nobody's Perfect series designed by Gaetano Pesce and produced by Zerodisegno 2002.
Resin
Nobody's Perfect table, Gaetano Pesce, Zerodisegno, 2003
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in PARIS, FR
Nobody’s Perfect table by Gaetano Pesce - Zerodisegno Unique resin work signed and dates 02 . 11 . 03 Perfect condition
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Armchair - Nobody's Perfect - Collection , Zerodisegno, 2000's
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in PARIS, FR
Nobody's perfect chair by Gaetano Pesce, Zerodisegno / Italy, 2003 Mark: Zerodisegno / Gaetano Pesce, 2003 Signed and dated 19 05 03 UNIQUE PIECE.
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Armchair - Nobody's Perfect - Collection , Zerodisegno, 2000's
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in PARIS, FR
Nobody's perfect chair by Gaetano Pesce, Zerodisegno / Italy, 2003 Mark: Zerodisegno / Gaetano Pesce, 2003 Signed and dated 19 05 03 UNIQUE PIECE.
Resin
"Italia" stackable tables, Nobody's perfect, Gaetano Pesce Zerodisegno, 2003
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in PARIS, FR
3 stacakable tables, Nobody's perfect Gaetano Pesce Zerodisegno, 2003 The tables can be used individually or stacked to create a modular shelving unit / When stacked all column is ...
Resin
side table Nobody's Perfect by Gaetano Pesce, Zerodisegno, 2000s
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in PARIS, FR
Table from the Nobody’s Perfect series, 2005 ZeroDisegno Table in polyurethane resin and molded plastic tinted orange and red throughout Signed dated and numbered ( cf photos ) Also ...
Resin
$12,299Sale Price|20% Off
Gaetano Pesce The Faces Chair from Nobody's Perfect series by Zerodisegno 2005
By Gaetano Pesce, Zerodisegno
Located in Cascina, Pisa
The Faces chair from the Nobody's Perfect series is in resin with plastic pegs, designed by Gaetano Pesce and produced by Zerodisegno 2005.
Resin, Plastic
Gaetano Pesce "Nobody's Perfect" Chair
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in New York, NY
Classic Pesce form with an unusual Etro green paisley design. Made from painted resin. Each chair is different. Part of a small collection made using Etro fabric. Signed Gaetano Pes...
Gaetano Pesce Nobody's Guard Red
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Naples, FL
A rare totemic shelf with mirror from Gaetano Pesce's "Nobody's Perfect" series for Zerodisegno in 2003.
Resin
"Nobody's Perfect" Bookcase by Gaetano Pesce
By Zerodisegno, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Fuveau, Provence
"Nobody's Perfect" bookcase by Gaetano Pesce. Manufactured in 2003 by Zerodesign, Italy.
Resin
Invitation to "Nobody's Perfect" by Gaetano Pesce, 9 April 2002
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Strictly personal invitation to "Nobody's Perfect" By Gaetano Pesce for Carlo Poggio and Zerodisegno opening at galleria Nilufar Milan, Italy, 9 April 2002.
Gaetano Pesce 'Nobody's Perfect' Sideboard
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gaetano Pesce 'Nobody's Perfect' Sideboard
Metal, Steel
Gaetano Pesce 'Nobody's Perfect' Sideboard
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gaetano Pesce 'Nobody's Perfect' red and yellow sideboard.
Metal, Steel
Gaetano Pesce, Nobody's Perfect Zerodesegno Dining Table
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare and exceptional Gaetano Pesce Nobody's Perfect Zerodesegno dining table.
Resin
Gaetano Pesce "Nobody's Perfect" Chair
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in PARIS, FR
Nobody's perfect chair, designed by Gaetano Pesce, for Zerodisegno / Italy, 2009, polyurethane.
Epoxy Resin
Sold
H 53.5 in W 83 in D 20 in
Gaetano Pesce Nobody's Perfect Multi-Color Resin Sideboard, Zero Disegno
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare and fine Gaetano Pesce sideboard signed and dated May 5, 2002 from the "Nobody's Perfect" collection for Quattrocchio S.r.l., Italy, which engineered and produced it for 9 years...
Resin
Sold
H 35.44 in W 19.69 in D 16.93 in
Gaetano Pesce Chair - Nobody's Perfect - Collection , Zerodisegno, 2002
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in PARIS, FR
Nobody's perfect chair by Gaetano Pesce, Zerodisegno / Italy, 2002 Mark: Zerodisegno / Gaetano Pesce, 2002 Marked GAETANO PESCE - ZERODISEGNO Dated 12 / 04 / 02 UNIQUE PIECE.
Resin
Sold
H 36.62 in W 18.9 in D 16.93 in
Gaetano Pesce Chair - Nobody's Perfect - Collection , Zerodisegno, 2003
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in PARIS, FR
Nobody's perfect chair by Gaetano Pesce, Zerodisegno / Italy, 2003 Mark: Zerodisegno / Gaetano Pesce, 2003 Signed and dated UNIQUE PIECE.
Resin
Sold
H 36.23 in W 18.9 in D 16.93 in
Gaetano Pesce Chair - Nobody's Perfect - Collection , Zerodisegno, 2003
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in PARIS, FR
Nobody's perfect chair by Gaetano Pesce, Zerodisegno / Italy, 2003 Mark: Zerodisegno / Gaetano Pesce, 2003 Signed and dated UNIQUE PIECE.
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Chair 'Nobody's Perfect' Collection for Zerodisegno
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Sofia, BG
Nobody's armchair, designed by Gaetano Pesce, for Zerodisegno / Italy, 2008, polyurethane. Embossed mark: Zerodisegno / Gaetano Pesce, stamp: 034, signed and dated: 16.06.08. Measure...
"Nobody's Perfect" Bookcase by Gaetano Pesce, Italy, 2003
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Paris, FR
Library or bookcase of the Nobody's perfect series in resin by Gaetano Pesce.
Resin
Gaetano Pesce For Zerodisegno Nobody's Perfect Buffet Cabinet
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Pasadena, TX
A mid century modern sideboard or cabinet designed by Gaetano Pesce for Zerodesegno. Handmade of Pesce's famous multi-colored resin this piece is unique aand was made April 14, 2002.
Plastic
Gaetano Pesce For Zerodisegno Nobody's Perfect Buffet Cabinet
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Pasadena, TX
A mid century modern sideboard or cabinet designed by Gaetano Pesce for Zerodesegno. Handmade of Pesce's famous multi-colored resin this buffet is pink and yellow. It is a unique pie...
Resin
Nobody's Perfect chair by Gaetano Pesce for Zerodisegno
By Zerodisegno, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Rivoli, IT
Beautiful small chair made by Gaetano Pesce for Zerodiegno in 2003. Decorated in shades of white, red and silver, it lends a touch of elegance to the room in which it is placed. Usab...
Resin
Nobody's Perfect chair by Gaetano Pesce for Zerodisegno
By Zerodisegno, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Rivoli, IT
Beautiful small chair made by Gaetano Pesce for Zerodiegno in 2003. Decorated in shades of white, red and silver, it lends a touch of elegance to the room in which it is placed. Usab...
Resin
Sold
H 33.47 in W 19.89 in D 18.12 in
Gaetano Pesce Multicolored Armchair from Nobody's Perfect Series Zerodisegno
By Zerodisegno, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Armchair in colored polyurethane resin from the 'Nobody's perfect' collection, designed by Gaetano Pesce and executed by Zerodisegno in 2003.
Resin
Sold
H 35.44 in W 16.54 in D 16.15 in
"Nobody's Perfect" Chair in Resin by Gaetano Pesce for Zerodisegno, Italy 2010
By Zerodisegno, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Hellouw, NL
Design This "Nobody's Perfect" side chair, designed by Pesce in 2010 and produced by Zerodisegno, is a striking representation of his design ethos.
Resin
Gaetano Pesce For Zerodisegno Nobody's Perfect Buffet Cabinet
Located in Pasadena, TX
A mid century modern sideboard or cabinet designed by Gaetano Pesce for Zerodesegno. Handmade of Pesce's famous multi-colored resin this buffet is especially vibrant.
Gaetano Pesce For Zerodisegno Nobody's Perfect Resin Buffet
Located in Pasadena, TX
A mid century modern sideboard or cabinet designed by Gaetano Pesce for Zerodesegno. Handmade of Pesce's famous multi-colored resin this buffet is red and yellow. It is a unique pie...
Plastic
Sold
H 35.44 in W 20.48 in D 19.69 in
Gaetano Pesce armchair - Nobody's Perfect - Collection , Zerodisegno, 2000's
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in PARIS, FR
Nobody's perfect chair by Gaetano Pesce, Zerodisegno / Italy, 2009 Mark: Zerodisegno / Gaetano Pesce, 2009 Signed and dated UNIQUE PIECE.
Resin
Sold
H 35.44 in W 16.54 in D 16.15 in
"Nobody's Perfect" Chair by Gaetano Pesce X Etro for Zerodisegno, Italy 2003
By Zerodisegno, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Hellouw, NL
His "Nobody's Perfect" series embodies this philosophy, embracing imperfections to create one-of-a-kind pieces that highlight individuality.This side chair, part of the "Nobody’s Per...
Resin
Sold
H 35.44 in W 16.54 in D 16.15 in
Two Side Chairs from the “Nobody’s Perfect” Series by Gaetano Pesce, Italy 2000s
By Zerodisegno, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Hellouw, NL
The "Nobody's Perfect" side chairs, designed by Pesce in 2005 and produced by Zero Disegno, are a striking representation of his design ethos.
Resin
Gaetano Pesce "Nobody's Perfect" Chair
Located in New York, NY
Blue and Yellow face chair from Gaetano Pesce
Resin
Nobody's Perfect Chair by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Winnetka, IL
Side chair by the Italian architect and designer Gaetano PESCE (b. 1939) Named "Nobody's Perfect" to reflect Pesce's belief in the impossibility of perfect design.
"Nobody's Perfect" Chair by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in New York, NY
Each one of these chairs is unique and come with a "Birth Certificate". Gaetano Pesce blends art and function with these unusual chairs. Other colors are available.
Resin
'NOBODY'S PERFECT' SIDE TABLE BY GAETANO PESCE
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A LOW ROUND TABLE
Gaetano Pesce, Armchair & Table from 'Nobody’s Perfect' Series
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in PARIS, FR
Gaetano Pesce (Born 1939) 'Nobody's Perfect' armchair and table, 2003 and 2005 ZeroDisegno editor Unique armchair in polyurethane resin and molded plastic tinted orange and re...
Resin, Plastic
Side Table Designed by Gaetano Pesce, Fish Design Collection
Located in Madrid, ES
Pesce side table, fish model, designed by gaetano pesce, developed by corsi factory Fish it is a celebration of gaetano pesce’s boundless creativity, a master at blurring the lines ...
Metal
Side Table Designed by Gaetano Pesce, Fish Design Collection
Located in Madrid, ES
Pesce side table, fish model, designed by gaetano pesce, developed by corsi factory Fish it is a celebration of gaetano pesce’s boundless creativity, a master at blurring the lines ...
Metal
Tavolino serie Triple Play, Gaetano Pesce, Fish Design 2018
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Rivoli, IT
Bellissimo tavolino della serie Triple Play di Gaetano Pesce, produzione Fish Design, n. 19/2018
Resin
$1,370 / set
H 14.57 in Dm 11.82 in
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Set of 3 Triple Play Coffee Table L Red Blue Yellow
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Triple Play coffee table - Red, blue and yellow Set of 3 tables in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection Colours: Red, blue, yellow Dimensions for ...
Resin
$11,423 / item
H 51.19 in W 28.75 in D 25.99 in
Gaetano Pesce Feltri Felt Armchair for Cassina, Wool Upholstery, Italy
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Gaetano Pesce Feltri Felt Chair For Cassina Crafted using a patented Cassina production technique, Feltri is a symbol of cutting-edge design, the result of representational research...
Polyester
High XL Triple Play Side Table By Gaetano Pesce #3
By Corsi Design Factory
Located in Milan, IT
Side table in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection.
Resin
$2,695
H 28.75 in W 70.87 in D 35.44 in
Ettore Sottsass Post Modern Laminate Alicudi Dining Table for Zanotta Italy 1990
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Conversano, IT
Designed by Ettore Sottsass and produced by Zanotta in the early 1990s, the Alicudi table represents one of the most refined expressions of the master’s exploration of color, form, a...
Laminate, Wood, Cherry
$3,627
H 20.48 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
"Triple Play" Side Table by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design, Italy 2017
By Fish Design, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Hellouw, NL
Gaetano Pesce, an influential Italian designer, was known for pushing boundaries in furniture design. His work combined art and function, often reflecting his bold approach to form a...
Resin
Colored Round Side Table by Gaetano Pesce, Fish Design Collection
Located in Madrid, ES
Pesce side table, fish model, designed by gaetano pesce, developed by corsi factory. Fish it is a celebration of gaetano pesce’s boundless creativity, a master at blurring the lines...
Metal
$3,986
H 29.53 in W 27.56 in D 23.63 in
Multicolored 'Glass' Armchair by Anacleto Spazzapan Series 'Fabric' 2000s
By Anacleto Spazzapan
Located in Milano, IT
Armchair designed and made by Anacleto Spazzapan by welding an iron rod subsequently embellished with multicolored fabric applied by means of the flake technique. Seat bearing the ar...
Fabric
Gaetano Pesce Chair for Cassina 1980 80s
By Cassina, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Gaetano Pesce chair for Cassina. Model: Dalila Due Plastic painted in dark red. Rare chair in the style of Gaetano Pesce 's Radicale era. It's dark and decadent.
Plastic
Meritalia Senzafine Chair, Senza Blue by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
The "Endless" Chair. Colourful tangles that give life to a geometric and dynamic seat. A series of joyfully inconsistent seats designed by Gaetano Pesce, and a manifesto of Meritalia...
Plastic
$2,100Sale Price|50% Off
H 34 in W 58 in D 48 in
Drip Paint Saw Horse Table in the Style of Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic table in the style of Gaetano Pesce. Wood saw house table with horizontal slats and folding metal legs. Entire table frame and legs covered in drip paint. Super cool piece ...
Metal
Collectible Armchair Design Umberto Mascagni, 1960s
By Umberto Mascagni
Located in taranto, IT
Splendid original collector's chair from the 1960s, designed by umberto mascagni and made, as per tradition, with a wood and metal structure and sand beige skay upholstery, with an e...
Metal
$3,481Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 15.16 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Gaetano Pesce Set of Three Nesting Play Tables in Resin by Fish Design 1999
By Gaetano Pesce, Fish Design
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Set of three nesting tables with structure in steel, feet, and table tops in resin, designed by Gaetano Pesce and produced by Fish Design in 1999. Dimensions: Blue; H38,5 x 40 x 40...
Steel
Triple Play XL Medium Side Table by Gaetano Pesce
By Corsi Design Factory
Located in Milan, IT
The Triple Play XL medium side table by Gaetano Pesce features a striking circular top with vibrant clear orange, light blue, and dark ruby hues. Measuring 40 cm in diameter and 45 c...
Resin
Mid-Century Sputnik Italian chandelier
By Mazzega
Located in Budapest, HU
Sputnik space age Italian vintage crystal chandelier made by 51 multicolored glasses in a burnished brass metal frame. Elegant lighting object. Period: late XX century Dimensions: 39...
Murano Glass
Cesare Toso Murano Glass Grape Vine Chandelier (x2)
Located in Hanover, MA
1960’s Italian chandelier by Cesare Toso in the form of grape vines with handmade colored glass grapes and leaves on a scaffold of green enameled iron and wire tendrils. Five bunches...
Iron
$2,121 / item
H 4.1 in W 5.3 in D 7.7 in
Hans-Agne Jakobsson 'Mini-Tratten' Verdigris Patinated Outdoor Sconce for Örsjö
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans-Agne Jakobsson 'Mini-Tratten' verdigris patinated outdoor sconce for Örsjö. Pair of Hans-Agne Jakobsson 'Mini-Tratten' Verdigris patinated outdoor sconces for Örsjö. An excl...
Metal
$2,860 / item
H 29.93 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in
Ethnic Straw Armchair by +55design Brazilian Design with Indigenous Craft
By Neca Abrantes
Located in Jardim America, SP
This rotating armchair by Neca Abrantes is a striking fusion of contemporary Brazilian design and indigenous handcrafted traditions. Known for her deep passion for native craftsmansh...
Straw
$6,500 / item
H 14 in W 36 in D 20 in
Modern Oval Coffee Table in Oak Wood Cylinder Base and Glass by Ercole Home
By Ercole Home
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Palazzo oval coffee table with green and ivory glass sits on 2 Rift White Oak Wood pedestals by Ercole Home. This new bespoke coffee table design by Ercole Home is available today fo...
Art Glass, Cut Glass, Oak
$1,650 / item
H 16.1 in Dm 11.5 in
'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö
By Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Los Angeles, CA
'Plissé White Edition' pleated textile table lamp by Folkform for Örsjö. This unique table lamp was awarded “Lighting of the Year 2022” by Residence Magazine Sweden, who called it “...
Textile
$1,295
H 31 in W 12 in D 12 in
Mid Century Modern Danish Stained Glass Triple Pendant Chandelier C1955
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Very special and rare stained glass triple pendant lamp from Denmark. Three stained glass leaded 4 sided shades with independent chains suspending the fixtures shades at different he...
Metal, Lead
$8,700Sale Price|40% Off
H 80.5 in W 38.5 in D 0.25 in
Brutalist Aluminum Door in Antique Bronze Finish
By Billy Joe Mccarroll and David Gillespe
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Brutalist cast aluminum door in antique bronze finish in the style of Billy Joe Mccarrol and David Gillespie or Paul Evans. This is just the panel that can be cut / modified to be at...
Aluminum
1958 Danish Teak Royal Cado Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Highly versatile and functional Cado wall unit in walnut by Danish designer Poul Cadovius. We currently have many different Cado pieces in stock and can customize your order to incl...
Teak
Gaetano Pesce Chador Table Lamp From The Open Sky Series
By Fish Design, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Kansas City, MO
Multicolored Chador Table Lamp From The Open Sky Series designed by Gaetano Pesce. Made of Resin, very sturdy. The Open Sky series was produced in a very limited edition for Fish De...
Resin
$319 / item
H 8.86 in Dm 5.32 in
Established & Sons GELATO Glass Table Lamp in Rose Finish by Carlo Nason
By Established & Sons, Carlo Nason
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Originally designed in the 1960s as a wired table lamp, Carlo Nason and Established & Sons have redeveloped Gelato into a portable glass lamp, bringing the Italian designer’s art...
Aluminum
Tiled Mirror
By Project 213A
Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT
TILED MIRROR, designed in 2025. This mirror is crafted with hand-built tiles that are available in customer's own choice of glaze. Crafted by skilled artisans in Northern Portugal....
Ceramic, Mirror, Walnut
Unavailable|$100,000
H 25.6 in W 137.8 in D 74.81 in
Monumental “Boa” Sofa by Fernando and Humberto Campana — Brazil, 2002
By Fernando and Humberto Campana
Located in São Paulo, SP
A striking icon of contemporary Brazilian design, the “Boa” sofa, created by celebrated designers Fernando and Humberto Campana in 2002, stands as a bold testament to the Campana Bro...
Velvet
Mid 18th Century Antique Brown Floral English Axminster Rug, 1760
Located in New York, NY
Antique Brown Floral English Axminster Rug Made in Axminster, Devon, Great Britain, circa 1760 (George III) Provenance: Baron Guy de Rothschild 29' 10" x 17' 11" (909.32 x 546.10 cm)
Wool
19th Century Beige and Pink Floral Design English Axminster Rug
Located in New York, NY
Beige and Pink Floral Design English Axminster Rug Made in England, circa 1800 Set on a soft cream ground, the design centers on a richly detailed polychrome floral bouquet. It is e...
Wool
$5,800 / item
H 28.35 in W 32.29 in D 32.29 in
Easychair Vidigal Brazilian Contemporary Handwoven Natural Fiber by Lattoog
Located in Sao Paolo, BR
This armchair is the result of several experiences with hand-woven natural fiber rush. On this armchair project we focused on exploring the in numerous possibilities of contrast and ...
Natural Fiber
Gaetano Pesce was of a generation of Italian architects who in the early 1960s rebelled against the industrial perfection of modernism by conceiving new furniture and objects that were at once expressive and eccentric in form; or you might say they were more like art than functionalist design.
Born in the picturesque coastal Italian city of La Spezia in 1939, Pesce was a precocious talent who could have forged a career as an artist but opted instead to go to Venice to study architecture because, as he has said, it was “the most complex of all the arts.” Rather than having new worlds opened to him at design school, however, Pesce found the rationalist curriculum oppressive in its insistence on standardization and prescribed materials and technologies.
Pesce wanted to explore the latest of both materials and technologies to create objects and buildings never before imagined, with what he called “personalities” that spoke to the issues of the day. He was keen to examine ways to diversify mass production so that each manufactured work could be distinct.
In 1964, Pesce met Cesare Cassina, of the forward-looking furniture company C&B Italia in Milan (now known as B&B Italia), for whom he would create many important designs, beginning with a collection of what he called “transformational furniture” — two chairs and a loveseat — made entirely out of high-density polyurethane foam. To make the pieces easy to ship and cost-efficient, he proposed that after being covered in a stretch jersey, they be put in a vacuum, then heat-sealed flat between vinyl sheets. Once the foam was removed from its packaging, the piece returned to its original shape — hence, the name Up for the series, which debuted in 1969.
In addition to these pieces, Pesce proposed for the collection something he referred to as an “anti-armchair,” which took the shape of a reclining fertility goddess, the iconic Donna.
Producing the piece's complex form turned out to be a technical challenge. Bayer, the foam’s manufacturer, deemed it impossible to accomplish. Pesce persisted and came up with a new procedure, demonstrating not only the designer’s key role in researching the nature and potential of new materials but also his vital importance in “doubting rules.” The Up chair and accompanying ottoman were born, and they were revolutionary in more ways than one.
In the early 1970s, Pesce began exploring one of his key concepts, the idea of the industrial originals. Employing a mold without air holes, and adding a blood-red dye to the polyurethane, he cast a bookcase that resembled a demolished wall, the rough edges of the shelves and posts resulting from fissures in the material made by trapped air.
Through his research into polyurethane, Pesce figured out a way to make a loveseat and armchair using only a simple wood frame and strong canvas covering as a mold. Since the fabric developed random folds during the injection process, the pieces were similar but not identical. Cassina named the suite of furnishings Sit Down and introduced it in 1975. By experimenting with felt soaked in polyurethane and resin, Pesce conceived I Feltri, another collection of armchairs introduced by Cassina in 1987.
Pesce went on to live a life that defied expectation and convention and along the way became one of the most seminal figures in art and design.
Find vintage Gaetano Pesce chairs, sofas, vases and more on 1stDibs.
With its soothing soundscape, the piece pleases the ear as well as the eye.
The off-site collection comprises more than 215,000 pieces.
Over the years, Shuman has filled her Park Avenue penthouse with the Italian designer's radically colorful creations. Here's how it all came to together.