Milanese designer and architect Achille Castiglioni sought to inject personality into all of his work, and found deep inspiration in everyday objects. A legend of Italian mid-century modernism, he created iconic, universally loved table lamps, chairs and other lighting and furniture with his likeminded brothers during the postwar years.
There was the Snoopy lamp, which brings to mind the unmistakable Peanuts character, while the shape of a common street lamp inspired the design behind the Arco floor lamp. Elsewhere, the Toio floor lamp — a provocative fixture in any living room — was made with automotive parts as well as run-of-the-mill recreational gear.
Castiglioni studied the classics at Liceo Classico Giuseppe Parini, art at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera and finally architecture and design at the Polytechnic University of Milan. After graduating in 1944, Castiglioni began working with his brothers Pier Giacomo and Livio at the studio they cofounded with classmate Luigi Caccia Dominioni.
Livio left to pursue lighting design and sound technology, leaving Achille and Pier Giacomo to continue to collaborate on various projects. One such design was the iconic Taraxacum hanging lamp for FLOS which featured a resin “cocoon” created with sprayed plastic polymers that protects its steel core and allows for the diffusion of light.
Castiglioni won Italy’s highest award for industrial design — the Compasso d’Oro — seven times, and the Museum of Modern Art was home to his first individual retrospective in the United States. Castiglioni later taught at the Polytechnic University of Turin and at Polytechnic in Milan.
Castiglioni’s designs remain timeless. Some of them can be found in Tokyo’s Living Design Center Ozone, the Triennale di Milano and the Hangaram Art Museum at the Seoul Arts Center.
Find vintage Achille Castiglioni lighting, seating, tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Vintage Radiophonograph Turntable by Achille & Piegiacomo Castiglioni- 1960s
By Achille Castiglioni
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Radiophonograph Turntable mod. RR126 by Achille & Piegiacomo Castiglioni, realized fro Bionvega. First edition 1964. Plate Garrard 60 Mk II
Metal
1960 Christian Dior Hat
By Christian Dior
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this rare 1960 Christian Dior hat, circa 1960.
Fabric
$224Sale Price|70% Off
H 3.94 in W 8.27 in D 3.55 in
Vintage and Rare 1910 Ford Metal Sculpture on Wooden Base by Ferroantic - 2Y368
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This unique and rare decorative sculpture of a 1910 Ford, crafted from metal with a sturdy wooden base, is a collector’s piece by the Spanish brand Ferroantic. With its detailed craf...
Metal
Vintage Art Deco Large Limoges Porcelain Plate by D.R.B - 2Y445
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This vintage Art Deco large Limoges porcelain plate by D.R.B is a stunning piece that will add elegance to any dining setting or collection. Measuring 12.2 inches (31 cm) in diameter...
Porcelain
Vintage 1940s Copper Bed Warmer by Villedieu, France - 2Y542
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Step back in time with this charming vintage copper bed warmer, handcrafted in Villedieu, France, during the 1940s. Measuring 25.98 inches in height, with a diameter of 8.27 inches a...
Copper
$168Sale Price|55% Off
H 3.15 in Dm 10.24 in
Large Antique Terracotta Pan by La Bourguignonne – Vintage Kitchenware - 2Y289
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This large antique terracotta pan, signed by La Bourguignonne, is a remarkable piece of vintage kitchenware that combines functionality with artistic charm. Perfect for cooking or as...
Terracotta
$520Sale Price|20% Off
H 3 in W 2 in D 0.5 in
Vintage Aztec Inspired Sterling Silver Brooch/Pendant, Mexico, 1960s
By Salvador Teran
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage Aztec god of death Miclantecuhtli inspired pendant/brooch in sterling silver. Marked: FV México, Sterling 925.
Silver
$142Sale Price|55% Off
H 2.37 in W 7.49 in D 3.94 in
Vintage 1950 Tinplate Miniature Tank by Brev S.G.D.G, Made in France - 2Y244
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This vintage 1950 miniature tank is a classic example of French craftsmanship, made by Brev S.G.D.G. The toy is constructed from tinplate and, despite its age, remains in good condit...
Metal
$239Sale Price|60% Off
H 0.4 in Dm 11.82 in
Vintage XXth Century Wall Plate with Copper Reliefs by Sénécal - 2Y285
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This exquisite XXth century wall plate features intricate bas-reliefs crafted from genuine copper, set against a solid wood background. Signed by the renowned French artist Sénécal, ...
Copper
Vintage Art Deco Limoges Porcelain Shallow Dish by D.R.B - 2Y455
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This vintage Art Deco shallow dish by D.R.B from Limoges is an elegant addition to any table setting or collection. Measuring 11 inches (28 cm) in diameter and 2.4 inches (6 cm) in h...
Porcelain
Vintage Silk Scarf by Auguste Renard – Golf Theme - 2Y454
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This vintage silk scarf by Auguste Renard features a charming golf theme, making it a stylish and unique addition to any wardrobe or collection. Measuring 27.6 inches (70 cm) in both...
Silk
$235Sale Price|70% Off
H 1.19 in W 12.6 in D 8.67 in
Vintage Art Deco Oval Platter by Badonviller, "Denise" Model, France - 2Y343
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This charming Art Deco oval platter from the 1920s, crafted by the renowned Badonviller ceramic company in France, features the "Denise" model with a multicolored design and matte fi...
Ceramic
$237Sale Price|65% Off
H 1.58 in Dm 12.21 in
Large Vintage Handcrafted Floral Faience Plate by Boch Holland - 2Y363
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This exquisite large faience plate by Boch Holland for Royal Sphinx showcases a beautifully detailed hand-painted floral design. Crafted with expert skill, the plate embodies traditi...
Faience
Sold
H 28.75 in W 14.57 in D 14.57 in
Vintage Brionvega R126 Radiophonograph by Achille Castiglioni, 1980s
By Achille Castiglioni
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Brionvega RR126 Radiophonograph realized by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni. The RR126 model was designed by the Castiglioni brothersin 1964, commissioned and then subs...
Metal