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.
Achille Castiglioni for Kartell Pair of Space-Age Yellow & Black Plastic Stools
By Achille Castiglioni, Beylerian LTD, Kartell
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed in the 1970s by Achille Castiglioni, this pair of stools features a top-bottom style symmetrical design and is made of bright yellow plastic. They exude fun and joy while re...
Upholstery, Plastic
Rocchetto Stool designed by Achille Castiglioni for Kartell, Italy, 1969
By Achille Castiglioni, Kartell
Located in Milano, IT
Rocchetto Stool designed by Achille Castiglioni for Kartell, Italy, 1969 The Rocchetto stool, designed by Achille Castiglioni and produced by Kartell in 1969, perfectly reflects t...
Plastic
Modern Vintage Red Stool Mezzadro Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni 1950 Italy
By Zanotta, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Vienna, AT
Modern Italian vintage stool Mezzadro by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni 1950s for Zanotta circa 1978. An iconic gorgeous stool from metal and beech in silver, red and brown color tones. This design icon Mezzadro designed 1950s and manufactured circa 1978 is an early example and in good condition with some signs of age and use, like corrosion and minor abrasions. Marked with the company's name underneath the seat. This splashy stool with a tractor seat in fresh red color brings a playful vibe into any interior and opens up your Traditional, Rustic or Contemporary interior. The Mezzadro stool features rural and simple elements and turned into a an iconic design piece, which is represented in many museums and collections. Easy removable seat, support rod from chromed metal and beechwood, all these simple elements forms a timeless and brightly statement piece. We love this stool in particular for its fresh vibe and we love to combine with Traditional desks...
Metal
Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Mezzadro Stool, 1970s
By Achille Castiglioni
Located in London, GB
First designed by brothers Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni designed in 1957, Mezzadro was put into production by Zanotta in 1970 for the exhibition “Shapes and colours in today...
Metal
Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni Mezzadro Stool
By Achille Castiglioni
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
The first model of the stool was presented at the 1954 Milan Triennial. It was presented under the banner of Art and Production.
Chrome, Metal
pink metal & leather 1960/70s occasional stool Sella by Castiglioni for Zanotta
By Zanotta, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Rare occasional stool "sella" designed by Achille Castiglioni in the 1950s. This stool belongs to the 1960/70s production. Leather seat by brooks (old metal label); chrome plated and...
Metal, Steel, Chrome, Iron
Achille Castiglioni "Primate" leather stool for Zanotta Italy, 1970
By Achille Castiglioni
Located in Skokie, IL
Achille Castiglioni "Primate" kneeling stool for Zanotta Italy, 1970 Dimensions: 18 1/2" h x 19.5" w x 31 1/2" d Materials: leather, plastic, chrome-plated steel Condition: Excel...
Stainless Steel
Modern Red Vintage Stool Mezzadro Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni , 1950s
By Zanotta, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern vintage stool Mezzadro by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni 1950s for Zanotta circa 1978. An iconic gorgeous stool from metal and beech in red, silver and bro...
Metal
Italian Space Age Orange Plastic Rocchetto Stools by Castiglioni Kartell, 1970s
By Kartell, Achille Castiglioni
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian space age orange plastic Rocchetto stools by Castiglioni for Kartell, 1970s Pair of Rocchetto stools in bright orange plastic. The structure ha...
Leather, Plastic
$4,224Sale Price / item|20% Off
Zanotta Primate Kneeling Stool in White Leather by Achille Castiglioni
By Zanotta, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Zanotta Primate Kneeling Stool in White Leather by Achille Castiglioni Stiff polyurethane frame. Base in black painted polystyrene. Flexible polyure...
Leather
Set of 4 "Mezzadro Tractor" Stools by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
By Achille Castiglioni, Zanotta
Located in Brussels, BE
Set of 4 "Mezzadro Tractor" stools by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Zanotta, 1970.
Metal
$1,404
H 19.89 in W 17.13 in D 18.9 in
Mezzadro Tractor Stools by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Zanotta, 1970s
By Zanotta, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Mezzadro Tractor Stools by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Zanotta, 1970s Italian design - Seating - Vintage Measures : 43,5x48cm H:50,5cm Materials : Steel - metal - wood M...
Metal, Steel
$1,179 / set
H 28.35 in W 18.12 in D 16.54 in
Italian Space Age Pair of Red Plastic Chairs by Carlo Bartoli for Kartell, 1970s
By Carlo Bartoli, Kartell
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Space Age pair of red plastic chairs by Carlo Bartoli for Kartell, 1970s Pair of chairs with rounded shapes, in red plastic with removable l...
Plastic
$2,992Sale Price / set|23% Off
H 30.32 in W 41.34 in D 22.84 in
Chaise Longue Genni for Zanotta by Gabriele Mucchi 70s
By Gabriele Mucchi, Zanotta
Located in bari, IT
Chaise longue model Genni, design Gabriele Mucchi for Zanotta. Chrome-plated steel frame. Springing on steel spirals. Seat adjustable to two positions. Polyurethane padding. Leather upholstery cushions and armrests. Ottoman measurements W 55 D 43 H 35 cm Founded by Aurelio Zanotta, the company immediately began to involve well-known names in Italian design and architecture in the production process. These included Achille Castiglioni, Gae Aulenti, Marco Zanuso, Ettore Sottsass, Joe Colombo, Alessandro Mendini, Piero Gatti...
Steel
Two 'Nonaro' Stools Azucena 70s-80s
By Azucena
Located in Milano, IT
Pair of enameled metal stools designed by Luigi Caccia Dominioni in the 1960s to welcome visitors to the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana
Metal
$2,123 / set
H 16.93 in Dm 12.01 in
Space Age Vintage Pair Duo Plastic Stools Tabouret Red Green 1970s Italy
Located in Vienna, AT
Space age vintage pair duo stools or tabourets from plastic in the colors fresh green and and light red 1970s Italy. A wonderful pair or duo stools or tabourets from plastic in fresh...
Plastic
$750
H 17 in Dm 16 in
Castiglioni Rochetto White Plastic Stool or Table by Kartell, Italian Midcentury
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Kartell
Located in Chicago, IL
Designed in 1969 by the Castiglioni brothers, the "rochetto", or "spool" stool is a wonderful design. Two identical forms are fastened together giving it the distinctive hourglass sp...
Upholstery, Plastic
$460
H 15.75 in W 13.78 in D 8.67 in
1970s Space Age Stool by Flair in White Plastic and Purple Fabric
By Flair
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
A striking example of European Space Age design, this 1970s stool by Flair balances futuristic form with practical comfort. The molded white plastic base features a distinctive hourg...
Plastic, Fabric
$1,650 / set
H 30 in W 20.5 in D 17 in
Vintage Contemporary Spool Stool by Antonio Citterio for Kartell - a Pair
By Kartell
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Fantastic pair of vintage Contemporary bar stools. Adjustable seat height from 22 to 30. Beautiful floors white with chrome hardware. Marked on the bottom. Acquired from a Palm Beach...
Chrome
Space Age Bar Stools, 1970s
Located in Neuss, NW
Space age bar stools from the 1970s. High-quality frame made of chromed stainless steel. The seats have been reupholstered and covered with a high-...
Stainless Steel, Chrome
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
H 20.75 in W 19.25 in D 20.75 in
Mezzadro Stool by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Zanotta
By Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Centreville, VA
Originally conceived in 1957 for the exhibition “Shapes and Colours in Today’s Homes” at Villa Olmo in Como, the Mezzadro Stool was later brought into production by Zanotta in 1970. ...
Metal
$1,297
H 26.78 in W 16.15 in D 17.72 in
Pair of Postmodern Stools by Anna Casatelli Ferrieri for Kartell, Italy, 1980s
By Anna Castelli Ferrieri, Kartell
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of black and white Postmodern bar or counter stools by the Italian designer Anna Casatelli Ferrieri for Kartell, Italy, circa 1980.
Metal
$438Sale Price / item|35% Off
H 31.11 in W 17.33 in D 17.33 in
Vintage Retro Full Metal Italian 1970's Kartell Bar Stool
By Kartell
Located in Markington, GB
Vintage retro full metal Italian 1970's Kartell bar stool Price and shipping is per stool Measures: Seat height: 66cm, height: 79cm, depth: 44cm,...
Aluminum
Sold
H 16.93 in W 17.33 in D 17.33 in
Stool or Low Table 'Small' by Castiglioni Gaviraghi Lanza for Valenti, 1980s
By Valenti, Lanza, Achille Castiglioni
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
Low table or stool designed by Castiglioni Gaviraghi and Lanza for Valenti & C. Milano in 1982. This beautiful and timeless design piece is made of an unibody molded ABS chassis-a o...
Plastic
Sold
H 16.93 in W 17.33 in D 17.33 in
Pair of Stools 'Small' by Castiglioni Gaviraghi Lanza for Valenti Milano, 1980s
By Valenti, Lanza, Achille Castiglioni
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
Pair of tables or stools designed by Castiglioni Gaviraghi and Lanza for Valenti & C. Milano in 1982. This beautiful and timeless design piece is made of an unibody molded ABS chass...
Plastic
Sold
H 16.93 in W 17.33 in D 17.33 in
Set of Four Stools 'Small' by Castiglioni Gaviraghi Lanza for Valenti, 1980s
By Lanza, Achille Castiglioni
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
Step into the world of Space Age Furniture Design with this exceptional set of four 'Small' stools, designed by Castiglioni Gaviraghi, and Lanza for Valenti & C. Milano in 1982. Thes...
Plastic
Sold
H 16.93 in W 17.33 in D 17.33 in
Vintage Stool 'Small' by Castiglioni Gaviraghi Lanza for Valenti Milano, 1980s
By Lanza, Achille Castiglioni
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
Low table or stool designed by Castiglioni Gaviraghi and Lanza for Valenti & C. Milano in 1982. This beautiful and timeless design piece is made of an unibody molded ABS chassis-a o...
Plastic
Set of 4 "Mezzadro Tractor" Stools by Achille Castiglioni for Zanotta
By Zanotta, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Puslinch, ON
A set of 4 "Mezzadro Tractor" stools by Achille Castiglioni for Zanotta, circa 1970s. Features chrome-plated seats and a steamed-beech cross-strut. The steel strut flexes to prov...
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 20.08 in W 16.54 in D 12.21 in
Pair of Vintage Mezzadro Stools Wood Steel Enamel Italian 1977Design Castiglione
By Achille Castiglioni
Located in London, GB
"Mezzadro" A pair of iconic mid-century Italian design stools, metal seat and structure on a wooden stand designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni in the 1950s and produced since 1971. This stool is made of four elements. An elastic chromium plated steel stem supports the seat, which is made of lacquered and printed metal sheet. Ground support is ensured by a footrest in steam-treated, natural coloured beech. Mezzadro, a must have, in private homes and public spaces makes room for the concept of object trouve...
Steel
Achille Castiglioni Mezzadro Tractor Stool Zanotta, 1970
By Zanotta, Achille Castiglioni
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Very nice early Mezzadro stool designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, manufactured by Zanotta, Italy, 1970. This is for a very nice early production with black lacquered s...
Metal