Vintage Azucena furniture is elegant and inviting — the esteemed mid-century Milanese manufacturer’s wall lights, armchairs and side tables, which are marked by simple symmetry and thoughtfully contrasting materials, can likely be found in the living rooms of design lovers all over Italy.
Azucena was founded in 1947 by three leading figures of 20th-century Italian architecture: Luigi Caccia Dominioni, Ignazio Gardella and Corrado Corradi Dell’Acqua. The trio initially established Azucena in order to furnish the interiors of buildings they’d designed but found a robust business opportunity in manufacturing individual pieces from those collections for postwar consumers. And as the company founders borrowed the brand name from a conniving character in the Giuseppe Verd opera Il Trovatore, it is appropriate, then, that the furniture for which Azucena is known is practical but exudes a hint of playfulness.
The best of Italian modernism combines cheekiness and bold functionality with provocative and thoughtful design, and Azucena is deeply rooted in that tradition. While its brass-and-walnut mid-century-modern-era dining tables and stackable coffee tables — created by the likes of Dell’Acqua and Vico Magistretti — are exceptionally unobtrusive in small spaces and framed in clean lines, Dominioni designed chunky, enveloping armchairs during the 1970s upholstered in striking red fabric.
Among Azucena's most successful and iconic designs is also Dominioni's most famous piece of furniture: the minimalist Catalina chair. After it debuted at the Milan Triennial in 1957, the Catalina chair, with its generously curving enameled steel frame and plush leather cushion, became an instant sensation. Dominioni’s other enduring designs for Azucena include the Monachella lamp, the ABCD armchair and the versatile Cilindro ottoman.
Italian furniture manufacturer B&B Italia acquired Azucena in 2018 and has reissued a number of designs from the legendary brand’s portfolio, such as the Imbuto lamp, the Catalina armchair and the Cavalletto table.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Azucena lighting, tables, seating and more.
Large "CR 5" Ceramic Pitcher by Corrado Corradi dell'Acqua for Azucena
By Corrado Corradi Dell'acqua, Azucena
Located in Milan, IT
Ceramic Pitcher model "CR 5" by Corrado Corradi dell'Acqua for Azucena. Platinum finish ceramic piece with large handle.
Ceramic
French Ceramic Pitcher by Robert Picault, 1950s
By Robert Picault
Located in Chicago, IL
A 1950s ceramic pitcher by French ceramist Robert Picault, handmade in Vallauris—the picturesque seaside village in the South of France renowned for its pottery. The bulb-shaped form...
Ceramic
Italian Ceramic Sculptural Pitcher by Guido Gambone
By Guido Gambone
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large sculptural stoneware pitcher by Italian ceramic artist and designer Guido Gambone (1909-1969), circa 1950s. This vessel takes an elegant sculptural form from the Classic anti...
Ceramic
large ceramic pitcher Roger Capron circa 1960
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Tall glazed ceramic pitcher . The white glazed ceramic is decorated with engraved geometric motives Signed " Capron Vallauris" The shape has been produced in several sizes, this is ...
Ceramic
Ceramic Pitcher by Accolay, circa 1960-1970
By Accolay Pottery
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A ceramic pitcher by Accolay with green, blue, yellow glazes decoration. Perfect original conditions. Signed under the base, circa 1960-1970.
Ceramic
Bode Willumsen for Royal Copenhagen, Glazed Ceramic Pitcher, 1940s
By Bode Willumsen, Royal Copenhagen
Located in Milan, IT
Bode Willumsen for Royal Copenhagen, beautiful footed stoneware pitcher in rare deep earthy red glazed ceramic, 1940s. Designed by Danish ceramist Bode Willumsen and manufactured by...
Ceramic
$650
H 11.38 in W 6 in D 4 in
Vintage Italian Modernist Gilt Ceramic "Seta" Pitcher by Aldo Londi for Bitossi
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Luxurious vintage ceramic jug/pitcher with sculptural handle from the Seta (silk) line designed by Aldo Londi for Bitossi (ca. 1960s, Italy). Composed of rose, orange, light blue, an...
Ceramic
Ceramic pitcher by Roger Capron, Vallauris 1950's
By Roger Capron
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
Ceramic pitcher by Roger Capron. Glazed ceramic with polychrome decoration in shades of red yellow, blue and black. This shape was referred to as "P9" in Caprons's catalogue. an...
Ceramic
$1,087
H 15.75 in W 11.82 in D 8.67 in
Extra Large Grey Stoneware Ceramic Pitcher by Pierre Digan La Borne circa 1970
By Pierre Digan
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Pierre Digan Extra large ceramic pitcher signed at the base Height : 40 cm Large : 30 cm Original perfect condition Light grey ceramic glaze decoration Original 20th m...
Ceramic
Corrado Corradi Dell'Acqua Table Food Warmer for Azucena, 1955
By Corrado Corradi Dell'acqua
Located in Milan, IT
A rare example of an early Azucena Homeware design piece. Reference : Domus No. 313 Dic. 1955 p. 4
Brass
Ceramic Lidded Pitcher
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Geometric ceramic pitcher with a faux metal painted exterior. The pitcher features curved handle, spout and lid. Dimensions 8" width x 4.25" depth x 11.5" height. Condition Good v...
Ceramic
French Ceramic Pitcher by Gustave Reynaud
By Gustave Reynaud
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful painted ceramic pitcher from France, 1950s. Curved handle and spout with hand painted rooster motif in blue and grey coloring. Made by French ceramic artist Gustave Reynaud.
Ceramic
Bode Willumsen for Royal Copenhagen, Glazed Ceramic Pitcher, 1940s
By Bode Willumsen, Royal Copenhagen
Located in Milan, IT
Bode Willumsen for Royal Copenhagen, glazed ceramic pitcher, 1940s. Please note : the "free shipping option" and/or "subsidised shipping option" if stated in the shipping quotes o...
Ceramic
$1,371
H 10.44 in W 9.85 in D 9.06 in
'Spagnolo' Ceramic Pitcher by Aldo Londi for Bitossi (circa 1960s)
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
Located in London, GB
“Spagnolo” ceramic pitcher by Aldo Londi for Bitossi (circa 1960s). A large pitcher from the “Spagnolo” series for Bitossi, one of the most recognisable Italian ceramic designs of th...
Ceramic
$400
H 10.63 in W 7.09 in D 5.12 in
1970s Space Age Green Ceramic Pitcher by Enzo Bioli for Il Picchio
By Enzo Bioli
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Rare 1970s Mid-Century Modern Green Ceramic Pitcher by Enzo Bioli for Il Picchio Discover a piece of authentic Italian mid-century design with this stunning and rare ceramic pitcher....
Ceramic
$1,845
H 13 in Dm 6.5 in
Mid-Century Cobalt Blue Glazed Ceramic Pitcher by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in New York, NY
This well balanced and beautifully colored Mid-Century Modernist Cobalt Blue Glazed Ceramic Pitcher by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand originates from Sweden, Circa 1950. With a rounded ...
Ceramic