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 Azucena, Corrado Corradi Dell'acqua
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
Vintage Ceramic Spatterware Pitcher
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Crafted from ceramic, this vintage spatterware pitcher embodies rustic charm with its striking mottled glaze. The surface showcases a rich, dynamic interplay of warm browns and cream...
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
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
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
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
$650
H 11.38 in W 6 in D 4 in
Vintage Italian Modernist Gilt Ceramic "Seta" Pitcher by Aldo Londi for Bitossi
By Bitossi, Aldo Londi
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
Vintage Ceramic Dog Pitcher
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Crafted from glossy white ceramic, this vintage dog-shaped pitcher exudes mid-century whimsy with its sculptural, seated canine form. The robust, rounded belly is framed by gracefull...
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
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
Perforated Ceramic Pitcher by Giovanni Lapucci, Italy
Located in North Palm Beach, FL
A very rare specimen of a perforated ceramic pitcher made by Giovanni Lapucci in Monte San Savino, located in the Province of Arezzo, Italy. The La...
Ceramic