Multidisciplinary artist, sculptor and designer Ennio Chiggio was not only known for his Space Age lamps and voluptuous, modular Environ sofas, but he was also renowned as a technological innovator, electronic music producer and researcher, who explored the relationship between mathematics and art.
Born in 1938 in Naples, Chiggio studied technology and art at the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice. While still in school, in 1957, Chiggio began painting kinetic art using tempera on cardboard and ink on paper. By 1960, he had joined the artists’ collective Gruppo N, founded by Alberto Biasi, Edoardo Landi, Manfredo Massironi and Toni Costa.
With Gruppo N, Chiggio participated in several exhibitions such as “Programmed Art,” presented by Italian intellectual Umberto Eco, which showed in Milan, Venice and Rome in 1962 and in London and New York in 1964. By the following year, Chiggio’s interests had turned to sound and music production, and he founded the Group of Experimental Phonology NPS (New Proposals Sound) with pianist and composer Teresa Rampazzi.
From 1964 to ’77, Chiggio operated a design studio that focused on furniture and lighting as well as glass and electromechanical objects. His most well-known lighting includes the Ciot floor lamp for Italian manufacturer Lumenform, sculptural table lamps and wall sconces for Emmezeta.
After closing his design studio in 1978, Chiggio dedicated his time to teaching, serving as a professor of design and industrial aesthetics at his alma mater. In 1996, he opened the Embtool multimedia research laboratory in Padua, where he made short films about art and architecture and conducted computational music research, exploring the relationship between mathematical models and artistic expression.
Throughout the 2000s until his death in 2020, Chiggio participated in several exhibitions at the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York, the National Gallery of Modern Art in Rome, the MACBA Museo de Arte Contemporáneo in Buenos Aires and Museum Ritter in Waldenbuch, Germany. Public collections throughout Italy and Germany also feature his works.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of innovative Ennio Chiggio furniture.
Ennio Chiggio Environ Zero modular sofa for Nikol Internazionale - Italy 1970s
By Ennio Chiggio
Located in London, GB
This cocooning modular sofa was designed by Ennio Chiggio (1938–2020) for Nikol Internazionale in the 1970s. Its three segments combine for a wonderfully plump profile, enhanced by v...
Mohair
$27,851Sale Price|20% Off
Environ 1 cotton-upholstered sofa by Ennio Chiggio for Nikol Italy, 1970
By Ennio Chiggio
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Environ 1 modular sofa designed by Ennio Chiggio for Nikol International, 1970. Polyurethane foam frame, cotton fabric, faux leather backing, metal inserts, composed of 4 joined elem...
Cotton
$26,691 / set
Living room Sofa and two armchairs from the 1970s, designed by Ennio Chiggio Habitat IDS
By Ennio Chiggio
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant and sculptural seating set designed by Ennio Chiggio for haBITAT iDS, comprising a sofa and matching armchairs. The structure is crafted in molded polyurethane with lower ba...
Leather
Ennio Chiggio “Environ” Modular Sofa for Nikol International, 1969
By Ennio Chiggio
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Ennio Chiggio “Environ” modular sofa for Nikol International, 1969 The Ennio Chiggio "Environ" sofa for Nikol International, designed in the 1960s, is a ...
Fabric, Foam, Chenille
Ennio Chiggio “Ciot” floor lamp for Lumenform, 1973
By Lumenform, Ennio Chiggio
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Ennio Chiggio “Ciot” Floor Lamp for Lumenform, Plexiglass, Italy, 1973 The “Ciot” floor lamp, designed by Ennio Chiggio in 1973 for Lumenform, captures the spirit of Italian experim...
Plastic, Plexiglass
"Dada" Glass and Chrome Table Lamp by Carlo Nason for Lumenform, Italy, 1970s
By Lumenform, Ennio Chiggio
Located in Milan, IT
"Dada" Large table lamp by Carlo Nason for Lumenform. A thick glass element supports a chrome shade and a metal base. Light visually floats on the surface.
Metal
Ennio Chiggio floor lamp model MP by Lumen form Italy, 20th Century
By Lumen, Ennio Chiggio
Located in Milano, IT
Ennio Chiggio floor lamp model MP by Lumen form Italy, 1968 Sculptural and minimalistic with a mechanical approach almost brutalist floor lamp, heavy metal base with chromed details...
Metal, Chrome
Vintage Floor Lamp CIOT by Ennio Chiggio for Lumenform, Italy 1970s
By Lumenform, Ennio Chiggio
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage floor lamp model CIOT by Ennio Chiggio for Lumenform, 1970s. Resin structure, opal methacrylate lampshade, chromed metal base and finishes. Excellent condition.
Opal, Metal
Wall lamp by Ennio Chiggio for Emmezeta, 1970s
By Emmezeta, Ennio Chiggio
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Wall lamp designed by Ennio Chiggio and produced by Emmezeta in the 1970s. The lamp consist of two parts; a metal structure that can be attached to the wall, and a three-dimensional...
Metal
Tata Ovvero del Ludico: Tatoy Presenta La Collezione Ludica
By Ennio Chiggio
Located in New York, NY
Limited edition, ring binder catalog/artist’s book published in conjunction with an exhibition held at Galleria TOT in Padua in 1982, curated by the Italian artist and graphic design...
Paper
Direk Desk by Ennio Chiggio for Nikol International, 1979
By Ennio Chiggio
Located in Delft, NL
Direk desk by Ennio Chiggio for Nikol International, 1979.
Plywood
Rare "California Chair" by Ennio Ludovico Chiggio (Gruppo N) for Nikol Internati
By Ennio Chiggio
Located in leucate, FR
Immerse yourself in the bold spirit of 1970s Italian design with this exceptional and extremely rare "California Chair," conceived in 1973 by the influential designer Ennio Ludovico ...
Metal
Italian modern desk Direk by Ennio Chiggio for Nikol International, 1980s
By Ennio Chiggio
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern desk Direk by Ennio Chiggio for Nikol International, 1980s Corner desk model Direk with L-shaped top in white painted wood. The corner features an adjustable tubular c...
Steel
Ennio Chiggio "CIOT" floor lampm for Lumenform, Italy, 1970s
By Ennio Chiggio
Located in Padova, IT
Rare space age "CIOT" floor lamp designed by Italian designer Ennio Chiggio (1938-2020) for Lumenform. White resin and metal chrome base, white lucite methacrylic shade. Ennio Chi...
Steel
$5,512 / item
Lumenform table lamp by Ennio Chiggio Italy 1970
By Ennio Chiggio, Lumenform
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Rare and impressive table lamp designed by Ennio Chiggio and made by Lumenform in Italy in 1970. It's quite unique because it looks like the chrome shade is floating in the air, but ...
Chrome
Italian Mid-Century Plastic Metal Ciot Floor Lamp by Chiggio for LumenForm, 1973
By Lumenform, Ennio Chiggio
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century plastic and metal Ciot floor lamp by Chiggio for LumenForm, 1973 Ciot floor lamp composed of a hemispherical lampshade in white ple...
Metal, Steel
$3,202Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern Chrome Adjustable Floor Lamp, Ennio Chiggio, Italy, 1950s
By Ennio Chiggio
Located in Antwerp, BE
Ennio Chiggio; Post-Modern; Industrial; Chrome; Adjustable Floor Lamps, Achille Castiglioni Style, Italy, 1950; Flos Style; Ennio Chiggio post-modern chrome floor lamp, made in the 1950s. The light cap direction is adjustable with a very minimalist mechanism, Italian light design...
Chrome
Vintage Floor Lamp CIOT by Ennio Chiggio for Lumenform, Italy 1970s
By Ennio Chiggio, Lumenform
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage floor lamp model CIOT by Ennio Chiggio for Lumenform, 1970s. Resin structure, opal methacrylate lampshade, chromed metal base and finishes. Excellent condition.
Opal, Metal
$23,209 / set
H 27.96 in W 76.38 in D 32.29 in
Midcentury Italian Lacquer Brass Living Room Set by Romeo Rega, 1970s
By Romeo Rega
Located in Paris, IDF
This three elements living room set from the Mid-Century Modern Italian Riviera period designed by Romeo Rega is bursting with nostalgia. With its impeccable design, perfect proporti...
Brass
$19,900 / set
H 28.75 in W 35.44 in D 37.41 in
Rimo Maturi for Mimo Padova Modular Sofa Nuvolone in Leather, Italy, 1970s
By Mimo Padova
Located in Almelo, NL
Large modular sofa Rimo Maturi for Mimo Padova model ´Nuvolone´ in leather, Italy, 1970s Large modular sofa / landscape sofa by Italian designer Rimo Matu...
Leather
$15,320Sale Price|20% Off
H 29.53 in W 133.86 in D 125.99 in
On the Rocks Sofa by Francesco Binfaré for Edra, Italy, 2004
By Edra, Francesco Binfaré
Located in Antwerp, BE
Designed by Francesco Binfaré for Edra in 2004, On the Rocks is a bold, sculptural sectional sofa made up of three seating elements and one large, freely positioned backrest. With no...
Fabric
$11,604 / set
H 27.56 in W 35.44 in D 82.68 in
Rolf Benz Vintage Oxred Leather Living room Sofa Ensemble, Germany, 1970
By Rolf Benz
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This stunning leather Living suite room sofa ensemble was produced by Rolf Benz an manufactured in Germany. It is a pure 70ties design with timele...
Leather, Upholstery, Plastic, Wood, Beech
$4,061 / set
H 23.63 in W 82.68 in D 31.5 in
Complete Living Room Sofa and Armchairs Design Sergio Asti for Poltronova, 1962
By Sergio Asti, Poltronova
Located in taranto, IT
Designed by Sergio Asti and produced by Poltronova in 1962, the "Zelda" living room set—comprising a three-seater sofa and a pair of armchairs—is one of the finest expressions of Ita...
Leather, Wood
$10,444 / set
H 27.17 in W 33.47 in D 94.49 in
Saporiti Italia Confidential Sofa, Armchair and Ottoman Living Room Set, 1970s
By Saporiti
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This living room set is from Italian manufacture Saporiti Italia and the model is confidential design by Alberto Rosselli. It consist a 3-seat sofa, an armchair and a rare ottoman. ...
Upholstery, Plastic, Leather
Giorgio Montani Sofa Corner For Souplina 1970s
By Giorgio Montani
Located in Montréal, QC
Attributed. Giorgio Montani Corner For Souplina , C.1970 Overall good vintage condition. Patina on metal. We suggest a new reupholstery.
Metal
Table Lamp by Claudio Salocchi for Lumenform
By Lumenform, Claudio Salocchi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Table lamp by Claudio Salocchi for Lumenform. Designed and manufactured in Italy, 1968. Metal, blown Opal glass. Original EU cord. Recommended Lamping: 120v - 1 Qty E27 Socket w/ a 6...
Glass
$3,272Sale Price / set|40% Off
H 33.08 in W 99.22 in D 99.22 in
Italian Design COROLLA Leather Sectional Sofa by I.P.E. Italy 1970's
By IPE
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Midcentury Modern Italian Design 'COROLLA' Leather Sectional Sofa by I.P.E. Italy 1970's. Marked on the bottom. Cognac leather on chrome metal frame with detachable arm rests...
Metal
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 5, Grey
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
Studio sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Setup 5 (1x small,1x medium,1x large, 1x corner, 2x ottoman, 2x ottoman classic, 3x armrest): L230-280cm & 220cm / P96...
Foam, Wool
Monumental Adrian Pearsall Sectional Sofa for Craft, 1970s
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft
Located in Hamburg, PA
A monumental Adrian Pearsall sectional sofa for Craft. This sectional sofa can be arranged in multiple configurations, as shown in the images...
Upholstery
$36,150
H 26.78 in W 37.8 in D 37.8 in
Ornate Camaleonda Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Italy, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Antwerp, BE
Camaleonda modular sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, a timeless piece of furniture that emerged in the design scene during the 1970s. Comprising three large and three smaller...
Fabric
Ennio Chiggio White Faux Leather 'Environ One' Sofa
By Ennio Chiggio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ennio Chiggio for Nikol Internazionale, white faux leather sofa, Italy, 1970s This important canapé Environ One is designed by Ennio Chiggo...
Faux Leather
Suro floor lamp by Ennio Chiggio for Lumenform
By Lumenform, Ennio Chiggio
Located in BE
The striking “Suro” floor lamp was designed by Ennio Chiggio for Lumenform in Italy during the 1970s, embodying the experimental and minimalist spirit of Italian design from the era....
Chrome
Rare Mid Century Italian Model MP Floor Lamp by Ennio Chiggio
By Lumenform, Ennio Chiggio
Located in Detroit, MI
This vintage mid century modern Model MP floor lamp designed by Italian designer Ennio Chiggio for Lumenform in 1968 was produced in Italy circa 1970. Chiggio’s creations are often c...
Metal, Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 24.02 in W 118.12 in D 116.15 in
Ennio Chiggio Envorin one sofa by Nikol International Italy 1970
By Ennio Chiggio
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
The Environ One Sofa, designed by renowned Italian designer Ennio Chiggio and manufactured by Nikol International in 1970, stands as a rare and remarkable example of Mid-Century Mode...
Velvet
Sold
H 73.23 in W 25.99 in D 27.56 in
Sculptural Floor Lamp "Jota" by Ennio Chiggio for Lumenform, 1970s
By Lumenform, Ennio Chiggio
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A striking sculptural floor lamp, model "Jota", designed in the 1970s by Italian artist and designer Ennio Chiggio for Lumenform. Far ahead of its time in both concept and execution,...
Metal, Steel, Chrome, Iron
Sold
H 24.02 in W 98.43 in D 125.99 in
Ennio Chiggio Environ One Sofa For Nikol International, Italy 1970s
By Ennio Chiggio
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Ennio chiggio Environ One sofa for Nikol International, Italy 1970s in original fabric. This rare sofa exemplifies the seventies Italian design. Created by the renowned Italian desi...
Velvet, Plastic
Wall or Ceiling lamp by Ennio Chiggio for Emmezeta, 1970s
By Emmezeta, Ennio Chiggio
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Wall or ceiling lamp designed by Ennio Chiggio and produced by Emmezeta in the 1970s. The lamp consist of two parts; a metal structure that can be attached to the wall or ceiling, a...
Metal
Ennio Chiggio Floor lamp for LumenForm, Italy 1973.
By Ennio Chiggio, Lumenform
Located in Almelo, NL
Ennio Chiggio Floor lamp for LumenForm, Italy 1973. This is a mid-century floor lamp designed by Ennio Chiggio for LumenForm in 1973. The floor lamp is made of plastic and metal and features a white plexiglass hemispherical lampshade attached to a tubular steel structure. The central design includes a cylinder made of cream-white plastic that houses the bulb. The lamp's base is made of black-painted metal. It's in excellent original condition, with only minor signs of use. Ennio Chiggio was a multidisciplinary artist, sculptor, and designer famous for his Space Age lamps and Environ sofas...
Metal
Lumenform Floor Lamp 1970s Italy
By Ennio Chiggio
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Lampada da terra prodotta da Lumenform nel 1970, struttura in ottone cromato e vetro di Murano soffiato, la particolarità di questa rara lampada sta nel paralume di forma arrotondata...
Brass, Chrome
Sold
H 27.56 in W 94.49 in D 37.8 in
Ennio Chiggio Chaise Sofa in Mohair for Nikol International, Italy, 1970s
By Ennio Chiggio
Located in London, GB
This two-part modular sofa was designed by Ennio Chiggio (1938-2020) for Nikol Internazionale in the 1970s. The sofa creates a shell-like environment that cocoons the sitter. In g...
Wool
Sold
H 24.02 in W 190.95 in D 145.67 in
Environ One sofa by Ennio Chiggio for Nikol International, 1970s
By Ennio Chiggio
Located in amstelveen, NL
Ennio Chiggio for Nikol Internazionale, Italy, 1970s This important canapé Environ One is designed by Ennio Chiggio for Nikol Internazionale in the 1970s. This rare modular sofa is ...
Fabric
Floor Lamp Ciot by Ennio Chiggio for Lumenform, Italy, 1970s
By Lumenform, Ennio Chiggio
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Rare Space Age floor lamp model Ciot by the italian designer Ennio Chiggio for the manufacture editor Lumenform. Black resin and metal chrome base, white lucite methacrylic shade. Fa...
Metal