Enzo Mari was an influential industrial designer and a beloved curmudgeon who revered Marxism. His vintage mid-century modern designs are simple, functional and poetic. Widely known Mari-designed objects include desk accessories, such as the Formosa perpetual wall calendar, vases, cocktail tables and chandeliers.
Enzo Mari's work is embedded within the city of Milan, the Italian capital of all things design. In fact, the traffic bollards he devised are part of the city itself: Shaped like "panettone" cakes, they simultaneously direct traffic and provide seating for pedestrians.
In 1974, Mari published Autoprogettazione? (roughly translated as self-design), a Marx-inspired, anti-industrial, do-it-yourself handbook for the everyday person to use to build furniture without the assistance of a glitzy designer or knowledge of complex joinery. Mari’s intent with the publication was to remove the alienation of the creator and manufacturer from the end product by teaching anyone to develop a critical eye for production.
Artek relaunched kits based on the blueprints in the manual in an exhibition at Spazio Rossana Orlandi in 2010. The subsequent collectability of his work was reportedly irksome for Mari because he abhorred the industrial production for which he was becoming known.
Mari’s meager upbringing heavily influenced his politics, and even in childhood, he would come up with ingenious ways to support the family financially. As a designer, the desire to envision and build significant pieces was more important to Mari than devising new marketing and retail sales tactics. He optimistically believed objects could change the world. This view went against the rising consumer mania for every next trend that surfaced in the late 20th century. Not surprisingly, his ecological and economical stance led him to produce fewer objects.
Mari's philosophy did not stop people from desiring his creations, nor prevent other designers from wanting to collaborate with him. Following World War II, he worked for companies like Danese, Olivetti, Artemide, Driade and Alessi, who brought his prodigious designs to the public, and Mari’s work was widely celebrated.
The Golden Compass, Italy's highest honor for industrial design, was awarded to Mari four times before he died from COVID in 2020, and New York’s Museum of Modern Art has a permanent collection of his objects on display.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of Enzo Mari decorative objects, folk art and serveware.
$5,303Sale Price|20% Off
Post Modern French Glass Pâte de verre Bowl for Daum by Enzo Mari
By Enzo Mari, Daum
Located in Marseille, FR
Porta Stampi Boboli pâte de verre bowl by Enzo Mari for Daum, circa 2003. Numbered 65/125.
Glass
Steel 1960s Ventotene Desk Organizer, Model 3054A by E. Mari for Danese Milano
By Danese Milano, Enzo Mari
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Ventotene desk organizer, model 3054A in polished steel designed by Enzo Mari for Danese Milano in 1964. Good condition: this is a vintage item, not a brand new product. Signs of we...
Steel
Brutalist travertine fish desk organizer, Enzo Mari F.lli Mannelli Italy 1970
By Enzo Mari, Fratelli Mannelli
Located in Firenze, IT
Mid-century travertine fish shaped desk organizer / sculpture attributed to Enzo Mari, Fratelli Mannelli, Italy, 1970s H 10 cm 4 × 30 cm Conditions: excellent consistent with ...
Travertine
Italian Brutalist Travertine Horses by Enzo Mari for Frateli Mannelli, Italy 70s
By Enzo Mari, Fratelli Mannelli
Located in Lucija, SI
Nice set of three tavertine horses designed by Enzo Mari and prodused by Fratelli Mannelli in Italy in the 1970s.
Travertine
Travertine Candle Holder by Enzo Mari for Fratelli Manelli, Italy 70s
By Enzo Mari, Fratelli Manelli
Located in Lucija, SI
Italian modern travertine candle holder made in Italy in the 70s. Designed by Enzo Mari for Fratelli Manelli
Travertine
16 Animals Vintage Puzzle by Enzo Mari for Danese Milano, Italy
By Enzo Mari, Danese Milano
Located in Kelkheim (Taunus), HE
Enzo Marie (1932-202) was an Italian designer and artist. The Animali puzzle, which became a design classic over the years, was designed around 1957. The puzzle offered here dates fr...
Plastic
Original Orange 'Lampedusa' Vase by Enzo Mari for Danese Milano. Italy, 1960s
By Ettore Sottsass, Danese Milano, Enzo Mari
Located in Malmö, SE
Orange melamine "Lampedusa" vase (Pencil Holder). Designed by Enzo Mari in 1967. Produced by Danese Milano in the late 60s. Great condition, some light scratches. Stamped with maker...
Plastic
Mannelli F.Lli Travertine Ornaments Three Swans Minimalist Style
By Fratelli Mannelli, Enzo Mari
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. A ni...
Travertine
"Bamboo" resin vase, Lessons series. Design by Enzo MARI for CORSI. 2013
By Corsi Design Factory, Enzo Mari
Located in Torino, IT
Polychrome resin vase Bamboo from the series Lessons, design by Enzo MARI for COURSES. ORIGIN Italy PERIOD 2013 DESIGNER Enzo MARI (1932-2020) was a celebrated Italian designer, a...
Resin
Enzo Mari Letter and Pen Holder for Danese 1962, in Blue and Green
By Enzo Mari, Danese Milano
Located in Milan, IT
Early Enzo Mari Letter and Pen Holder for Danese 1962. In the colors of Blue and Green. Carries the Danese label.
Metal
Enzo Mari Cicladi Plant Stand for Danese 1977
By Danese Milano, Enzo Mari
Located in Chicago, IL
Enzo Mari Cicladi plant stand for Danese 1977 production Italy, Unglazed porcelain. Stamped manufacturer's mark to underside ‘Danese Milano Enzo Mari 1977 Made in Italy’.
Porcelain
Enzo Mari for F.lli Mannelli Travertine Ashtrays and Penholders, Italy 1970s
By Enzo Mari, Fratelli Mannelli
Located in Naples, IT
Totally hand-carved travertine desk accessories consisting of a pen-holder and an ashtray designed by Enzo Mari for Fratelli Mannelli, made in Italy in the 1970s
Travertine
Travertine candle holder by Fratelli Mannelli, Italy 1970s
By Enzo Mari, Fratelli Mannelli
Located in ECHT, NL
Solid travertine candle holder. Designed by Enzo Mari for Fratelli Mannelli in the 1970s. Its can hold three standard diameter candles. The piece is still in very good condition. N...
Travertine
Enzo Mari for F.lli Mannelli Pair of Travertine Marble Swans, Italy 1970s
By Enzo Mari, Fratelli Mannelli
Located in Naples, IT
Stunning pair of 1970s swan-shaped sculptures in travertine and made in Italy, designed by Enzo Mari for F.lli Mannelli.
Marble
Rodi Box 3021D by Enzo Mari for Danese, Italy, 1960
By Enzo Mari
Located in Weesp, NL
Rare New Old Stock Enzo Mari “Rodi” Box in Stainless Steel & Jatoba Wood for Danese Milano, 1960 – with Original Packaging Height: 4.7 cm (1.85 in) x Width: 15 cm (5.9 in) x Depth: ...
Stainless Steel
Pair of Pago-Pago vases by Enzo Mari for Danese Milano
By Danese Milano, Enzo Mari
Located in Milano, IT
Rare Pair of “Pago Pago” Vases by Enzo Mari for Danese Milano, First Edition, 1969** An exceptional and highly collectible pair of *Pago Pago* vases, designed in 1969 by **Enzo Mari...
Plastic
Enzo Mari 1970s Resin Vases (Small)
By Enzo Mari
Located in New York, NY
Rich amber tones and a minimalist silhouette make this Enzo Mari vase a standout. A timeless work of modern Italian design in soft resin.
Resin
"Bamboo" resin vase, Lessons series. Design by Enzo MARI for CORSI. 2012
By Enzo Mari, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Torino, IT
Polychrome resin vase Bamboo from the series Lessons, design by Enzo MARI for COURSES. ORIGIN Italy PERIOD 2012 DESIGNER Enzo MARI (1932-2020) was a celebrated Italian designer, a...
Resin
Enzo Mari, Rare Resin Cube, Sculpture, Paperweight, with Polyhedral Inside
By Danese Milano, Enzo Mari
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a very rare Mari resin cube from the 1950s, it measures in cm 7 x 7 x 7, has a couple of flee bites in 2 corners. Similar sample with black inside i...
Resin
Enzo Mari for Fratelli Mannelli Travertine Elephant Sculpture
By Enzo Mari, Fratelli Mannelli
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Add a touch of timeless Italian design to your space with this exquisite travertine elephant sculpture by Enzo Mari for Fratelli Mannelli. Handcrafted from natural travertine stone, ...
Travertine
Enzo Mari for Fratelli Mannelli Giraffe Sculpture
By Enzo Mari, Fratelli Mannelli
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Add a touch of timeless Italian design to your space with this exquisite travertine Giraffe sculpture by Enzo Mari for Fratelli Mannelli. Handcrafted from natural travertine stone, t...
Travertine
Enzo Mari 1970s Resin Vases (Large)
By Enzo Mari
Located in New York, NY
Vase in soft resin designed by Enzo Mari. A striking edition featuring a graphic amber-and-black pattern. Bold and playful, this large resin vase brings both function and visual tens...
Resin
Midcentury Modern Asymmetrical Wastebasket/Trashcan
By Heller, Enzo Mari, Danese Milano
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Postmodern “In Attesa” red plastic wastebasket/trashcan designed by Enzo Mari for Danese Milano/Heller. Circa 1970s production in whimsical diagonal tube design. Normal signs of use....
Plastic
Original White 'Tongareva' Bowl by Enzo Mari for Danese Milano. Italy, 1970s
By Ettore Sottsass, Enzo Mari, Danese Milano
Located in Malmö, SE
White melamine "Tongareva" centerpiece. Designed by Enzo Mari in 1969. Produced by Danese Milano in the early 70s. Excellent condition, only some light scratches. Stamped with maker...
Plastic
$5,906 / set
Enzo Mari cubs 60‘s
By Enzo Mari
Located in Vienna, AT
Two resin cubes, each containing a sphere, designed by Enzo Mari. Made in Italy by Danese Milano, 1950s. 7 x 7 cm .. large ones Danese Milano (Hersteller*in),Enzo Mari (Designer*in)
Resin
Rare Frosted Glass Low Dish Catch it All by Enzo Mari for Danese Milano NIB
By Danese Milano, Enzo Mari
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful minimalist frosted glass low bowl designed by Enzo Mari , for Danese circa 1980's New in an original box comes with brochure model 3119B Delos, a very rare find
Art Glass
20th Century, Enzo Mari for Danese Vase mod. Viticcio
By Danese Milano, Enzo Mari
Located in Turin, Turin
Enzo Mari was a noted Italian post-Modernist artist, writer, and product and furniture designer who incorporated ideas of the arts and crafts practices and of communism as an essenti...
Iron
1960 Trinidad Enzo Mari Danese Milano Italian Design Glass Jug
By Danese Milano, Enzo Mari
Located in Brescia, IT
Enzo Mari 'Trinidad' jug, 1969 Danese, Milan. Clear Blown glass. Danese Mark under the base Perfect condiction
Blown Glass
Set of Three "Pago-Pago" Double Sided Vases by Enzo Mari for Danese, Italy, 1960
By Danese Milano, Enzo Mari
Located in Milan, IT
Set of three "Pago Pago" vases by Enzo Mari for Danese. "The particular feature of the vase is that it is formed by two truncated conical cavities of diverse volumetric capacity. The...
Plastic
Italian White Travertine Elephant Sculpture by Enzo Mari for Fratelli Mannelli
By Enzo Mari
Located in Tourinnes-la-Grosse (Beauvechain), BE
Elephant sculpture designed by Enzo Mari and produced by Fratelli Mannelli in Italy in the early 1970s. Handcrafted from a single block of white travertine, this piece reflects Mari’...
Travertine
20th Century, Enzo Mari for Danese Paperweight Mod. Tokelau
By Enzo Mari, Danese Milano
Located in Turin, Turin
Very modernist Paperweight designed by the great designer Enzo Mari for the manufacturer Danese Milano in 1983. The paperweight is called model "Tokelau" that is a Polynesian word me...
Stainless Steel, Iron
Fratelli Mannelli Enzo Mari Travertine Camel Sculptures Mid Century Modern
By Enzo Mari, Fratelli Mannelli
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of four travertine camel sculptures, designed by Enzo Mari for Fratelli Mannelli, signed with sticker underneath one, Italy, circa 1960s. The largest measures 3.5"H x 5"W. The sm...
Travertine
20th Century Enzo Mari Vase mod. Camicia in Glass and Aluminum '60s
By Enzo Mari, Danese Milano
Located in Turin, Turin
Camicia was designed by Enzo Mari in 1961. Camicia is a vase that consists of a double element: a cylinder of opaque anodized aluminum, bottomless, which supports and envelops a tran...
Aluminum
Enzo Mari, Rare Cube Resin with Black Ball Sphere, Sculpture/Paperweight
By Enzo Mari
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very nice modern resin cube by the very well known designer Enzo Mari, Measures in cm 7 x 7 x 7.
Resin
Original White 'Colleoni' Bowl by Enzo Mari for Danese Milano. Italy, 1970s
By Ettore Sottsass, Danese Milano, Enzo Mari
Located in Malmö, SE
White melamine "Colleoni" bowl (Pencil Holder + Paperclip Holder). Designed by Enzo Mari in 1970. Produced by Danese Milano in the early 70s. Excellent condition, only some light sc...
Plastic
Original Black 'Colleoni' Bowl by Enzo Mari for Danese Milano. Italy, 1970s
By Ettore Sottsass, Enzo Mari, Danese Milano
Located in Malmö, SE
Black melamine "Colleoni" bowl (Pencil Holder + Paperclip Holder). Designed by Enzo Mari in 1970. Produced by Danese Milano in the early 70s. Excellent condition, only some light sc...
Plastic
Original White 'Lampedusa' Vase by Enzo Mari for Danese Milano. Italy, 1960s
By Ettore Sottsass, Enzo Mari, Danese Milano
Located in Malmö, SE
White melamine "Lampedusa" vase (Pencil Holder). Designed by Enzo Mari in 1967. Produced by Danese Milano in the late 60s. Fair condition, a chip to the top rim and a small crack to...
Plastic
Original White 'Lampedusa' Vase by Enzo Mari for Danese Milano. Italy, 1960s
By Ettore Sottsass, Enzo Mari, Danese Milano
Located in Malmö, SE
White melamine "Lampedusa" vase (Pencil Holder). Designed by Enzo Mari in 1967. Produced by Danese Milano in the late 60s. Great condition, only a few light scratches and a small di...
Plastic
Enzo Mari for Fratelli Mannelli Travertine Rhino Sculpture
By Enzo Mari, Fratelli Mannelli
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
A charming and iconic sculptural piece designed by Enzo Mari for Fratelli Mannelli in the 1970s, hand-carved from solid travertine stone. This minimalist rhino showcases Mari’s signa...
Travertine
Enzo Mari 1970s Resin Vases (Small)
By Enzo Mari
Located in New York, NY
A vibrant soft resin vase designed by Enzo Mari. Compact and collectible, this small edition is perfect for adding a pop of sculptural color to any surface.
Resin
21st Century by Arch. E. Mari "COLONNA" Design Marble Sculpture Vase Centerpiece
By Enzo Mari
Located in massa, IT
Marble sculpture vase "COLONNA" designed by E.Mari Size: Diameter cm. 20 x 45 height. Materials: White Carrara Designed by: Enzo Mari.
Marble
"Twirl" resin vase, Lessons series. Design by Enzo MARI for CORSI. 2012
By Enzo Mari, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Torino, IT
Polychrome resin vase Twirl from the series Lessons, design by Enzo MARI for COURSES. ORIGIN Italy PERIOD 2012 DESIGNER Enzo MARI (1932-2020) was a celebrated Italian designer, ar...
Resin
$5,424
Bowl by Enzo Mari, 1962
By Danese Milano, Enzo Mari
Located in Berlin, DE
Bowl with two flexible wings, Aluminum, partly lacquered. Dimensions / H.23cm o 31cm Designer / Enzo Mari 1962 Manufacturer / Danese Milano With stamp on bottom.
Aluminum
Enzo Mari 1970s Resin Vases (Large)
By Enzo Mari
Located in New York, NY
This larger variation of Enzo Mari’s iconic resin vases delivers both volume and color density, with a rich interplay of red and black hues.
Resin
Marble Bowl "Paros L" by Enzo Mari, 1964
By Enzo Mari
Located in Brussels, BE
Marble bowl "Paros L" by Enzo Mari, 1964.
Marble
Set of Two "Ventotene" Desk Sets by Enzo Mari for Danese, Italy, 1960s
By Danese Milano, Enzo Mari
Located in Milan, IT
Set of two Ventotene desk sets by Enzo Mari for Danese. Polished stainless steel elements featuring Vertical spaces to slip notepaper in, horizontal planes to put pencils on.
Stainless Steel
21st Century by Arch. E. Mari "Torre" Design Marble Sculpture Vase Centerpiece
By Enzo Mari
Located in massa, IT
Marble sculpture vase "TORRE" designed by E. Mari Size: Diameter cm. 14 x 39 height. Materials: White Carrara Designed by: Enzo Mari.
Marble