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.
Original Orange 'Lampedusa' Vase by Enzo Mari for Danese Milano. Italy, 1960s
By Enzo Mari, Danese Milano, Ettore Sottsass
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
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
"Bamboo" resin vase, Lessons series. Design by Enzo MARI for CORSI. 2013
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 2013 DESIGNER Enzo MARI (1932-2020) was a celebrated Italian designer, a...
Resin
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
Pair of Pago-Pago vases by Enzo Mari for Danese Milano
By Enzo Mari, Danese Milano
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
"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
Midcentury Modern Asymmetrical Wastebasket/Trashcan
By Danese Milano, Heller, Enzo Mari
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
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
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
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
20th Century, Enzo Mari for Danese Vase mod. Viticcio
By Enzo Mari, Danese Milano
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
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
Original White 'Lampedusa' Vase by Enzo Mari for Danese Milano. Italy, 1960s
By Enzo Mari, Danese Milano, Ettore Sottsass
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 Enzo Mari, Danese Milano, Ettore Sottsass
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 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
"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
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
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
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
$3,000
H 2.75 in W 2.75 in D 2.75 in
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
Angelo Mangiarotti Danese Philippines Vase, Italy, 1964
By Danese Milano, Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Decorative and rare ceramic vase model 4028A designed by Angelo Mangiarotti amdn manufactured by Danese, Milano Italy 1964. This rare vase is from the Philippines series designed by ...
Ceramic
$417 / item
H 7.88 in Dm 11.82 in
Fish Design Gaetano Pesce Big Collina Vase M Resin Yellow Lime Turquoise
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Big Collina Vase Extra Colour - clear yellow, matt lime, matt turquoise. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Colours: clear yellow, mat...
Resin
Enzo Mari for Fratelli Mannelli Travertine Rhino Sculpture
By Fratelli Mannelli, Enzo Mari
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
$333
H 7.49 in W 7.49 in D 7.49 in
Orange Ceramic Vase 'Bowling Ball' by Enzo Bioli for Il Picchio, 1960s
By Enzo Bioli
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
The 'Bowling ball' vase is an artistic ceramic vase designed by the designer Enzo Bioli (Parma 1932 - 2006) and produced by the historic company "Il Picchio" founded in the 60s by Bi...
Ceramic
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
Corsi Medusa Vase (Large), Matte White by Gaetano Pesce
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Large Matte White "Medusa" Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. * All the pieces are hand-made and therefore unique. Variations in the hu...
Resin
Enzo Mari Style Sculpture
By Enzo Mari
Located in Chicago, IL
Enzo Mari style sculpture, solid steel mass with architectural elements.
Steel
Pair of Cubes by Enzo Mari for Danese Milano, 1950s
By Enzo Mari, Danese Milano
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Two resin cubes, each containing a sphere, designed by Enzo Mari. Made in Italy by Danese Milano, 1950s.
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 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
Amazonia Resin Vase L #2 By Gaetano Pesce
By Corsi Design Factory
Located in Milan, IT
Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection.
Resin
Enzo Mari per Officine Alessi Vaso Giallo "Pago Pago" Italia 1972
By Alessi, Enzo Mari
Located in Naples, IT
Spesso descritto come uno dei suoi lavori più notevoli, Enzo Mari ha progettato il vaso Pago Pago (modello 3087) per Danese nel 1969 e poi riproposto da Officine Alessi. Realizzato i...
Plastic
Set of 5 Vases in Resin by Enzo Mari, circa 2011
By Enzo Mari
Located in Skokie, IL
Enzo Mari grouping of five vases for Lezioni, Italy, circa 2011 Additional Information: Materials: Resin Dimensions: varying. Largest: 12 1/2" H x 9" Dia. Condition: Excellent.
Resin
Enzo Mari Bambu Vase for Danese, Milano
By Danese Milano, Enzo Mari
Located in Chicago, IL
Enzo Mari Bambu Vase for Danese Milano, Model 3109C, Unglazed porcelain Stamped manufacturer's mark to underside ‘Enzo Mari 1977 Danese Milano Made in Italy’.
Porcelain
Orange Pago Pago Vase by Enzo Mari for Danese
By Danese Milano, Enzo Mari
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Often described as one of his most notable works, Enzo Mari designed the Pago Pago vase (vase model 3087) for Danese in 1969. (It was later reissued by ...
Plastic
Sold
H 2.76 in Dm 11.82 in
Enzo Mari White Porcelain "Modello C" Italian Centerpiece Danese Milano, 1973
By Danese Milano, Enzo Mari
Located in Roma, IT
Amazing midcentury enamelled white porcelain "C Model" centrepiece. This wonderful piece was designed by Enzo Mari for Danese Milano in Italy in 1973. This incredible piece is mad...
Ceramic
Enzo Mari Trifoglio Vase for Danese
By Danese Milano, Enzo Mari
Located in New York, NY
"Trifoglio" (Clover) vase, model number 3085B, in PVC plastic, designed by Enzo Mari and produced by Danese Milano, c. 1970. The trilobite form, here rendered in the cane color, was ...
Plastic
1960s Italian Bambu Vase by Enzo Mari for Danese Milano
By Danese Milano, Enzo Mari
Located in Sagaponack, NY
From the 'Bambu' series, a pressure-casted PVC vase in yellow ochre. Model 3084A.
PVC
Enzo Mari Modern Italian Athena Crystal Vases for Arnolfo di Cambio, Italy
By Arnolfo di Cambio, Enzo Mari
Located in Milan, Italy
Athena crystal vases designed by Enzo Mari for Arnolfo di Cambio. Limited edition of 200 pieces. Signed and numbered. Dimensions: 1) 28 cm height x 10 cm diameter 2) 20 cm height x...
Crystal
Enzo Mari Vase Bambu
By Enzo Mari
Located in Krefeld, DE
Vase from the Bambu Series, designed by Enzo Mari for Danese Milano. The Bambu Series contains five Models, made by pressure casting tubes of PVC. Black. This is the third highest mo...
PVC
Enzo Mari Vase Bambu
By Enzo Mari
Located in Krefeld, DE
Vase from the Bambu Series, designed by Enzo Mari for Danese Milano. The Bambu Series contains five Models, made by pressure casting tubes of PVC. Black. This is the second highest m...
PVC
Enzo Mari "Pago - Pago" Black Plastic Vase for Danese, Italy 1969
By Enzo Mari
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Enzo Mari in the 1960s this Pago Pago vase is black plastic and can be used standing on either end. Marked on the inside bottom of the vase.
Plastic
Enzo Mari Dark Brown Moulded Plastic "Bambu" Vessel for Danese, Italy 1969
By Enzo Mari
Located in New York, NY
This is a rare "Bambu" vessel designed by Enzo Mari in the 1960s. Marked on the bottom.
Plastic