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.
Pair of Yellow Pago Pago Vases by Enzo Mari for Danese Milano, 1969 Design
By Danese Milano, Enzo Mari
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
This original pair of yellow Pago Pago vases was manufactured by Danese Milano to the design created by Enzo Mari in 1969. Their vivid color and sculptural silhouettes give the ensem...
Plastic
20th Century Enzo Mari Vase mod. Camicia in Glass and Aluminum '60s
By Danese Milano, Enzo Mari
Located in Torino, Piemonte
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, Tortiglione, Vase, Danese Milano, Italy, 1969
By Enzo Mari, Danese Milano
Located in Paris, FR
Enzo Mari (1932-2020) Tortiglione vase (3083C) An brown ABS vase, fin the shape of a fluted, twisted and truncated column. Signed with applied manufacturer’s mark to the underside ...
Plastic
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, Pago Pago, Vase, Danese Milano, Italy, 1970s
By Danese Milano, Enzo Mari
Located in Paris, FR
Enzo Mari (1932-2020) Pago Pago vase (3087) An orange ABS vase, formed of two intricated cones, each troncated and serving as container. Signed with applied manufacturer’s mark to ...
Plastic
Polished Aluminum Split Tube Vase Case by Enzo Mari, 1962
By Enzo Mari
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Polished aluminum split tube vase case by Italian designer by Enzo Mari, c.1962. Marked Premio Concorso Domus Inox 1962. Additional information Material: Aluminum Origin: Italian I...
Aluminum
Enzo Mari for Danese Trifoglio Vase, Italy 1977
By Enzo Mari, Danese Milano
Located in Chicago, IL
Enzo Mari for Danese Trifoglio Vase, Italy 1977 Model 3110C in Bisque ceramic 7½ h × 4¾ dia in 19 × 12 cm Designed by Enzo Mari for Danese Milano, the Trifoglio vase, model 3110C, is...
Ceramic
Original Orange 'Lampedusa' Vase by Enzo Mari for Danese Milano. Italy, 1960s
By Danese Milano, Enzo Mari, 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
20th Century, Enzo Mari for Danese Vase mod. Viticcio
By Enzo Mari, Danese Milano
Located in Torino, Piemonte
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
Original White 'Lampedusa' Vase by Enzo Mari for Danese Milano. Italy, 1960s
By Enzo Mari, Ettore Sottsass, 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 Enzo Mari, Ettore Sottsass, 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
"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 Cicladi Plant Stand for Danese 1977
By Enzo Mari, Danese Milano
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
Set of Three "Pago-Pago" Double Sided Vases by Enzo Mari for Danese, Italy, 1960
By Enzo Mari, Danese Milano
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
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
Italian vase in red glass Murano 60s
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Very nice vase in blown glass of Murano from the 60s. Excellent craftsmanship with a beautiful shade of red light that enhances the simple and clean design of the vase drop. Very nic...
Murano Glass
Angelo Mangiarotti Danese Philippines Vase, Italy, 1964
By Angelo Mangiarotti, Danese Milano
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
20th Century Italian Murano Glass Vase
Located in Antwerp, BE
An Italian Murano glass vase manufactured in the 1960s.
Glass, Murano Glass
Amphora Mini Vase in Polished Aluminum by CASPAL
Located in Geneve, CH
Amphora Mini Vase in Polished Aluminum by CASPAL Dimensions: Ø 20 x H 40 cm. Materials: Aluminum. Available in brushed, varnished, or polished aluminum. Available in two different ...
Aluminum
$713 / set
H 3.94 in W 3.94 in D 0.79 in
Set of Three 1970s Italian Travertine Elephant Sculptures by Enzo Mari
By Enzo Mari, Fratelli Mannelli
Located in Nicolosi, IT
Set of three Italian travertine elephant sculptures from the 1970s, designed by Enzo Mari for Fratelli Mannelli. The three figures are presented in graduated sizes and share the same...
Travertine
$392Sale Price|20% Off
H 7.87 in W 2.75 in D 1.18 in
Large Travertine Giraffe Sculpture by Enzo Mari, Italy
By Enzo Mari
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Original large travertine giraffe sculpture by Enzo mari for F.lli Mannelli. The item is in excellent condition. Made in Italy. Dimension: 2,75 w x 1,18 D x 7,87 H inches L 7 ...
Travertine
$495
H 11.19 in W 2.37 in D 1.3 in
Original Vintage 'Giglio' Letter Opener by Enzo Mari. Danese Milano. Italy, 1985
By Danese Milano, Enzo Mari, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Malmö, SE
Original 'Giglio' Letter Opener in Stainless Steel. Designed by Enzo Mari and produced by Danese Milano 1985. Great original condition. Stamped with makers mark. Artist-designer ...
Stainless Steel
20th century blue sommerso glass vase
By Flavio Poli
Located in BARCELONA, ES
This 20th-century Blue Sommerso Glass Vase is a stunning example of Italian glass artistry, featuring the iconic sommerso (submerged) technique that creates a mesmerizing layered eff...
Murano Glass
Pop-Art Enzo Mari Style Lucite Cube Sculpture
By Enzo Mari
Located in Raleigh, NC
Vintage blue lucite cube sculpture with suspended steel marbles. In the style of Enzo Mari.
Lucite
Enzo Mari for Fratelli Mannelli Travertine Elephant Sculpture
By Fratelli Mannelli, Enzo Mari
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
$402
H 4.73 in W 4.73 in D 1.97 in
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
60s Glass Vase by Tamara Aladin
Located in Ljubljana, SI
A beautiful glass vase by Tamara Aladin, for the Finnish glass factory Riihmäki/Riihimäen Lasi Oy in warm amber-colored, thick, mouth-blown glass. In very good condition with the or...
Glass, Blown Glass
$395
H 3.82 in W 3.82 in D 2.6 in
Original Orange 'Lampedusa' Vase by Enzo Mari for Danese Milano. Italy, 1960s
By Danese Milano, Enzo Mari, 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
Blown and Iridescent Glass Vase, Murano, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Blown and iridescent glass vase, Murano, 20th century. Blown and iridescent glass vase, Murano, Italian work, 20th century, modern art. Dimensions : H: 23cm, D: 23cm Contact us be...
Blown Glass
$3,300
H 2.75 in W 2.75 in D 2.75 in
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
Midcentury Modern Asymmetrical Wastebasket/Trashcan
By Heller, Danese Milano, 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 for Officine Alessi Yellow Vase "Pago Pago" Italy 1972
By Alessi, Enzo Mari
Located in Naples, IT
Often described as one of his most notable works, Enzo Mari designed the Pago Pago vase (model 3087) for Danese in 1969 and later reissued by Officine Alessi. Made of injection-molde...
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
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 Asti, Piemonte
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
Enzo Mari "Trifoglio" Dark Brown Plastic Vase for Danese, Italy, 1969
By Enzo Mari
Located in New York, NY
This is a vase from the Trifoglio series by Enzo Mari for Danese. Trifoglio is Italian for Shamrock or Clover.
PVC