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.
Piuma by Enzo Mari for Zani&Zani
By Enzo Mari, Zani & Zani 1
Located in Milano, IT
Enzo Mari Piuma Flatware Set, Italy, 1960s Rare Piuma flatware complet set, composed by six fork, six knives, six spoon, six tea spoon. Designed by Enzo Mari, one of the most influ...
Iron
Enzo Mari Delos Ashray in Frosted Glass for Danese, Italy 1979
By Enzo Mari, Danese Milano
Located in Milan, IT
Enzo Mari Delos Ashray in Frosted Glass for Danese, Italy 1979
Glass
Italian Travertine Ashtray Designed by Enzo Mari for Fratelli Manelli, Italy 70s
By Enzo Mari, Fratelli Manelli
Located in Lucija, SI
Vintage travertine ashtray designed by Enzo Marri for Fratelli Manelli. Made in Italy in the 70s.
Travertine
La Pavoni Diamantina Espresso Coffee Machine in stainless steel, new Enzo Mari
By Bruno Munari, Enzo Mari
Located in Berlin, DE
This model will be available for purchase in summer 2024. The Diamantina is the jewel of the semipro range. It takes up the stylistic features of the historic model "Concorso" model,...
Stainless Steel
Fratelli Mannelli Travertine Square Ashtray
By Enzo Mari, Fratelli Mannelli
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Designed by Enzo Mari for Fratelli Mannelli. A perfect blend of form and function, this mid-century Italian piece features a sculptural geometric design with natural stone variations...
Travertine
70s Danese Italy Design by Enzo Mari Object "Delos"
By Enzo Mari
Located in Biella, IT
Danese Italy design by Enzo Mari years 70 object "Delos". signed, perfect condition A, measure diam9 inches x 1,6" H.
Art Glass
Enzo Mari for Fratelli Mannelli Square Ashtray
By Fratelli Mannelli, Enzo Mari
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Designed by Enzo Mari for Fratelli Mannelli. A perfect blend of form and function, this mid-century Italian piece features a sculptural geometric design with natural stone variations...
Travertine
Danese - Che Fare a Murano Series - Centerpiece - Enzo Mari - 1990
By Enzo Mari
Located in Alcamo, IT
Danese - Che Fare a Murano Series - Centerpiece - Enzo Mari - 1990 Created in 1990 by the visionary Italian designer Enzo Mari, the Che Fare a Murano series is a rare fusion of conc...
Murano Glass
$329Sale Price|20% Off
Crystal Fruit Bowl or Centre Piece circa 1960
By Enzo Mari
Located in Labrit, Landes
Crystal fruit bowl or center piece Made in France circa 1960 Very good condition Shipping: 21 / 21 / 11 cm 1.2 kg.
Crystal
$593Sale Price|20% Off
Tongareva Danish Fruit Bowl or Pocket Bowl by Enzo Mari for Danese Milano c 1960
By Enzo Mari
Located in Labrit, Landes
Tongareva Danish fruit bowl by Enzo Mari executed by Danese Milano, one of the most important Italian design distribution companies. Tongareva Danis...
Resin
Enzo Mari Pair of Gaudalupa Ashtrays for Danese, Italy, 1972
By Enzo Mari, Danese Milano
Located in Milan, IT
Enzo Mari pair of Gaudalupa ashtrays for Danese, Italy, 1972.
Stainless Steel
Enzo Mari Limited Edition Putrella Centerpiece in Iron by Danese Milano 2009
By Danese Milano, Enzo Mari
Located in Cascina, Pisa
The Putrella is a table centerpiece made from a semi-finished industrial product. Its archetypal form and expressive force is a prime example of Enzo Mari’s work. The piece is ma...
Iron
"Guadalupa" Steel Round Ashtray by Enzo Mari for Danese, Italy, 1970s
By Danese Milano, Enzo Mari
Located in Milan, IT
"Guadalupa" stainless steel piece by Enzo Mari for Danese Milano. "The two raised edges prevent cigarettes from falling off. The ashtray stands on a rubber ring that acts as a protec...
Stainless Steel
Set of Two "Griglia" Floor Ashtrays by Enzo Mari for Danese, Italy, 1970s
By Danese Milano, Enzo Mari
Located in Milan, IT
Set of two Griglia floor ashtrays by Enzo Mari for Danese. Upper part can be also used as a table ashtray.
Aluminum
Italian modern chromed steel Guadalupa ashtray by Enzo Mari for Danese, 1972
By Enzo Mari, Danese Milano
Located in MIlano, IT
Guadalupa model ashtray with a round shape, entirely made of chromed stainless steel, with a rubber insert at the base of the characteristic curved shape visible from both the top an...
Metal
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
Cutlery by Helmut Alder for Amboss Model 2070
By Amboss Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
Cutlery, model 2070, designed by Helmut Alder, produced by "Amboss Neuzeughammer Steyr" Austria in the 1960s. High quality stainless steel cutlery. For six people, consists of six l...
Stainless Steel
Espresso or Tea Set by Lagardo Tackett
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
The Lagardo Tackett tea or espresso set of cups and saucers is a stunning blend of artistry and functionality. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these sets are a testament...
Ceramic
$850Sale Price|46% Off
H 4 in W 4 in D 14 in
Five piece Arne Jacobsen Stelton stainless steel modernist tea service
By Arne Jacobsen, Stelton
Located in Ferndale, MI
Five pieces of beautifully designed and ergonomic Stelton stainless steel tea service . These are from the cylinder line designed by Arne Jacob...
Stainless Steel
$680Sale Price|20% Off
H 4.75 in W 6.75 in D 2.75 in
Midcentury Travertine Elephant Sculpture / Bookend by Fratelli Mannelli
By Fratelli Mannelli
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool Mid-Century Modern Italian travertine elephant sculpture or bookend by Fratelli Mannelli of Signa, Italy, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition with no...
Travertine
$1,176Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 1.97 in Dm 5.91 in
Angelo Mangiarotti Italian Ceramic Barbados Ashtrays Set for Danese Milano 1964
By Angelo Mangiarotti, Danese Milano
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury moderrn design wbrown enameled ceramic ashtray centerpiece set of three Barbados series designed by Angelo Mangiarotti for Danese Milano in 1964, marked Danese Mil...
Ceramic
$800 / set
H 25.99 in Dm 10.56 in
Set of Two "Griglia" Floor Ashtrays by Enzo Mari for Danese, Italy, 1970s
By Danese Milano, Enzo Mari
Located in Milan, IT
Set of two Griglia floor ashtrays by Enzo Mari for Danese. Upper part can be also used as a table ashtray.
Aluminum
Richard Ginori Italian Porcelain Espresso Coffee Tea Cup Saucer
By Richard Ginori
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful vintage Italian porcelain espresso coffee or tea demitasse cup and saucer 'Toscana' by designer Richard Ginori, circa mid-20th century, ...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Vintage Arne Jacobsen Stainless Steel Teaset. Denmark, 1960's
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Very smart tea and coffee set on a tray Made by Shelton,Denmark. Designed by Arne Jacobsen Makers marks on the base of most of the pieces. Printed label on the base of the tray F...
Stainless Steel
$611
H 2.56 in W 5.12 in D 5.12 in
Mid-Century Italian Green Cut Glass and Leather Ashtray, Fontana Arte Style, 70s
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Roma, IT
We are pleased to offer for sale a refined and elegant smoking accessory that will not go unnoticed on any coffee table. This mid-century modern ashtray, made in Italy around the 70s...
Leather, Cut Glass, Wood
Vintage Italian Espresso Coffee Cups Set in Stainless Steel, 70s
Located in Roma, IT
We are pleased to offer for sale a set of authentic Italian espresso cups that combine functionality with vintage charm. Made in Italy around th...
Stainless Steel
$3,250 / set
H 8.5 in W 0.5 in D 0.25 in
Modernist "Odin" Flatware by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, 72 Pieces
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Atlanta, GA
Large set of "Odin" pattern stainless steel flatware, designed by Jens Quistgaard in Denmark and produced in Germany for Dansk, circa 1960s. This is a complete six-piece set for 12 p...
Stainless Steel
$188Sale Price|58% Off
H 1.97 in W 4.97 in D 5.52 in
Mid-Century Ashtray Barovier & Toso Murano Glass Bowl Sommerso Green Italy 70s
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Palermo, IT
Ashtray produced in Italy in the 70s attributable to the famous Venetian glassworks Barovier & Toso. The ashtray of a fantastic organic floral shape, was made of Murano glass with th...
Murano Glass
Putrella by enzo Mari for Danese Milan
By Enzo Mari, Danese Milano
Located in Busnago, IT
Putrella model 3011A Putrella ashtray or emptying tray, made of welded iron profiles. Design by Enzo Mari for Danese Milano, 1960s. Very good condition. Original and unique design ob...
Iron
Sold
H 3.15 in W 16.15 in D 10.24 in
Vintage Petrol Blue 'La Mama’ Large Enamel Gratin Roasting Dish Pan By Enzo Mari
By Le Creuset, Enzo Mari
Located in Bristol, GB
MID-CENTURY DESIGN COOKWARE Designed by one of the most well-renowned Italian designers, Enzo Mari (1932-2020). Mari was a modernist, artist, anarchist and successful product designer. Manufactured by the equally well-renowned quality French cookware...
Enamel, Iron
Sold
H 6.7 in W 14.18 in D 9.06 in
Pair Of Vintage 'La Mama' Enamel Pans By Enzo Mari For Le Creuset, Roasting Dish
By Le Creuset, Enzo Mari
Located in Bristol, GB
MID-CENTURY DESIGN COOKWARE Designed by one of the most well-renowned Italian designers, Enzo Mari (1932-2020). Mari was a modernist, artist, anarchist and successful product designer. Manufactured by the equally well-renowned quality French cookware...
Enamel, Iron
Sold
H 1.38 in W 18.9 in D 9.65 in
Italian Modernist Arran Tray in Stainless Steel by Enzo Mari for Danese Milano.
By Enzo Mari, Danese Milano
Located in Lille, FR
Italian Modernist Arran Tray in Stainless Steel by Enzo Mari for Danese Milano. Good condition, some scratches.
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 3.94 in Dm 7.09 in
Italian Modern White plastic cylindrical bowl by Enzo Mari for Danese, 1970s
By Enzo Mari, Danese Milano
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern space age White plastic cylindrical bowl by Enzo Mari for Danese, 1970s Cylindrical bowl in white fiberglass. On the two sides it has ...
Plastic
Vintage Blue Salt Shaker & Pepper Grinder by Enzo Mari
By Enzo Mari, Alessi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Originally designed by Enzo Mari (a prolific Italian industrial and furniture design master) for Danese Milano, this set of blue plastic pepper grinder and salt shaker were designed ...
Metal
Vintage Ceramic Bottles Design Enzo Mari, 1970s
By Enzo Mari
Located in taranto, IT
Rare triptych of 70s design ceramic bottles, probably Danish Milan production or Ceramiche pozzi (traces of the label under a bottle), with numbers 1,2,3 in black enamel on an absolu...
Ceramic
Enzo Mari Desk Set or Travertine Decoration
By Enzo Mari
Located in Milano, IT
Decorative set by Enzo Mari made of travertine from the 1970s. The set consists of three animal-shaped sculptures, an ashtray made of travertine and steel, a flower holder also made...
Travertine, Steel
Sold
H 2.76 in Dm 11.82 in
Enzo Mari White Porcelain "Modello C" Italian Centerpiece Danese Milano, 1973
By Enzo Mari, Danese Milano
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
Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtray Guadalupa by Enzo Mari for Danese, 1972
By Enzo Mari, Danese Milano
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Mid-Century Modern ashtray Guadalupa by Enzo Mari for Danese, 1972 Chromed steel Guadeloupa ashtray. Drawing by Enzo Mari produced by Danese in 1972. Measures 20 x 4 H cm.
Metal
Rare Enzo Mari Opasis Vinegar and Oil Vessels
By Enzo Mari
Located in Munich, DE
Rare Enzo Mari Opasis vinegar and oil vessels by Zani and Zani.
Stainless Steel
Rare Enzo Mari Opasis Vinegar and Oil Vessels
By Enzo Mari
Located in Munich, DE
Rare Enzo Mari Opasis vinegar and oil vessels by Zani and Zani.
Stainless Steel