Skip to main content

Gabriella Crespi Furniture

Italian, 1922-2017

Bronze discs that open up like clamshells for storage and fold back in to become side tables. Sleek cubes barely suspended off the ground that transform into full-size dining tables. Clean-lined boxes that contain multilevel shelving. Looking at the work of Italian designer Gabriella Crespi, born in 1922 and who still produced furniture in her Milan studio until her death in 2017, it’s hard to believe that many of these highly functional piecesmodernist Rubik’s Cubes of materials, colors and ergonomics — were created decades ago.

Among her best-known creations, the bronze Ellisse table, 1976, and her bronze-and-lacquer Yang-Yin bar, 1979, encapsulate a designer who had a strong dualism in her vision, mixing humble and precious materials, for instance, or creating geometric shapes that were softened by sensual surfaces.

Crespi began studying architecture in 1944 at the Politecnico, in Milan, where she was among just a handful of women, and became profoundly influenced by the work of Charles-Édouard "Le Corbusier" Jeanneret and Frank Lloyd Wright. After getting married and having children, she launched her own collections, from jewelry to furniture, and soon gained a loyal following, with design houses such as Maison Dior snapping pieces up for their own lines.

She began work on her most iconic collection, Plurimi, in the late 1960s, and the series — including her Dama table, which plays on the themes of volume, light and adaptability that Crespi has explored throughout her career — flourished through the 1970s and early ’80s. Then there is her famed Z desk, from a mid-1970s series, which manages to be both stylish and humorous, looking like it’s ready to leap off the floor at any moment. Well-born and beautiful, Crespi garnered attention among the jet set. She was a muse to Valentino, and her pieces appeared in the homes of Princess Grace of Monaco, the Shah of Iran and Greek shipping magnate George Livanos. 

In 1987, with her children now adults, the designer surprised everyone when she moved to the foot of the Indian Himalayas to study with the guru Sri Muniraj. This turned into a 20-year self-imposed exile that, if anything, made her pieces even more sought-after by collectors. 

Find vintage Gabriella Crespi furniture on 1stDibs.

1
to
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
48
14
3
3
3
Creator: Gabriella Crespi
Dealer: Portuondo Paris
Set of 6 Rattan Chairs By Gabriella Crespi
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Set of 6 chairs in rattan and fabric by Gabriella Crespi Composed by 2 armchairs and 4 chairs Rising Sun collection All chairs have the signature stamped on brass Italy 1975 the bu...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gabriella Crespi Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Fabric

Related Items
Gio Ponti Gabriella Chair
By Pallucco, Gio Ponti
Located in Dronten, NL
Gabriella folding lounge chair with a steel frame, seat, and back upholstered in black Naugahyde. This iconic chair was designed by the Italian designer Gio Ponti and released in a...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Gabriella Crespi Furniture

Materials

Stainless Steel

Gio Ponti Gabriella Chair
Gio Ponti Gabriella Chair
H 42.13 in W 23.23 in D 24.02 in
Gabriella Crespi Pencil Reed Rattan Arm Chairs, a Pair
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fabulous pair of Gabriella Crespi Pencil Reed arm chairs. Newly lacquered in white and with new Todd Hase upholstery. Great addition to your Boho Ch...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Gabriella Crespi Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Customizable Gubi Bohemian 72 Lounge Chair Designed by Gabriella Crespi
By Gabriella Crespi, Gubi
Located in New York, NY
Comprising a lounge chair, three-seater sofa, ottoman and floor lamp – all crafted from rattan – the Bohemian 72 Collection embodies Crespi’s ca...
Category

2010s Danish Gabriella Crespi Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Rattan

1970s Set of 8 Spectacular Bamboo and Brass Dining Chairs after Gabriella Crespi
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in West Reading, PA
This is an amazing set of 8 Italian Bamboo High-backed Dining Chairs, designed in the spirit of Gabriella Crespi's "Rising Sun" collection. They feature mitered bamboo backs with bra...
Category

1970s Italian Organic Modern Vintage Gabriella Crespi Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

Thonet Style Mid Century Rattan and Bentwood Arm Chairs, Set of 4
By Thonet
Located in Countryside, IL
Thonet style mid century rattan and bentwood arm chairs - Set of 4 Each chair measures: 21.5 wide x 18.5 deep x 32.25 high, with a seat height of 17.5 inches and arm height of 26...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gabriella Crespi Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Rattan, Bentwood

Pair Mid-Century Bamboo Chairs Brass Parts Gabriella Crespi Style 1950s
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Pair mid-century bamboo chairs brass Parts Gabriella crespi style 1950s.
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gabriella Crespi Furniture

Materials

Brass

Vintage Rattan & Cane Armchairs, Set of 2
Located in Denver, CO
Midcentury bent bamboo Rattan and Cane Armchairs, Set of 2 Minor flaking of the clear coat in a few places on each chair (see images) No structural damage A few small spots ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Gabriella Crespi Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Cane

Rattan Loung Chair in Bamboo and Fabric, France, 1960's
By Gabriella Crespi, Paul Frankl
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Lovely rattan lounge chair in great condition. Especially the cane that was used to tie the bamboo together is still very good and that's quite rare. The main frame of this organ...
Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gabriella Crespi Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Rattan, Bamboo

Customizable Gubi Bohemian 72 Lounge Chair Designed by Gabriella Crespi
By Gabriella Crespi, Gubi
Located in New York, NY
Comprising a lounge chair, three-seater sofa, ottoman and floor lamp – all crafted from rattan – the Bohemian 72 Collection embodies Crespi’s ca...
Category

2010s Danish Gabriella Crespi Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Rattan

Pair of Oak Upholstered Armchairs by Raffaella Crespi
By Raffaella Crespi
Located in New York, NY
Pair of oak armchairs attributed to Raffaella Crespi; the uniquely rounded shaped arms, entirely upholstered as well as the seat and back all supported on a simple structure made of ...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Gabriella Crespi Furniture

Materials

Oak

Pair of Vintage Rattan Lounge Chairs
Located in Hudson, NY
This pair of rattan lounge chairs are new arrivals from Sweden. Made in the 1950s both chairs are in remarkably good condition showing no major signs of wear, damage or repair. We di...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Gabriella Crespi Furniture

Materials

Rattan

Pair of Vintage Rattan Lounge Chairs
Pair of Vintage Rattan Lounge Chairs
H 40 in W 26.75 in D 27.5 in
Rare Set of Dirk Van Sliedregt Rattan Lounge Chairs
By Dirk Van Sliedregt
Located in Den Haag, NL
Rare set of Dirk Van Sliedregt rattan lounge chairs.
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Gabriella Crespi Furniture

Materials

Rattan, Wood

Previously Available Items
Gabriella Crespi Bronze Ostrich Sculpture with Ostrich Egg
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Airone sculpture Gilt bronze, glass, resin ostrich egg Signed by the artist on the base Circa 1973-1974
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gabriella Crespi Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Gabriella Crespi Bronze Ostrich Sculpture
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Airone sculpture Signed by the artist on the base Gild bronze and Barovier & Toso blown glass Executed circa 1973-1974.
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gabriella Crespi Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Gabriella Crespi Bronze Ostrich Sculpture
Gabriella Crespi Bronze Ostrich Sculpture
H 29.93 in W 12.01 in D 7.37 in
Bronze Umbrella Stand
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Umbrella stand with Bronze leaf Goog vintage condition
Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gabriella Crespi Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Umbrella Stand
Bronze Umbrella Stand
H 18.12 in Dm 13 in
3 Animal Sculptures by Gabriella Crespi
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Collection of the animal sculpture in silver plated bronze and murano glass blown. Italy circa 1977 The three animals are stamped and signed Great vintage condition.  
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gabriella Crespi Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

3 Animal Sculptures by Gabriella Crespi
3 Animal Sculptures by Gabriella Crespi
H 7.09 in W 9.85 in D 3.94 in
Brass Box Signed by Gabriella Gabriella Crespi
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Brass box signed by Gabriella Gabriella Crespi.
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gabriella Crespi Furniture

Materials

Brass

Magnifying Glass by Gabriella Crespi
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Magnifying glass with bronze deer by Gabriella Crespi Italy, 1970 Chip on the glass.
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gabriella Crespi Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Magnifying Glass by Gabriella Crespi
Magnifying Glass by Gabriella Crespi
H 9.06 in W 3.94 in D 1.58 in
1970s Lucite and Chrome Box
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
1970s chrome and Lucite box Good vintage condition.
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gabriella Crespi Furniture

Materials

Chrome

1970s Lucite and Chrome Box
1970s Lucite and Chrome Box
H 2.76 in W 8.27 in D 4.73 in
Gabriela Crespi Deer Head Bowl
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
1970s Gabriela Crespi hammered metal with deer heads tray or bowl. Signed on the side.
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gabriella Crespi Furniture

Materials

Metal

Gabriela Crespi Deer Head Bowl
Gabriela Crespi Deer Head Bowl
H 4.73 in Dm 23.63 in
1970s Turtel Shell Boxes Signed by Gabriella Crespi
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Two 1970s turtle boxes compose of real turtle and silver plated bronze. Box can be opened from the shell. Each box is signed and numbered by Gabriella Crespi.  
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gabriella Crespi Furniture

Materials

Silver Plate

1970s Bronze Box Signed by Gabriella Crespi
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
1970s large brass box with a bronze bird on the top. Signed by Gabriella Crespi Excellent condition.
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gabriella Crespi Furniture

Materials

Brass, Bronze

1970s Bronze Box Signed by Gabriella Crespi
1970s Bronze Box Signed by Gabriella Crespi
H 7.88 in W 9.85 in D 7.88 in
1970s Bronze Ostrich and Boar by Gabriella Crespi
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Boar and ostrich plated silver and Murano blown glass. Toso and Barovier. Signe by Gabriella Crespi, circa 1970. Italy Measure: Boar 15cm x 15cm x 11 cm Ostrich 22cm x 11cm diam...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gabriella Crespi Furniture

Materials

Bronze

1970S Gabriella Crespi Hippopotamus
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
1970s animal Sculpture of hippopotamus in bronze and barovier-toso glass signed by Gabriella Crespi
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gabriella Crespi Furniture

Materials

Bronze

1970S Gabriella Crespi Hippopotamus
1970S Gabriella Crespi Hippopotamus
H 2.76 in W 6.3 in D 2.76 in

Gabriella Crespi furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Gabriella Crespi furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Gabriella Crespi furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 94 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 9 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Gabriella Crespi were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Lorenzo Burchiellaro, Arte Vetraria Muranese (AVEM), and Bruno Gambone. Prices for Gabriella Crespi furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $425 and can go as high as $78,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,800.

Recently Viewed

View All