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 pieces — modernist 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.
Gabriella Crespi Table Lamp in Walnut Burl and Brass, Italy 1970s
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Hellouw, NL
Gabriella Crespi’s work blurs the line between sculpture and utility, often achieving a harmony between architectural clarity and material warmth. This early table lamp, produced in ...
Brass
Gabriella Crespi Large "Fungo" Table Lamp, Brass, Acrylic, Italy 1970s SIGNED 2x
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Basel, BS
Up for offer here is an Exceptionally rare, groundbreaking Original Vintage Early edition “Fungo” table lamp by Gabriella Crespi (ca. 1970, Italy), crafted in brass and white acrylic...
Brass
Pair of Large Gabriella Crespi "Fungo" Table Lamps in Brushed Brass and Acrylic
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Monumental pair of Gabriella Crespi “Fungo” table lamps in brushed brass and white acrylic (ca. 1970, Italy). Among the larger examples Crespi ...
Brass
Gabriella Crespi Rare Large 'Fungo' Table Lamp in Bamboo and Brass, Italy, 1970s
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in New York, NY
Gabriella Crespi rare large Fungo table lamp from the Rising Sun Series with lacquered bamboo strips and polished brass details on dome shade atop elegant flared brass base, Italy, 1...
Brass
Gabriella Crespi Rare 'Fungo' Table Lamp in Bamboo and Brass, Italy, 1970s
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in New York, NY
Gabriella Crespi rare 'Fungo' table lamp from the Rising Sun Series with lacquered bamboo strips and polished brass details on dome shade atop elegant flared brass base, Italy, 1970s...
Brass
Gabriella Crespi, Very Large "Fungo" Table Lamp, Brass, Acrylic, Italy, 1970s
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in High Point, NC
A very large "Fungo" brass and acrylic table lamp designed and produced by Gabriella Crespi, Artist's Studio, Italy 1970s. Lamp features signatures on both the lampshade and on the ...
Brass
$51,600Sale Price|20% Off
Gabriella Crespi 'Caleidoscopio' Brass Floor Lamp, c 1970, Signed & Registered
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rare and coveted Gabriella Crespi 'Caleidoscopio' floor lamp, Italy circa 1970, in brass, is composed of a faceted diamond shaped reflector and hefty square base. Signed on the ...
Brass
1970s Gabriella Crespi Fungo Table Lamp Brass Perspex Gold Colour
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Milano, IT
The iconic 'Fungo' Table Lamp Made in Brass and white perspex. Manufactured in the 1970s by Atelier Gabriella Crespi, Milan, Italy. Signed 'Gabriella Crespi' on the shade. Wired with...
Brass
Fungo Floor Lamp By Gabriella Crespi, Italy, 1970
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Roma, RM
Fungo Floor Lamp By Gabriella Crespi, Italy, 1970 Product Details: Brass structure and plexiglass lampshade. Engraved signature on the base and lampshade. Certificate of authenticity...
Brass
Gabriella Crespi Large "Fungo" Suspension Lamp, Brass, Acrylic, Italy 1970s
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Basel, BS
Up for offer here is an Exceptionally rare, groundbreaking Original 1975 Vintage Early edition “Fungo” Suspension Hanging lamp by Gabriella Crespi (ca. 1970, Italy), crafted in brass...
Brass
Gabriella Crespi Rare Due Rane Frogs Pair of Animali Table Lamps, 1970s
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Miami, FL
A super rare pair of large sculpture lamps by Gabriella Crespi. "Due Rane" belongs to the Animali Serie and were created with the ancient lost wax technique in 1973, (same year as "C...
Brass
Gabriella Crespi Fungo Table Lamps, Double Signatures on Pair
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in North Miami, FL
These are the largest Fungo lamps by Gabriella Crespi in brass base with white acrylic domed shades. They are double signed at the base and on the top of th...
Brass
$1,499 / item
Gubi Bohemian 72 Floor Lamp 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...
Glass
2024 Gabriella Crespi for GUBI Bohemian 72 Floor Lamp in Rattan
By Gubi, Gabriella Crespi
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Bohemian 72 Floor Lamp, originally designed by Gabriella Crespi in 1972. This particular example was produced by GUBI in Denmark in 2024. The lamp is comprised entirely of ...
Rattan
1970's Gabriella Crespi Kaleidoscope Brass Table Lamp Gold Italian
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Milano, IT
Rare 'Kaleidoscope' table lamp, circa 1975 Brass. Engraved signature to the shade and to the base, 'Gabriella Crespi BREV'. Manufactured in Italy. Dimensions: 18 W x 18 D x 87 H cm ...
Brass
1970s Gabriella Crespi BOHEMIAN 72 model 2207 bamboo brass
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Milano, IT
Lamp model 2207 from the BOHEMIAN 72 series by GABRIELLA CRESPI (Italy, 1972). Table lamp in brushed and polished brass with curved and stained bamboo canes. Signed by engraving at t...
Brass
$1,559 / item
Bohemian 72 Floor Lamp, Rattan
By Gubi, Gabriella Crespi
Located in Berkeley, CA
GUBI's Bohemian floor lamp is a perfect example of designer Gabriella Crespi’s desire to create furniture that seamlessly moves from indoor to outdoor spaces. Made from rattan, the l...
Rattan
Gabriella Crespi lamp Penguins lost wax bronze sculpture
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Roma, IT
This artwork was made in c.1969 with a lost-wax bronze casting. The eggs inside were made with special bubble glass by Barovier and Toso Murano specifically for this model. The Cres...
Bronze
Gabriella Crespi Vintage Brass Nickel Plexiglass Table Lamp Fungo, 1970, Italy
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Vienna, AT
Gabriella Crespi vintage brass nickel-plated white plexiglass table lamp Fungo, 1970, Italy. Gabriella Crespi (17.2.1922-14.2 2017) was a famed fema...
Brass
Gabriella Crespi “Fungo” Brass and Opaline Perspex Table Lamp, Italy, 1970
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant table lamp model “Fungo”, designed by Gabriella Crespi (1922–2017) in Milan, circa 1970. This sculptural piece features a refined mushroom-shaped silhouette composed of a bru...
Brass
Large Fungo Table Lamp by Gabriella Crespi
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Long Island City, NY
Large Fungo Table Lamp by Gabriella Crespi with an impressed signature on top.
Brass
Gabriella Crespi Vintage Brass Nickel Plexiglass Chandelier Pendant Fungo, 1970s
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Vienna, AT
Gabriella Crespi vintage brass nickel plexiglass chandelier or pendant Fungo designed 1970s Italy. Gabriella Crespi (1922-2017) Gabriella Crespi presented her collections in Milan in...
Brass, Nickel
$1,399 / item
Gabriella Crespi Bohemian 72 Floor Lamp for GUBI
By Gubi, Gabriella Crespi
Located in New York, NY
The floor lamp has a shade formed from a vertical arrangement of rattan strips, with brass detailing. The pattern of the strips allows the lamp to cast a beautifully delicate play of...
Brass
$28,800 / set
Gabriella Crespi Signed Wall Appliques, Pair
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in North Miami, FL
Rare pair of original ribbed acrylic and brass trim frame large wall sconces; These wall lights are designed by Gabriella Crespi in the 1970s, and they are signed to brass frame.
Brass
$5,500 / set
H 29 in Dm 19 in
Gabriella Crespi Style Large Bamboo Pair of Table Lamps with Red Lacquer Bases
By The Lacquer Company
Located in New York, NY
Large bamboo pair of table lamps with red lacquer bases created in collaboration with The Lacquer Company. In the style of Gabriella Crespi. Beautiful and chic table lamps. Lovely L...
Brass
$1,506
H 31.5 in Dm 19.69 in
Italian Contemporary Gabriella Crespi Style Brass Lamp with Bamboo Lampshade
Located in Scandicci, Florence
This is a very unique brass and bamboo lamp, with a base shaped like a bamboo cane and a lampshade made from curved bamboo and finished with brass details. The lamp design is inspire...
Brass
Pair of Large Modern Table Lamps in the Manner of Gabriella Crespi
By Gabriella Giandelli
Located in Rome, IT
Organic modern mushroom "fungo" shape table lamps with bamboo shade and brass structure. Twi E14 socket. These lamps can match with a console table or an the pair of side tables.
Bamboo
$52,951
H 55.12 in Dm 23.63 in
Gabriella Crespi Vintage Brass Nickel Plexiglass Chandelier Pendant Fungo, 1970s
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Vienna, AT
Gabriella Crespi vintage brass nickel plexiglass chandelier or pendant Fungo designed 1970s Italy. Gabriella Crespi (1922-2017) Gabriella Crespi presented her collections in Milan in...
Brass, Nickel
Pair of Large Modern Table Lamps in the Manner of Gabriella Crespi
By Gabriella Giandelli
Located in Rome, IT
Organic modern mushroom "fungo" shape table lamps with bamboo shade and brass structure. Twi E14 socket. These lamps can match with a console table or an the pair of side tables.
Bamboo
Large 'Faux Bamboo' Table Lamp in Brass and Resin 1970s
By Vivai del Sud
Located in Meer, VAN
Faux Bamboo' Table Lamp in Patinated Brass and Resin 1970s A stunning and large mid century table lamp. This rare table lamp features a wonderful design with a faux bamboo stem in ...
Brass
$76,000 / set
H 29 in W 22 in D 16 in
Gabriella Crespi Rare Due Rane Frogs Pair of Animali Table Lamps, 1970s
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Miami, FL
A super rare pair of large sculpture lamps by Gabriella Crespi. "Due Rane" belongs to the Animali Serie and were created with the ancient lost wax technique in 1973, (same year as "C...
Brass
Large Italian Rattan and Brass Ball Table Lamp, 1970s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-Century Modern Rattan Pencil Reed Table Lamps with Original Linen Lampshade Pencil Reed Rattan and Brass Organic Modern Vivai Del Sud Ball Table Lamp, Italy, 1970s This Pencil Reed Rattan Organic Modern Table Lamp has a design inspired in Gabriella Crespi's rattan furniture creations. This rattan table lamp has a nice ball shaped design with a brass ring on the base and brass detail on the top. The rattan base holds its original conical linen upholstered lampshade. It will be an stylish accent to any Hollywood Regency, Midcentury Modern, Organic Modern or contemporary decoration. Lampshade is included - In case that you are not interested in the lampshade please let us know, and will add the accurate shipping quote without the lampshade box- Overall measures including lampshade: 56 cm H x 55,5 cm diameter Measures ( without the lampshade): 39 cm H x 24 cm diameter A pair of smaller rattan pencil reed ball shaped table lamps is avaliable at our 1stdibs marketplace. 1970s Italian Rattan...
Brass
Large Rare Midcentury Table Lamp, Italy, 1970s.
Located in Praha, CZ
- very nice style of lighting¨ - rare type - large - perfect original condition
Metal
Gabriella Crespi Fungo Table Lamps, Double Signatures on Pair
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in North Miami, FL
These are the largest Fungo lamps by Gabriella Crespi in brass base with white acrylic domed shades. They are double signed at the base and on the top of th...
Brass
Pair Of Large Lamps In Teak & Brushed Brass
Located in Kent, Dover
A pair of large Continental teak and brushed brass Modernist table lamps. Of good quality and weight.
Brass
1970s Gabriella Crespi BOHEMIAN 72 model 2207 bamboo brass
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Milano, IT
Lamp model 2207 from the BOHEMIAN 72 series by GABRIELLA CRESPI (Italy, 1972). Table lamp in brushed and polished brass with curved and stained bamboo canes. Signed by engraving at t...
Brass
Gabriella Crespi Brass Lamps, Resin "Tobacco Leaf" Shades
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Miami, FL
Gabriella Crespi Brass Lamps, Resin "Tobacco Leaf" Shades Offered for sale is an oversized pair of Italian-designed brass table lamps, by Gabriella Crespi (Italian, 1922–2017). The...
Brass
Sold
H 27.17 in Dm 17.33 in
Large 'Fungo' table lamp by Gabriella Crespi with signature, vintage 1970s
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Premariacco, IT
Rare brushed brass table lamp with white perspex dome surrounded by a small brass border. 'Mushroom' model lamp, working as pictured. This is the large version, with a height of as...
Brass
Sold
H 23.63 in W 15.75 in D 6.3 in
Rare Mid Century Modern 'Scudo' wallight by Gabriella Crespi (1922-2017)
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in London, GB
Rare Mid Century Modern 'Scudo' wallight by Gabriella Crespi. This stylish wallight is signed on the side. Gabriella Crespi was born in 1922 and studied architecture at the Politecn...
Brass
Table Lamp model Fungo by Gabriella Crespi, Italian Design 1970s
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Milan, IT
The Fungo table lamp by Gabriella Crespi is an elegant and exuberant interior with a chrome-plated brass structure and lampshade in chrome-plated brass and perspex. Part of the Unicu...
Brass
Gabriella Crespi Rare 'Fungo' Floor Lamp in Bamboo and Brass, Italy, 1970s
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Dallas, TX
Rare Gabriella Crespi 'Fungo' floor lamp from the Rising Sun Series with lacquered bamboo and brass dome shade and patinated brass base, Italy, 1970s. Signature to base and shade 'Ga...
Brass
Gabriella Crespi Table Lamp Model Fungo Signed Vintage
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Chicago, IL
Gabriella Crespi vintage brass with white plexiglass shade table lamp Fungo, 1970, Italy. Gabriella Crespi (17.2.1922-14.2 2017) was a famed fe...
Brass
Gabriella Crespi Large Fungo Table Lamp, Rising Sun Series, 1973, Italy
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Melbourne, VIC
Large and striking 'Fungo' table lamp from the iconic Rising Sun Series with lacquered bamboo and polished brass dome shade and elegant flared brass base in a gold finish, Italy, 197...
Brass
Caleidoscopi Floor Lamp by Gabriella Crespi
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in New York, NY
Nickel plated brass. Rare floor lamp, takes 1 x E26 bulb.
Brass, Nickel
Gabriella Crespi Table Lamp
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Milano, IT
Large table lamp with brass base and methacrylate lampshade; design by Gabriella Crespi, produced around 1970.
Brass
Gabriella Crespi 'Fungo' Bamboo Table Lamp, Italy, 1972s
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Gabriella Crespi 'Fungo' table lamp from the Rising Sun Series. This rare table lamp from the Rising Sun Series was made of golden brass, while the dome shade was made of many bamb...
Brass
Sold
H 23 in Dm 32 in
Gabriella Crespi Rare Large 'Fungo' Table Lamp in Bamboo and Brass, Italy, 1970s
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in New York, NY
Gabriella Crespi rare large Fungo table lamp from the Rising Sun Series with lacquered bamboo strips and polished brass details on dome shade atop elegant flared brass base, Italy, 1...
Brass
Gabriella Crespi, Paire of Candle Spikes, Italy, circa 1970
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Gabriella Crespi, Paire of Candle Spikes, Gilt bronze and shells, Italy, circa 1970. Measures: Width 36 cm, Depth 25 cm, Height 34 cm.
Bronze