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 Signed Petite Lucite Lamp Mid Century Italian Modern
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Lucite and Nickel Lamp, designed by Gabriella Crespi, Italy, circa 1970s. It has been rewired and is ready to use. The lamp measures 9.5" to the top of the shade. The shade m...
Metal
Gubi Bohemian 72 Floor Lamp in Rattan strips by Gabriella Crespi
By Gabriella Crespi, Gubi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bohemian '72 floor lamp designed by Gabriella Crespi and produced 50 years later by Gubi. The Bohemian '72 lamp is part of a collection of furniture made of rattan that combines the ...
Rattan
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" 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
Pair of Gabriella Crespi Brass Sconces
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Gabriella Crespi brass sconces. Polished brass with single edison socket in each. Signed on the side.
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
$1,399 / item
Gabriella Crespi Bohemian 72 Floor Lamp for GUBI
By Gabriella Crespi, Gubi
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
Original Gabriella Crespi, Rising Sun Series, Fungo Table Lamp – Italy 1970s
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Renens, CH
Gabriella Crespi, Rising Sun Series, Fungo Table Lamp, 1970s Registered by the Gabriella Crespi Archives under: 060729088M - COA available, can be transferred to the name of the buy...
Brass
$51,500Sale 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
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
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
Gabriella Crespi Vintage Nickel Perspex Chandelier Pendant Fungo, 1970s
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Vienna, AT
Gabriella Crespi nickel plated perspex chandelier or pendant Fungo designed 1970s Italy. Gabriella Crespi (1922-2017) Gabriella Crespi presented he...
Brass, Nickel
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
Table Lamp Bauletto by Gabriela Crespi, Italy, 1973 - Signed
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Brussels, BE
Table Lamp Bauletto by Gabriela Crespi, Italy, 1973 - Signed New lampshade C. Cunacchia, Gabriella Crespi, Il segno e lo spirito, p. Mondadori, Electa, 2011 Introduced in 1973 as ...
Metal
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
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
2024 Gabriella Crespi for GUBI Bohemian 72 Floor Lamp in Rattan
By Gabriella Crespi, Gubi
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
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 Gubi, Gabriella Crespi
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
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 Vintage Nickel Plated Perspex Table Lamp Fungo 1970 Italy
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Vienna, AT
Gabriella Crespi nickel-plated white prspex table lamp Fungo, 1970, Italy. Gabriella Crespi (17.2.1922-14.2 2017) was a famed female Italian artist a...
Plexiglass
$1,559 / item
Bohemian 72 Floor Lamp, Rattan
By Gabriella Crespi, Gubi
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
$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
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
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
Gubi Bohemian 72 Floor Lamp by Gabriella Crespi
By Gubi, Gabriella Crespi
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
Pair of Natural Brass Wall Sconces
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Pair of wall sconces made of natural brass with two inner lights per sconce. Straight backplate on which are coming two curved brass sheets, with the light escaping from the gap b...
Brass
Paavo Tynell 'Model 9209' Brass and Rattan Table Lamp for Gubi
By Paavo Tynell, Gubi
Located in Glendale, CA
Paavo Tynell Model 9209 Brass and Rattan Table Lamp for Gubi Originally designed by Paavo Tynell in 1940, this authorized GUBI re-edition is executed in brass and rattan. Today, th...
Brass
Pair of Detailed Brass Sconces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of detailed brass sconces. There is a female face at the centre of the sconce and a male face at the bottom.
Bronze
Pair of Cast Brass Sconces
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of American double arm sconces; shades are not original to the fixture, but are of the period.
Brass
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
Pair of Brass and Murano Glass Sconces
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of brass and Murano glass sconces.
Brass
Large Brass Table Lamp Signed G. Autier France, 1970s
By G. Autier
Located in Niederdorfelden, Hessen
Exceptional 1970s handcrafted design table lamp base by G. Autier, France. High quality geometrical brass sculpture. Incised signature G Autier Measures: Brass body height 11.4" in...
Brass
Pair of Brass and Murano Glass Sconces
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of brass and Murano glass sconces. 2 bulbs E14
Brass
Timberline Table Lamp in Oak and Birch by Mads Caprani for GUBI
By Gubi
Located in Glendale, CA
Timberline Table Lamp in Oak and Birch by Mads Caprani for GUBI Originally designed by Mads Caprani in the 1970s, this scaled-down format retains the signature swan-necked shape an...
Iron
Italian Designer, Table Lamp, Brass, Italy, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass table lamp designed and produced in Italy, 1970s. Brass presents with moderate patina, especially around stem, as illustrated. Wear consistent with age and use. Dime...
Brass
Gubi Cobra Table Lamp Designed by Greta M. Grossman in Stock
By Gubi
Located in New York, NY
The authentic Cobra table lamp is of the most iconic designs by Greta M. Grossman. The table lamp was originally designed in the 1950s and takes its name from the shape of the oval s...
Chrome
Sold
H 34.26 in W 7.09 in D 7.09 in
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
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