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.
Vintage Tagged Gabriella Crespi Pencil Reed Mirror
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This stunning large wall mirror is a masterpiece of 1970s Organic Modernism, bearing the prestigious Gabriella Crespi signature tag. Meticulously hand-crafted with concentric rows of...
Mirror, Rattan, Reed
Large Bamboo Reed Woven Oval Mirror
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Large bamboo reed woven oval mirror.
Reed, Mirror, Bamboo
Pencil Reed Rattan Geometric Wall Mirror 43.5"H
By Creel and Gow
Located in New York, NY
Pencil Reed Rattan Geometric Wall Mirror 53.5"H Introducing Creel and Gow's exclusive wicker and rattan collection, designed by Marco Scarani. We're proud to offer our customers the...
Reed
Midcentury Rattan Split Reed Rectangular Wall Mirror
Located in Barcelona, ES
Italian Designer Midentury wall mirror, split reed, bamboo, rattan, Italy, 1960s. This cool rectangular mirror was handcrafted with bamboo cane and rattan. Its design combines Midcentury and Oriental accents. It will be a nice addition to be used in a bathroom or as wall mirror / console mirror in any other room or entry hall. Perfect for a beach house interior...
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan, Reed, Mirror
$6,534 / set
H 32.68 in W 32.68 in D 1.19 in
Pair of Vivai Del Sud Pencil Reed Rattan Octagonal Mirrors with Brass Detail
By Vivai del Sud
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of Octagon Mirrors in rattan pencil reed and brass frames. Italy, 1960-1970. Attributed to Vivai del Sud These eye-catching mirrors feature finely executed rattan frames in octagonal shape surrounded by a rim in gilt brass metal. Made of multiple layers of pencil reed rattan canes. They have a oool taste combining Midcentury and Hollywood Regency design. To be used as wall mirrors over a double vanity in a bathroom , as console mirrors in an entry hall or in any other room. Large mirror surface. Clean design and amazing shape. Great condition. On sale as a pair. Overall measures: 83 cm H x 83 cm W x 3 cm D Glass measures: 65 cm H x 65 cm W We are specialists in mirrors and sunburst mirrors: A curated selection of wall mirrors and other venetian style mirrors in different shapes are avaliable at our 1stdibs marketplace. We invite you to see the whole collection. Octagonal Rattan mirrors...
Brass
19th Century Brass Reeded Mirror
Located in Houston, TX
A fabulous tall late 19th-century French mirror crafted in a reeded brass frame with wonderful minimalist lines, notable features include antique mercury mirror plate.
Brass
Vintage 3-dimensional Pencil Reed Coastal Beveled Mirror
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 3-dimensional Pencil Reed Coastal Beveled Mirror Offered for sale is a large vintage three-dimensional pencil reed-framed beveled mirror. The frame is canted forward and cl...
Reed, Mirror, Wood
Boho Chic Pencil Reed Wall Mirror Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Boho chic pencil reed wall mirror. We do have the matching credenza listed in another of our 1stdibs offerings. This mirror measures 43"T x 35"W x 1"D.
Rattan, Mirror
Rattan Pencil Reed Rectangular Mirror
Located in Barcelona, ES
Rectangular wall mirror, Pencil Reed, Rattan, Leather, Italy, 1960s. Eye-catching rattan mirror. The frame has a nice construction with twisted pencil reed rattan canes. It has leather strip tied details on the corners. To be used as wall mirror in a bathroom or any other room or as console mirror. Overall measures: 83 cm H x 53 cm W x 4 cm D Glass measures: 73 cm H x 43 cm W. Rattan Rectangular Mirror // Pencil Reed Rectangular...
Leather, Rattan, Reed, Cane
1980s Coastal Deco Revival Pencil Reed Wall Mirror
Located in Jensen Beach, FL
Fabulous pencil reed mirror in a 1980s art deco revival style.
Reed
Vintage Rattan Reed Bamboo Vivai Del Sud Italian Wall Mirror
By Vivai del Sud
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage bamboo reed wall mirror by Vivai Del Sud, Italy. We put new hooks and wire on back, ready to hang. Dimensions: 28.5 H x 28.5 W x 1.5 D.
Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror
Modern Reeded Round Mirror
Located in Westwood, NJ
A modern mirror with a reeded frame in our dark Bistre finish with a beveled glass mirror plate. Dimensions: 36" W x 1.24" D x 36" H
Mirror, Wood
Tall Pencil Reed Rattan Geometric Wall Mirror 58.5"H
By Creel and Gow
Located in New York, NY
Measures: 26.75" x 2" x 58.5" H Tall Pencil Reed Rattan Geometric Wall Mirror 58.5"H Introducing Creel and Gow's exclusive wicker and rattan collection, designed by Marco Scarani. ...
Reed
Sold
H 41.74 in W 41.74 in D 1.58 in
20th Century Italian Octagonal Brass & Ratan Mirror By Gabriella Crespi c.1970
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Crafted in the mid-20th century, Gabriella Crespi's octagonal mirror showcases a striking geometric design fashioned from reeds and bamboo, elegantly encased in a brass frame. Its ad...
Brass
Gabriella Crespi "Rising Sun" Mirror
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rising Sun Mirror by Gabriella Crespi This Mirror is from the House of The Rising Sun Collection Made of Rattan, Brass, And Mirrored Glass From Italy, 1970s Hand Signed.
Brass
Gabriella Crespi "Rising Sun" Mirror, Italy, 1970s
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Miami, FL
House of the Rising Sun collection console or wall mirror rendered in rattan, brass, and mirror glass designed by Gabriella Crespi, documented, Italy, 1970s Provenance; private esta...
Brass
Gabriella Crespi Mirror
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in Chicago, IL
Crespi Gothic inspired brass mirror. Can hang on wall or freestanding on floor. Two hanging sides full finished brass backing. Few of these were ever produced. Impressed signatur...
Brass