Gaetano Pesce was of a generation of Italian architects who in the early 1960s rebelled against the industrial perfection of modernism by conceiving new furniture and objects that were at once expressive and eccentric in form; or you might say they were more like art than functionalist design.
Born in the picturesque coastal Italian city of La Spezia in 1939, Pesce was a precocious talent who could have forged a career as an artist but opted instead to go to Venice to study architecture because, as he has said, it was “the most complex of all the arts.” Rather than having new worlds opened to him at design school, however, Pesce found the rationalist curriculum oppressive in its insistence on standardization and prescribed materials and technologies.
Pesce wanted to explore the latest of both materials and technologies to create objects and buildings never before imagined, with what he called “personalities” that spoke to the issues of the day. He was keen to examine ways to diversify mass production so that each manufactured work could be distinct.
In 1964, Pesce met Cesare Cassina, of the forward-looking furniture company C&B Italia in Milan (now known as B&B Italia), for whom he would create many important designs, beginning with a collection of what he called “transformational furniture” — two chairs and a loveseat — made entirely out of high-density polyurethane foam. To make the pieces easy to ship and cost-efficient, he proposed that after being covered in a stretch jersey, they be put in a vacuum, then heat-sealed flat between vinyl sheets. Once the foam was removed from its packaging, the piece returned to its original shape — hence, the name Up for the series, which debuted in 1969.
In addition to these pieces, Pesce proposed for the collection something he referred to as an “anti-armchair,” which took the shape of a reclining fertility goddess, the iconic Donna.
Producing the piece's complex form turned out to be a technical challenge. Bayer, the foam’s manufacturer, deemed it impossible to accomplish. Pesce persisted and came up with a new procedure, demonstrating not only the designer’s key role in researching the nature and potential of new materials but also his vital importance in “doubting rules.” The Up chair and accompanying ottoman were born, and they were revolutionary in more ways than one.
In the early 1970s, Pesce began exploring one of his key concepts, the idea of the industrial originals. Employing a mold without air holes, and adding a blood-red dye to the polyurethane, he cast a bookcase that resembled a demolished wall, the rough edges of the shelves and posts resulting from fissures in the material made by trapped air.
Through his research into polyurethane, Pesce figured out a way to make a loveseat and armchair using only a simple wood frame and strong canvas covering as a mold. Since the fabric developed random folds during the injection process, the pieces were similar but not identical. Cassina named the suite of furnishings Sit Down and introduced it in 1975. By experimenting with felt soaked in polyurethane and resin, Pesce conceived I Feltri, another collection of armchairs introduced by Cassina in 1987.
Pesce went on to live a life that defied expectation and convention and along the way became one of the most seminal figures in art and design.
Find vintage Gaetano Pesce chairs, sofas, vases and more on 1stDibs.
Nugget Vase (Large), Clear Black by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Toronto, ON
Large "Nugget" Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. colour: Clear Black *All the pieces are handmade and therefore unique. Variations in...
Resin
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Round The Clock L Ochre Mauve Light Ruby
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Round The Clock - Ochre, Mauve, Clear Light Ruby Clock in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design collection. Colour: Ochre, Mauve, Clear Lig...
Resin
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Spaghetti Vase L Resin Light Ruby Olive Green
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Spaghetti Light Ruby, Olive Green Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Light Ruby Olive Green Mater...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Indian Summer Vase L Resin Clear Aqua, Mauve
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Indian Summer vase - Clear Aqua, Mauve Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Clear Aqua, Mauve Mate...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Senzafine Square Medium Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Senzafine series by Gaetano Pesce is composed by lively vases available in oval, square or round shapes. These very particular objects are formed by the continuous extrusion of a...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Senzafine Square Large Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Senzafine series by Gaetano Pesce is composed by lively vases available in oval, square or round shapes. These very particular objects are formed by the continuous extrusion of a...
Resin
Meritalia Tall Vase / Blue and Red by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Each vase by Edizioni del Pesce embodies a singular and unrepeatable identity, telling a different story through innovative shapes, intricate details and a varied chromatic range. Th...
Resin
Fish Design Gaetano Pesce Indian Summer L Vase Soft Resin Clear And White
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Indian Summer vase, clear and matt white. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - ø 22cm x H 36cm. Colours: clear and matt wh...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Try-Tray Round Medium Celestial Blue, Terracotta
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Try Tray round - clear celestial blue, terracotta Tray in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1998 for Fish Design collection. Colours: Clear celestial blue, terracotta Dimensio...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Indian Summer Vase L Resin Grey Turquoise
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Indian Summer vase - Clear grey, matt turquoise Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Clear grey an...
Resin
Meritalia Shadow Chair, Green by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
The "Shadow" chair by Gaetano Pesce is an innovative piece of design, crafted by Meritalia. Like many of Pesce's works, it plays with form, colour and texture, aiming to create a uni...
Leather, Resin, Latex
Meritalia Some of Us Lamp by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Toronto, ON
Created through a process that celebrates imperfection and unconventionality, the luminous objects by Edizioni del Pesce embody Gaetano Pesce's distinctive philosophy. Each luminous ...
Metal
$985 / item
Nugget Large Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Milan, IT
This iconic design by Gaetano Pesce will make a singular, utterly captivating accent in a contemporary interior. A precious work of art, it belongs to the Fish Design Collection of s...
Resin
$1,035 / item
Indian Summer Large Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Milan, IT
A strikingly singular addition to a personal art collection, this gorgeous vase is a veritable work of art of bold visual impact. Entirely crafted of soft resin, it boasts a magnific...
Resin
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Spaghetti Vase L Resin Clear White
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Spaghetti vase, clear, white. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: cl...
Resin
Contemporary Fish Design Gaetano Pesce Medusa XL Vase Soft Resin White
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Medusa vase - Matt white Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: XL - Ø 30cm x H 56cm Colours: Matt white. Material: RESIN Vase i...
Resin
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Spaghetti Vase L Resin Clear Gold
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Spaghetti vase, clear and gold. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Clear and Gold. Material: RE...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Clear Special Vase XL Resin Fuchsia Pink Lilac
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Clear special extra color vase - Clear pink, clear fuchsia, clear lilac, matt pink. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: XL - ø...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Clear Special Vase L Resin Amber Fuchsia Blue
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Clear Special extra colour vase, clear amber, fuchsia and blue Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L Ø 22cm x H 36cm Colour: C...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Spaghetti Vase XL Resin Grey Yellow
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Spaghetti vase, grey, yellow. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: XL ø 30cm x H 56cm Colours: Grey, yellow. Material: RESIN Va...
Resin
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Indian Summer Vase XL Resin Orange Pink
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Indian Summer vase, clear orange, matt pastel pink. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: XL ...
Resin
Corsi Medusa Vase (Large), Matte White by Gaetano Pesce
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Large Matte White "Medusa" Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. * All the pieces are hand-made and therefore unique. Variations in the hu...
Resin
$1,080 / item
Nugget Large Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Milan, IT
This stunning vase belongs to the Fish Design Collection of iconic, unique pieces designed by Gaetano Pesce. Chalice shape, it is strikingly han...
Resin
"Tutti Frutti" Gaetano Pesce Fish Design Green Resin Bowl
By Fish Design, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brescia, IT
Tutti Frutti basket Green soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. With original box Excellent condiction.
Resin
Fish Design Watch Me Large Clock Clear Aqua, Fumè, Fluo Fuchsia by Gaetano Pesce
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Watch me - Clear Aqua, Fumè, Fluo Fuchsia Clock in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design collection. Color: Clear Aqua, Fumè, Fluo Fuchsia Dimensions: L - ø 42cm Mat...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Clear Special Vase L Resin Brown Fuchsia Pink Yellow
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Clear special extra colour vase - Clear brown, fuchsia, pink and matt yellow. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - Ø 22cm x...
Resin
$1,080 / item
Clear Special Large Red Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Milan, IT
This stunning vase belongs to the Fish Design Collection of iconic, unique pieces designed by Gaetano Pesce. Chalice shape, it is strikingly han...
Resin
Contemporary Fish Design Gaetano Pesce Medusa L Vase Soft Resin Red Pastel Blue
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Medusa vase, Clear Dark Ruby And Matt Pastel Blue Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L Ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Clear Dark R...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Feltri Chair for Cassina, Wool Upholstery, Modern Design
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Gaetano Pesce Feltri Felt Chair For Cassina Crafted using a patented Cassina production technique, Feltri is a symbol of cutting-edge design, the...
Polyester
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Spaghetti L Vase Soft Resin Orange Dark Lavender
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Spaghetti vase, clear orange, matt dark lavender. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Feltri Felt Armchair for Cassina, Wool Upholstery, Italy
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Gaetano Pesce Feltri Felt Chair For Cassina Crafted using a patented Cassina production technique, Feltri is a symbol of cutting-edge design, the...
Polyester
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Spaghetti Vase XL Resin Clear Gold
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Spaghetti vase, clear and gold. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Picture showing L size. Measures: XL - ø 30cm x H 56cm Colours: Cle...
Resin
Large Gaetano Pesce for Cassina 'Cannaregio' Modular Sofa
By Cassina, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gaetano Pesce for Cassina, sofa, model ‘Cannaregio’, multicolored upholstery, Italy, 1987 Large ‘Cannaregio’ sofa, designed by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina. The 1987 design is playful,...
Fabric
Gaetano Pesce Pompitu II Vase L Resin Blue Orange
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Pompitu II vase, blue, orange. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Blue, orange. Material: RESIN ...
Resin
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Indian Summer M Vase Soft Resin Fuchsia Ocean Blue
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Indian Summer vase, clear light fuchsia and matt ocean blue. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish design collection. Meas...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Pompitu II Vase M Resin Green Gold
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Pompitu II vase, green and gold. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: M ø 16cm x H 26cm Colours: green and gold. Material: RESI...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Feltri Felt Armchair for Cassina, Wool Upholstery, Italy
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Gaetano Pesce Feltri Felt Chair For Cassina Crafted using a patented Cassina production technique, Feltri is a symbol of cutting-edge design, the result ...
Polyester
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Pompitu II Vase M Resin Light Fuchsia Green
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Pompitu II vase, clear light fuchsia, matt dust green. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: M - ø 16cm x H 26cm Colours: Clear...
Resin
MINT Black UP5 La Big Mamma UP 2000 Chair & UP6 Ottoman Gaetano Pesce B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Basel, BS
Beautiful original Gaetano UP5 + UP6, marked and labeled. Chair and ottoman set, sold together. Incredible like new condition. Mint, exquisite condition. This is a truly stunning example of this chair. No blemishes. SHIPPING: We offer very competitive shipping rates, fast and well priced. We oversee all shipping ourselves, working closely with insured shipping air freight shippers to ensure smooth and safe delivery to you. This renowned UP5_6 armchair and ottoman from the UP 2000 series, crafted by Gaetano Pesce and reintroduced by B&B Italia in 2000, is a striking design chair and ottoman set that is essential for enthusiasts of vintage and modernist furniture. Often referred to as the "Big Mama Chair...
Fabric, Upholstery, Foam
Meritalia Senzafine Chair, Senza Blue by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Toronto, ON
The "Endless" Chair. Colourful tangles that give life to a geometric and dynamic seat. A series of joyfully inconsistent seats designed by Gaetano Pesce, and a manifesto of Meritalia...
Plastic
Gaetano Pesce limited edition Greene Street chair for Vitra Italy / 1995
By Gaetano Pesce, Vitra
Located in Skokie, IL
Gaetano Pesce limited edition Greene Street chair for Vitra Italy / Switzerland, 1984 / 1994. This example 70 /100 pieces produced. Materials: resin reinforced with fiberglass, stee...
Steel
Gaetano Pesce Try-Tray Rectangular Small Light Ruby Turquoise
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Try-Tray rectangular - Clear ruby, matt turquoise Tray in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1998 for Fish Design collection. Colours: Clear ruby, matt turquoise Dimensions: 31...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Set of 4 Table Mates Placemats Resin Yellow Light Blue
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Table-Mates - clear yellow, matt light blue Set of 4 placemats in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1998 for Fish Design collection. Dimensions: L 50cm x H 38.5cm Material: RE...
Resin
Indian Summer Vase (Large), Clear Orange and Pastel Pink by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Toronto, ON
Large "Indian Summer" Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Colour: Clear Orange and Matte Pastel Pink. *All the pieces are hand-made and...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Set of 4 Table Mates Placemats Resin Dark Ruby Acid Green
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Table-Mates - Clear dark ruby, matt acid green Set of 4 placemats in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1998 for Fish Design collection. Dimensions: L 50cm x H 38.5cm Material:...
Resin
543 Broadway Chair, Gaetano Pesce for Bernini S.p.A. 1993
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Designed in 1993 by Gaetano Pesce, the 543 Broadway Chair is a rejection of hyper-rational industrial design. A master of resin and color, the Broadway chair features molded resin se...
Chrome
543 Broadway Chair, Gaetano Pesce for Bernini S.p.A. 1993
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Designed in 1993 by Gaetano Pesce, the 543 Broadway Chair is a rejection of hyper-rational industrial design. A master of resin and color, the Broadway chair features molded resin se...
Chrome
Gaetano Pesce Set of 4 Table Mates Placemats Resin Clear Grey Fuchsia
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Table-Mates - Clear grey, matt fuchsia Set of 4 placemats in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1998 for Fish Design collection. Dimensions: L 50cm x H 38.5cm Material: RESIN T...
Resin
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Ogiva Basket L Resin Clear Gold
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Ogiva basket - clear, gold Basket in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Colours: Clear, gold Dimensions: c.a ø 50cm x H 35cm Material: RESIN V...
Resin
Mid-Century Chromocinetic Table Lamp by Gaetano Pesce, 1974
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Palermo, IT
A stunning masterpiece of mid-century Italian design, this rare "chromocinetic" sculptural lamp from circa 1974 is a quintessential example of the Space Age aesthetic. The piece feat...
Blown Glass, Resin
Pompitu II Vase (Large), Clear Red and Matte Red by Gaetano Pesce
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Large "Pompitu II" Vase in Soft Resin, designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design Collection. Colour: Clear Red and Matte Red *All the pieces are handmade and therefore uniq...
Resin
Senzafine Seat Armchair in Polyurethane Green by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Colourful tangles giving life to a geometric and dynamic seating. A series of joyfully inconsistent seats, a manifesto of Meritalia’s pop-modern identity. Senzafine - Italian for “e...
Plastic
$13,071 / item
Nubola 238 Velvet Sofa in Blush by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An elegant sofa, combining a solid seat with a soft backrest in polyurethane foam, moulded like puffs of a cloud. Available in three variants: two-seater, three-seater and single arm...
Velvet
$17,550 / item
Montanara Armchair by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Montanara armchair evokes a poetic mountain landscape—its sweeping, snow-white contours and printed textile upholstery conjure peaks, rocks and alpine skies in an indoor setting....
Fabric
$3,600Sale Price / item|20% Off
UP7 FOOT Lounge Chair by Gaetano Pesce for B&B Italia - Gran Salotto by Duplex
By B&B Italia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In 1969, Gaetano Pesce designed Il Piede (UP7), the final piece in his renowned Up Series, which featured seven iconic seating elements. Inspired by the shape of the human foot, this...
Foam
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Spaghetti Vase M Resin Clear Gold
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Spaghetti vase, clear and gold. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: M - ø 16cm x H 26cm Colours...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Set of 4 Table Mates Placemats Resin Light Fuchsia Turquoise
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Table-Mates RO - Clear light fuchsia, matt turquoise Set of 4 placemats in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1998 for Fish Design collection. Dimensions: L 50cm x H 38.5cm Mat...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Set of 4 Table Mates Placemats Resin Blue Orange
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Table-Mates - clear blue, matt orange Set of 4 placemats in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1998 for Fish Design collection. Dimensions: L 50cm x H 38.5cm Material: RESIN Th...
Resin
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Clear Special L Vase Resin Mint Fuchsia
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Clear special vase - Matt Mint and Clear Light Fuchsia. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - Ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Matt...
Resin
Senzafine Armchair & Pouf in Polyurethane Blue by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Colourful tangles giving life to a geometric and dynamic seating. A series of joyfully inconsistent seats, a manifesto of Meritalia’s pop-modern identity. Senzafine - Italian for “e...
Plastic