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.
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
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
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Ogiva Basket M Resin Light Ruby Olive Green
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Ogiva basket - Light Ruby, Olive Green Basket in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Colours: Light Ruby, Olive Green Dimensions: c.a ø 40cm x H...
Resin
Contemporary Fish Design Gaetano Pesce Medusa L Vase Resin Light Blue Celeste
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Medusa vase, Light Blue, Celeste Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L Ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Light Blue, Celeste Material:...
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
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Pompitu II Vase L Soft Resin Light Ruby Cerulean Blue
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Pompitu II vase, Clear Light Ruby Cerulean Blue Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Clear Light Rub...
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
Medusa Vase (Large), Matte Cherry by Gaetano Pesce, Corsi
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Toronto, ON
Large 'Medusa' Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Colour: Matte Cherry *All the pieces are hand-made and therefore unique. Variations ...
Resin
$1,015 / item
Nugget Large Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
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
Set of Four Gaetano Pesce ‘Dalila’ Red Armless Outdoor Chairs for Cassina
By Cassina, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
This set of four Dalila armless outdoor chairs designed by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina presents a striking contemporary reinterpretation of one of the designer’s most emblematic and ar...
Plastic
$1,120 / 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
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 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
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
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
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
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
Fish Design Gaetano Pesce Spaghetti Special L Vase Resin Amber Mauve
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Spaghetti special vase, Clear Amber, Matt Mauve Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Clear Amber,...
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
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
Meritalia Some of Us Floor Lamp by Gaetano Pesce, Resin & Metal, Italy
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
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
Fish Design Watch Me Large Clock Clear Aqua, Fumè, Fluo Fuchsia by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
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
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Round The Clock L Fuchsia Grey Aqua
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Round The Clock - Fluo Fuchsia, Clear Grey, Aqua Clock in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design collection. Color: Fluo Fuchsia, Clear Grey...
Resin
$1,070 / item
Indian Summer Large Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
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
Indian Summer Vase (Large), Clear Turquoise and Silver by Gaetano Pesce
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Large "Indian Summer" Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Colour: Clear Turquoise and Silver. * All the pieces are hand-made and theref...
Resin
$1,055 / item
Rock Black and White Large Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
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 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
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
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Ogiva Basket M Clear Gold
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Ogiva basket - clear, gold Basket in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Dimensions: c.a ø 40cm x H 25cm Colours: Clear, Gold Vase in soft resi...
Resin
$1,120 / item
Clear Special Large Red Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
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 Gaetano Pesce Triple Play Coffee Table XL High Fluo Fuchsia
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Triple Play coffee table - Fluo Fuchsia Table in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Colour: Fluo Fuchsia Dimensions: Size XL- High - ø 40 x H...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Spaghetti Vase L Soft Resin Red
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Spaghetti vase, matt and clear red. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Matt and clear red. Mater...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Salvatore Table Lamp by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
All of Gaetano Pesce’s poetics are both sacred and profane: Salvatore is a witness to this tendency. The luminous object has the shape of a man standing upright, with his arms open a...
Resin
"Tutti Frutti" Gaetano Pesce Fish Design Green Resin Bowl
By Gaetano Pesce, Fish Design
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
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
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Friend Floor Lamp by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A perfect example of the narrative potential of Edizioni del Pesce, Friend presents itself as a friendly character with imaginative lines and shiny shoes. Thanks to the skillful use ...
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 Set of 4 Table Mates Placemats Resin Blue Lime
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Table-Mates - Clear blue, matt lime 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 Thes...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Pompitu II Vase L 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: L - ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: green and gold. Material: RE...
Resin
Up5 La Mamma Chair by Gaetano Pesce for B&B Italia
By Gaetano Pesce, B&B Italia
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1960s. Italy Reupholstered in furrish brown fabric.
Fabric
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Senzafine Square Medium 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
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
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 Pompitu II Vase L Soft Resin Light Fuchsia Matt 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: L ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Clear li...
Resin
B&B / B&C Italia Up3 Up 2000 Series Arm Chair in Black by Gaetano Pesce
By B&B Italia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Basel, BS
Gorgeous UP3 Armchair by Gaetano Pesce in black. What a beauty!!!! The B&B Italia Up3 Armchair, part of Gaetano Pesce’s renowned Up 2000 series, exemplifies the innovation and bold...
Fabric, Foam
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
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
limited edition Tramonto A New York Sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina
By Cassina, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Berlin, DE
1 of 50 limited edition Tramonto A New York Sofa by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina For the three-seater sofa, the padded skyscrapers are upholstered in an exclusive fabric with a raised t...
Fabric
Indian Summer Vase (Large), Clear Orange and Pastel Pink by Gaetano Pesce
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
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 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 Fish Design Gaetano Pesce Spaghetti L Vase Soft Resin Blue Lime
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Spaghetti special vase, clear blue and matt lime. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Clear Blue...
Resin
$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
$17,550 / item
Montanara Armchair by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
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
Gaetano Pesce B&B Italia UP7 iL PIEDE Foot Lounge Chair, Monumental 2000
By B&B Italia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Miami, FL
Gaetano Pesce B&B Italia UP7 iL PIEDE Foot Lounge Chair, Monumental 2000 Offered for sale is a monumental UP7 "iL PIEDE" foot lounge chair by Gaetano Pesce for B&B Italia. ...
Plastic, Foam
$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
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