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.
Meritalia Big Surprise 1, Large/ Blue, Green and Clear 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
Meritalia Candelabre / Yellow by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce, Fish Design
Located in Toronto, ON
"The flame: by definition lively, dancing. A free element, which cannot be controlled, but which can be captured to become part of special moments." The unique candelabras by Edizio...
Steel
Meritalia Big Surprise 2, Small / Light Blue and Green by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
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
Edizioni del Pesce Meritalia Half Ball Large Vase Storage basket - Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Half Ball Large stands among the most iconic and recognizable creations of the Edizioni del Pesce collection. Beyond the unique, vibrant radi...
Other
Gaetano Pesce Tutti Frutti I Special M Resin Basket Ochre Fuchsia
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Tutti frutti I special basket - ochre, fuchsia Basket in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Colours: ochre, fuchsia Dimensions: ø 30cm x H 20cm...
Resin
Italian Contemporary White Silver Tutti Frutti Resin Bowl by Gaetano Pesce, 2016
By Gaetano Pesce, Fish Design
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare Italian contemporary and decorative "Tutti Frutti" bowl in white and silver colored resin by Gaetano Pesce and produced by Fish Design in Italy 2016. In good original conditio...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Flower Vase Small Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With Flower Vase by Gaetano Pesce, transparent resin is mixed with colored resin, creating shiny and delicate petals. Available in “small” and “large” sizes, this vase enters Edizion...
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 Edizioni del Pesce Senzafine Oval Vase in Yellow 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 Edizioni del Pesce Half Ball Small Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Big Surprise is a vase by Gaetano Pesce that can present various color combinations, always exalting the suggestive transparency of resin. This material makes it possible to create B...
Resin
Rare Resin Exhibition Invitation by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design
By Fish Design, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare Resin Exhibition Invitations by Gaetano Pesce Exhibition Moss Gallery NYC Silver Resin Reads: MOSS GALLERY MARCH 29- MAY 6 152 GREENE STREET NEW YORK XL XL MONUMEMTAL WORK BY GA...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce, Amazonia L, Vase in Flexible Blue Resin, Italy, 2013
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in New York, NY
From the eclectic architect and designer Gaetano Pesce's humorously eponymous Fish Design series, Amazonia L is a cheeky blue vase on feet. To create the works in this series intens...
Resin
Indian Summer Vase (Large), Clear Pink and Matte Lime by Gaetano Pesce
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, CA
Indian Summer Vase, size Large, 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
$2,600Sale Price|31% Off
'Babel' Resin Wine Bucket by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design Italy, 1990s, Signed
By Gaetano Pesce, Fish Design
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Limited edition 1990s flexible resin wine bucket by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design, Italy. Numbered 182/1000. Works great as an ice bucket, wine bucket, catch-all, vase, vessel, sculpture, planter, pot or jardinière. If you use it as a planter, we suggest an interior lining to protect the piece. ABOUT THE ARTIST: Gaetano Pesce, born on November 8, 1939, in La Spezia, Italy, is renowned as a leading figure in contemporary Italian design and architecture. Fearlessly experimental with materials and color, Pesce has collaborated with Italy’s foremost design companies, including Artemide, Vitra, Cassina, and B&B Italia. Pesce began his journey into design at the University of Venice, where he pursued architecture and graduated in 1965. Influenced by prominent figures such as Ernesto Nathan Rogers and Mario Bellini at the Venice College of Industrial Design, Pesce embraced a commitment to novelty and avant-garde principles. He co-founded the avant-garde architectural collective "Gruppo N," inspired by the Bauhaus aesthetic, during his formative years. Pesce’s portfolio encompasses a wide range of designs, from iconic furniture pieces to monumental architectural projects. His creations reflect a profound contemplation of modernity, exemplified by the La Mamma chair (1969), which evokes a prehistoric fertility figure, and the Organic Building in Osaka (1993), celebrated for its innovative hanging garden motif. Among his most celebrated furniture designs are the Up series for B&B Italia, including the Up5 armchair (La Donna) and Up6 ottoman (La Mamma), which challenge traditional notions of form and function with their bold, anthropomorphic shapes. Other notable designs include the 357 Feltri chair...
Resin
Amazonia Vase Extra Colour (Large), Dark Salmon, Pink, Bronze, Red, Aubergine
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Large "Amazonia" Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Dark Salmon, Pink, Bronze, Red, Aubergine *All the pieces are hand-made and theref...
Resin
Indian Summer Large Vase by Gaetano Pesce, Cobalt Blue and Red
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Montréal, CA
Indian Summer vase designed by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design, originally designed in 1995 and handcrafted in Italy by Corsi Design Factory. Accompanied by a Fish Design certificate o...
Resin
Meritalia Papavero Vase / Black and Blue by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
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
Edizioni del Pesce Meritalia Big Surprise 2 Large Vase by Gaetano Pesce - Pink
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Big Surprise 2 Large stands among the most iconic and recognizable creations of the Edizioni del Pesce collection. Beyond the unique, vibrant...
Other
Early Production Gaetano Pesce Amazonia Vase
By Gaetano Pesce, Fish Design
Located in Brooklyn, NY
First edition Amazonia Vase, designed by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design. Exuberant form with an anthropomorphic quality. Molded in the designer's signatur...
Resin
Medusa Vase (Large), Matte White by Gaetano Pesce
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, CA
Matte White 'Medusa' Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. *All the pieces are handmade and therefore unique. Variations in the dimensions...
Resin
Meritalia Candelabre / Orange by Gaetano Pesce
By Fish Design, Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
The flame: by definition lively, dancing. A free element, which cannot be controlled, but which can be captured to become part of special moments." The unique candelabras by Edizion...
Steel
Meritalia Big Surprise 2, Small / Yellow and Pink 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
Meritalia Candelabre / Red by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
"The flame: by definition lively, dancing. A free element, which cannot be controlled, but which can be captured to become part of special moments." The unique candelabras by Edizio...
Steel
Meritalia Senzafine Oval Basket Vase - Storage basket by Gaetano Pesce - Green
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, this Senzafine Oval Basket is a sculptural vase, storage basket, and centerpiece from Pesce's celebrated Senzafine series, offered in oval, s...
Other
Senza Fine Basket by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Senza Fine is a square basket designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia in 2010. Known for his experimental approach to form and material, Pesce created this piece with his signature p...
Plastic
Rock Vase (Large), Black and Matte White by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Toronto, CA
Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. *All the pieces are handmade and therefore unique. Variations in the dimensions, hues and colours’ d...
Resin
Resin vase Prototipo Fioca by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design, 2000s
By Fish Design, Gaetano Pesce
Located in MIlano, IT
Resin vase Prototipo Fioca by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design, 2000s Vase in resin model Prototipo Fioca, unique piece as it is a prototype of the vase later put into production. The v...
Resin
Large Gaetano Pesce Amazonia Vase, Early Production
By Gaetano Pesce, Fish Design
Located in Brooklyn, NY
First edition Amazonia vase, designed by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design. An impressive example for its large scale and striking colors. Molded in the desi...
Resin
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Watch Me Clock L Yellow Lime Turquoise
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Watch me clock - clear yellow, matt lime, matt turquoise. Clock in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design collection. Color: clear yellow...
Resin
Indian Summer Vase (Large), Clear Orange and Pastel Pink by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Toronto, CA
"Indian Summer" Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Handmade in Italy by Corsi Design. *Due to the handmade nature of the piece, variati...
Resin
Amazonia Vase (Lrg), Clear Orange & Blue with Pastel Blue Feet by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Toronto, CA
Amazonia Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Clear Orange and Blue with Pastel Blue Feet. *All the pieces are handmade and therefore uni...
Resin
Sculpture by Gaetano Pesce for The Museum of Modern Art New York
By Gaetano Pesce, Cassina
Located in Asti, Piemonte
Polyurethane sculpture created by Gaetano Pesce for The Museum of Modern Art New York, 1972, published by Centro Cassina, Italy. Biography Gaetano Pesce (1939 - 2024) was born in La...
Rubber
Lava" vase L by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Rivoli, IT
Beautiful and rare vase from Gaetano Pesce's "Lava" series made since 1995 for Fish Design. The salmon-pink color goes well with the ocean blue interior. Branded. Accompanied by cert...
Resin
Amazonia Vase (Large), Silver and Matte Orange, Turquoise Feet by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Toronto, CA
Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Sparkling silver, Opaque Orange and Clear Blue with Turquoise 'Feet'. * All the pieces are hand-mad...
Resin
Meritalia Candelabra Sculptural Candle Holder by Gaetano Pesce, Handmade, Green
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, this Candelabra is a sculptural candle holder built around the flame—by nature lively and dancing, a free element that cannot be tamed, only ...
Other
Meritalia Candelabra Sculptural Candle Holder by Gaetano Pesce, Handmade, Red
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, this Candelabra is a sculptural candle holder built around the flame—by nature lively and dancing, a free element that cannot be tamed, only ...
Other
Meritalia Candelabra Sculptural Candle Holder by Gaetano Pesce, Handmade, Yellow
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, Lombardia
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, this Candelabra is a sculptural candle holder built around the flame—by nature lively and dancing, a free element that cannot be tamed, only ...
Other
Spaghetti Vase (Large), Clear Blue and Matte Lime by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Toronto, CA
Clear Blue and Matte Lime 'Spaghetti' Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. *All the pieces are handmade and therefore unique. Variations...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Big Surprise 1 Large Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Big Surprise is a vase by Gaetano Pesce that can present various color combinations, always exalting the suggestive transparency of resin. This material makes it possible to create B...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Half Ball Large Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Big Surprise is a vase by Gaetano Pesce that can present various color combinations, always exalting the suggestive transparency of resin. This material makes it possible to create B...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Big Surprise 1 Small Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Big Surprise is a vase by Gaetano Pesce that can present various color combinations, always exalting the suggestive transparency of resin. This material makes it possible to create B...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Tutti Frutti I Special L Resin Basket Ochre Fuchsia
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Tutti frutti I special basket - ochre, fuchsia Basket in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Colours: ochre, fuchsia Dimensions: ø 40cm x H 24cm...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Senzafine Round Large 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 Big Surprise 1 Large Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Big Surprise is a vase by Gaetano Pesce that can present various color combinations, always exalting the suggestive transparency of resin. This material makes it possible to create B...
Resin
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Spaghetti M 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: M...
Resin
Contemporary Moss Vase Fish Design by Gaetano Pesce Resin Pastel Yellow Blue
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Moss Vase - Matt Pastel Yellow, Blue Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design 1995 collection. Measures: L - ø 26cm x H 38cm Colours: ...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Half Ball Small Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Big Surprise is a vase by Gaetano Pesce that can present various color combinations, always exalting the suggestive transparency of resin. This material makes it possible to create B...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Half Ball Small Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Big Surprise is a vase by Gaetano Pesce that can present various color combinations, always exalting the suggestive transparency of resin. This material makes it possible to create B...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Flower Vase Small Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With Flower Vase by Gaetano Pesce, transparent resin is mixed with colored resin, creating shiny and delicate petals. Available in “small” and “large” sizes, this vase enters Edizion...
Resin
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Clear Special L Vase Resin Orange Green
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Clear special vase - Clear orange, matt dusty green. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - Ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Clear o...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Candelabre Candleholder in Red by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The flame: inherently vibrant and capricious. An untamable element, yet one that can be momentarily captured, brought into intimate moments without constraint. These one-of-a-kind ca...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Big Surprise 2 Large Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Big Surprise is a vase by Gaetano Pesce that can present various color combinations, always exalting the suggestive transparency of resin. This material makes it possible to create B...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Candelabre Candleholder in Orange by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The flame: inherently vibrant and capricious. An untamable element, yet one that can be momentarily captured, brought into intimate moments without constraint. These one-of-a-kind ca...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Half Ball Large Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Big Surprise is a vase by Gaetano Pesce that can present various color combinations, always exalting the suggestive transparency of resin. This material makes it possible to create B...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Flower Vase Large Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With Flower Vase by Gaetano Pesce, transparent resin is mixed with colored resin, creating shiny and delicate petals. Available in “small” and “large” sizes, this vase enters Edizion...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Half Ball Large Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Big Surprise is a vase by Gaetano Pesce that can present various color combinations, always exalting the suggestive transparency of resin. This material makes it possible to create B...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Candelabre Candleholder in Black by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The flame: inherently vibrant and capricious. An untamable element, yet one that can be momentarily captured, brought into intimate moments without constraint. These one-of-a-kind ca...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Big Surprise 2 Large Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Big Surprise is a vase by Gaetano Pesce that can present various color combinations, always exalting the suggestive transparency of resin. This material makes it possible to create B...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Big Surprise 1 Small Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Big Surprise is a vase by Gaetano Pesce that can present various color combinations, always exalting the suggestive transparency of resin. This material makes it possible to create B...
Resin
Flower Vase L - Fish Design by Gaetano Pesce Pastel Orange, Clear Aqua, Ochre
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Flower Vase - Pastel Orange, Clear Aqua, Ochre Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design 1995 collection. Measures: L - c.a ø 22 x h36cm Colours: Pastel Orange, C...
Resin