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 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
"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
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
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
Unique Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design “Tutti Frutti” Large Resin Bowl, 1990s
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Dronten, NL
Few designers blur the line between art, architecture, and irreverent joy like Gaetano Pesce. This large “Tutti Frutti” bowl—executed in his signature spaghetti technique—is a vibran...
Resin
Meritalia SENZAFINE Round Basket, Medium / Black by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Toronto, ON
Tangled polyurethane is used in Edizioni del Pesce to create a series of vases with various shapes: Senzafine by Gaetano Pesce. This intrinsic variety infuses each piece with its own...
Plastic
Large Resin Bowl by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design, 2012
By Fish Design, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brescia, Brescia
This stunning large bowl, designed by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design in 2012, is a vibrant example of contemporary Italian design. Crafted from high-quality resin, the bowl features an eye-catching blend of white and yellow, embodying Pesce's signature style that merges art and functionality. Renowned for his innovative use of materials and bold color choices, Pesce creates pieces that challenge traditional design boundaries. This bowl is no exception, serving as both a practical object and a striking piece of art. It is in very good condition, with minimal to signs of use, retaining its vibrant colors and smooth finish. Gaetano Pesce's work is celebrated for its playful yet sophisticated approach, often pushing the limits of design and materiality. This large resin bowl...
Resin
Meritalia SENZAFINE Round Basket, Large / Red by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Tangled polyurethane is used in Edizioni del Pesce to create a series of vases with various shapes: Senzafine by Gaetano Pesce. This intrinsic variety infuses each piece with its own...
Plastic
Meritalia SENZAFINE Square Basket, Medium / Green by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Toronto, ON
Tangled polyurethane is used in Edizioni del Pesce to create a series of vases with various shapes: Senzafine by Gaetano Pesce. This intrinsic variety infuses each piece with its own...
Plastic
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Ogiva Basket L Resin Light Ruby Olive Green
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Ogiva basket - Clear Light Ruby, Olive Green Basket in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Colours: Clear Light Ruby, Olive Green Dimensions: c....
Resin
Meritalia SENZAFINE Square Basket, Large / Yellow by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Toronto, ON
Tangled polyurethane is used in Edizioni del Pesce to create a series of vases with various shapes: Senzafine by Gaetano Pesce. This intrinsic variety infuses each piece with its own...
Plastic
Gaetano Pesce Tutti Frutti I Special XL Resin Basket Ochre Fuchsia
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
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 50cm x H 28cm...
Resin
$680 / item
Gaetano Pesce Ogiva Vase L Brown Turquoise
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Ogiva basket - Clear, Brown, Turquoise Basket in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Colours: Clear Brown, turquoise Dimensions: ø 50cm x H 35cm...
Resin
Senzafine Square Medium bowl by designed Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Italy 2000
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Milano, IT
Senzafine Square Medium bowl, designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Italy, 2000. Immerse yourself in the groundbreaking world of Gaetano Pesce with the exquisite "Senzafine" bowl...
Plastic
Round Decorative Contemporary Italian Bowl in Purple Resin by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare and large sculptural contemporary "Ogiva Basket" decorative bowl in purple and gold resin by Gaetano Pesce and produced by Fish Design in Italy, 2022. In good original condit...
Resin
Bowl Tutti Frutti, by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design, #72
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Delft, NL
Bowl Tutti Frutti, by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design Large synthetic resin bowl, model Tutti Frutti, by Gaetano Pesce (1939-) for Fish design, 1990s This bowl in the spaghetti techni...
Resin
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
Gaetano Pesce Tutti Frutti II Basket XXL Resin Fluo Yellow
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Tutti frutti II basket - matt fluo yellow Basket in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Colours: Matt fluo yellow Dimensions: ø 60-70cm x H 32cm...
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
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
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
Edizioni del Pesce Meritalia Big Surprise 1 Small Vase by Gaetano Pesce - Red
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, MB
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Big Surprise 1 Small stands among the most iconic and recognizable creations of the Edizioni del Pesce collection. Beyond the unique, vibrant...
Other
Edizioni del Pesce Meritalia Big Surprise 1 Small Vase by Gaetano Pesce - Green
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, MB
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Big Surprise 1 Small stands among the most iconic and recognizable creations of the Edizioni del Pesce collection. Beyond the unique, vibrant...
Other
Edizioni del Pesce Meritalia Big Surprise 1 Small Vase by Gaetano Pesce - Purple
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, MB
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Big Surprise 1 Small stands among the most iconic and recognizable creations of the Edizioni del Pesce collection. Beyond the unique, vibrant...
Other
Edizioni del Pesce Meritalia Big Surprise 1 Large Vase by Gaetano Pesce - Blue
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Varedo, MB
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Big Surprise 1 Large stands among the most iconic and recognizable creations of the Edizioni del Pesce collection. Beyond the unique, vibrant...
Other
Edizioni del Pesce Meritalia Big Surprise 2 Small Vase by Gaetano Pesce - Orange
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, MB
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Big Surprise 2 Small stands among the most iconic and recognizable creations of the Edizioni del Pesce collection. Beyond the unique, vibrant...
Other
Edizioni del Pesce Meritalia Big Surprise 2 Small Vase by Gaetano Pesce - Blue
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Varedo, MB
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Big Surprise 2 Small stands among the most iconic and recognizable creations of the Edizioni del Pesce collection. Beyond the unique, vibrant...
Other
Edizioni del Pesce Meritalia Big Surprise 2 Small Vase by Gaetano Pesce - Yellow
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Varedo, MB
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Big Surprise 2 Small stands among the most iconic and recognizable creations of the Edizioni del Pesce collection. Beyond the unique, vibrant...
Other
Edizioni del Pesce Meritalia Big Surprise 2 Large Vase by Gaetano Pesce - Pink
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Varedo, MB
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
Edizioni del Pesce Meritalia Big Surprise 2 Large Vase by Gaetano Pesce - Blue
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, MB
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
Edizioni del Pesce Meritalia Big Surprise 2 Large Vase by Gaetano Pesce - Red
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, MB
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
Edizioni del Pesce Meritalia Half Ball Small Vase Storage basket - Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, MB
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Half Ball Small stands among the most iconic and recognizable creations of the Edizioni del Pesce collection. Beyond the unique, vibrant radi...
Other
Edizioni del Pesce Meritalia Half Ball Small Vase Storage basket - Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, MB
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Half Ball Small stands among the most iconic and recognizable creations of the Edizioni del Pesce collection. Beyond the unique, vibrant radi...
Other
Edizioni del Pesce Meritalia Half Ball Small Vase Storage basket - Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, MB
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Half Ball Small stands among the most iconic and recognizable creations of the Edizioni del Pesce collection. Beyond the unique, vibrant radi...
Other
Edizioni del Pesce Meritalia Half Ball Large Vase Storage basket - Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, MB
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
Edizioni del Pesce Meritalia Half Ball Large Vase Storage basket - Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, MB
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
Edizioni del Pesce Meritalia Half Ball Large Vase Storage basket - Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, MB
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
Edizioni del Pesce Meritalia Flower Vase Large - Storage basket by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, MB
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Flower Vase Large transforms standard glassware into a vibrant, botanical-inspired work of art. In this evocative piece, clear transparent re...
Other
Edizioni del Pesce Meritalia Flower Vase Large - Storage basket by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, MB
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Flower Vase Large transforms standard glassware into a vibrant, botanical-inspired work of art. In this evocative piece, clear transparent re...
Other
Edizioni del Pesce Meritalia Flower Vase Large - Storage basket by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, MB
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Flower Vase Large transforms standard glassware into a vibrant, botanical-inspired work of art. In this evocative piece, clear transparent re...
Other
Edizioni del Pesce Meritalia Flower Vase Large - Storage basket by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, MB
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Flower Vase Large transforms standard glassware into a vibrant, botanical-inspired work of art. In this evocative piece, clear transparent re...
Other
Edizioni del Pesce Meritalia Flower Vase Small - Storage basket by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, MB
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Flower Vase Small transforms standard glassware into a vibrant, botanical-inspired work of art. In this evocative piece, clear transparent re...
Other
Edizioni del Pesce Meritalia Flower Vase Small - Storage basket by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, MB
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Flower Vase Small transforms standard glassware into a vibrant, botanical-inspired work of art. In this evocative piece, clear transparent re...
Other
Edizioni del Pesce Meritalia Flower Vase Small - Storage basket by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, MB
Meritalia Flower Vase Small Sculpture by Gaetano Pesce, Red and Blue Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Flower Vase Small transforms standard glassware into a vibrant, botanic...
Other
Meritalia Senzafine Oval Basket Vase - Storage basket by Gaetano Pesce - Red
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Varedo, MB
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
Meritalia Senzafine Oval Basket Vase - Storage basket by Gaetano Pesce - Black
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, MB
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
Meritalia Senzafine Oval Basket Vase - Storage basket by Gaetano Pesce - Green
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, MB
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
Meritalia Senzafine Oval Basket Vase - Storage basket by Gaetano Pesce - Yellow
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, MB
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
Meritalia Senzafine Oval Basket Vase - Storage basket by Gaetano Pesce - Blue
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Varedo, MB
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
Meritalia Senzafine Oval Basket Vase - Storage basket by Gaetano Pesce - Pink
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, MB
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
Meritalia Senzafine Round Basket Medium Vase - Storage basket by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, MB
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, this Senzafine Round Basket Medium is a sculptural vase, storage basket, and centerpiece from Pesce's celebrated Senzafine series, offered in...
Other
Meritalia Senzafine Round Basket Large Vase - Storage basket by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, MB
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, this Senzafine Round Basket Large is a sculptural vase, storage basket, and centerpiece from Pesce's celebrated Senzafine series, offered in ...
Other
Meritalia Senzafine Round Basket Large Vase - Storage basket by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Varedo, MB
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, this Senzafine Round Basket Large is a sculptural vase, storage basket, and centerpiece from Pesce's celebrated Senzafine series, offered in ...
Other
Meritalia Senzafine Round Basket Large Vase - Storage basket by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, MB
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, this Senzafine Round Basket Large is a sculptural vase, storage basket, and centerpiece from Pesce's celebrated Senzafine series, offered in ...
Other
Meritalia Senzafine Round Basket Large Vase - Storage basket by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, MB
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, this Senzafine Round Basket Large is a sculptural vase, storage basket, and centerpiece from Pesce's celebrated Senzafine series, offered in ...
Other
Meritalia Senzafine Round Basket Large Vase - Storage basket by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, MB
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, this Senzafine Round Basket Large is a sculptural vase, storage basket, and centerpiece from Pesce's celebrated Senzafine series, offered in ...
Other
Meritalia Senzafine Round Basket Large Vase - Storage basket by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, MB
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, this Senzafine Round Basket Large is a sculptural vase, storage basket, and centerpiece from Pesce's celebrated Senzafine series, offered in ...
Other
Meritalia Senzafine Round Basket Medium Vase - Storage basket by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, MB
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, this Senzafine Round Basket Medium is a sculptural vase, storage basket, and centerpiece from Pesce's celebrated Senzafine series, offered in...
Other
Meritalia Senzafine Round Basket Medium Vase - Storage basket by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Varedo, MB
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, this Senzafine Round Basket Medium is a sculptural vase, storage basket, and centerpiece from Pesce's celebrated Senzafine series, offered in...
Other
Meritalia Senzafine Round Basket Medium Vase - Storage basket by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, MB
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, this Senzafine Round Basket Medium is a sculptural vase, storage basket, and centerpiece from Pesce's celebrated Senzafine series, offered in...
Other