Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Italian, 1939-2024
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.
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Creator: Gaetano Pesce
Gaetano Pesce Tavolone Table
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Naples, FL
Exceptionally rare. Exceptional colors. 1in thick resin top, poured over a steel grid. Through the manipulation of resin the shape of a face is achieved. A monumental museum worthy w...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Post-Modern Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Steel
Single Size L Medium Triple Play Coffee Table in Blue by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Triple play coffee table - blue
Table in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection.
Additional Information:
Material: Hard resin
Color: Blue
Dimensio...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Resin
Single Size XL High Triple Play Coffee Table in Blue by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Triple Play coffee table - Triple play coffee table - blue
Table in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection.
Additional Information:
Material: Hard...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Resin
Set of 3, Size L Triple Play Coffee Table in Red, Blue, Yellow by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Set triple play coffee table - Red, blue and yellow
Set of 3 tables in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection
Additional Information:
Material: Har...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Resin
Coffee Table by Gaetano Pesce, Italy, 1990s
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Antwerp, BE
Memphis Style; Gaetano Pesce; Modern; Postmodern; Italy; Modernism; Free Form; Organic Design; 1990s;
Organic coffee table by Gaetano Pesce...
Category
1990s Italian Post-Modern Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Steel
Gaetano Pesce Single Size XL Low Triple Play Coffee Table in Red, Blue, Yellow
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Triple play coffee table - red, blue, yellow
Table in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection.
Additional Information:
Material: Resin
Colour: Red,...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Resin
Single Size L High Triple Play Coffee Table in Blue by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Triple play coffee table - blue
Table in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection.
Additional information:
Material: Hard resin
Color: Blue
Dimensio...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Resin
Single Size L High Triple Play Coffee Table in Yellow by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Triple play coffee table - yellow
Table in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection.
Additional Information:
Material: Hard resin
Color: Yellow
Dime...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Single Size XL High Triple Play Coffee Table in Red, Blue, Yellow
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Triple play coffee table - red, blue, yellow
Table in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection.
Additional Information:
Material: Resin
Colour: Red,...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Resin
Single Size L High Triple Play Coffee Table in White by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Triple play coffee table - white
Table in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection.
Additional Information:
Material: Hard resin
Color: White
Dimens...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Resin
Single Size L Low Triple Play Coffee Table in Yellow by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Triple play coffee table - yellow
Table in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection.
Additional information:
Material: Hard resin
Color: Yellow
Dime...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Resin
Single Size L Medium Triple Play Coffee Table in Yellow by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Triple play coffee table - yellow
Table in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection.
Additional Information:
Material: Hard resin
Color: Yellow
Dime...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Resin
Single Size L Low Triple Play Coffee Table in Blue by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Triple play coffee table - blue
Table in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection.
Additional information:
Material: Hard resin
Color: Blue
Dimensio...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Resin
Single Size L Low Triple Play Coffee Table in White by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Triple play coffee table - white
Table in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection.
Additional information:
Material: Hard resin
Color: White
Dimens...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Resin
Single Size XL Medium Triple Play Coffee Table in Red by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Triple play coffee table - red
Table in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection.
Additional information:
Material: Hard resin
Color: Red
Dimensions...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Resin
Single Size XL Low Triple Play Coffee Table in Orange, Amber and Purple
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Triple Play Coffee Table - Orange, Amber, Purple
Table in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection.
Additional Information:
Material: Hard resin
Col...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Resin
Single Size XL High Triple Play Coffee Table in Red by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Triple Play coffee table - Triple play coffee table - red
Table in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection.
Additional Information:
Material: Hard ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Resin
Set of 3, Size L Triple Play Coffee Table in Yellow by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Triple play coffee table - yellow
Table in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection.
Additional information:
Material: Hard resin
Color: Yellow
Dime...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Resin
Single Size L Medium Triple Play Coffee Table in White by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Triple play coffee table - white
Table in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection.
Additional Information:
Material: Hard resin
Color: White
Dimens...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Resin
Set of 3, Size L Triple Play Coffee Table in Black by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Triple play coffee table - black
Table in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection.
Additional Information:
Material: Hard resin
Color: Black
Dimens...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Resin
Single Size XL High Triple Play Coffee Table in Black by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Triple play coffee table - Triple play coffee table - black
Table in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection.
Additional information:
Material: Har...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Resin
Single Size XL Medium Triple Play Coffee Table in Yellow by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Triple play coffee table - yellow
Table in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection.
Additional information:
Material: Hard resin
Color: Yellow
Dime...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Resin
Single Size XL Medium Triple Play Coffee Table in Black by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Triple play coffee table - black
Table in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection.
Additional Information:
Material: Hard resin
Color: Black
Dimens...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Resin
Single Size XL Medium Triple Play Coffee Table in Orange, Amber and Purple
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Triple Play coffee table - Orange, Amber, Purple
Table in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection.
Additional Information:
Material: Hard resin
Col...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Resin
Set of 3, Size XL Triple Play Coffee Table in Red, Blue, Yellow by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Set triple play coffee table - Red, blue and yellow
Set of 3 tables in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection
Additional Information:
Material: Har...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Resin
Single Size XL Medium Triple Play Coffee Table in Red, Blue and Yellow
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Triple play coffee table - red, blue, yellow
Table in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection.
Additional Information:
Material: Resin
Colour: Red,...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Resin
Single Size XL High Triple Play Coffee Table in Yellow by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Triple Play coffee table - Triple play coffee table - yellow
Table in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection.
Additional Information:
Material: Ha...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Resin
Set of 3, Size L Triple Play Coffee Table in White by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Triple play coffee table - white
Table in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection.
Additional Information:
Material: Hard resin
Color: White
Dimens...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Resin
Single Size XL Low Triple Play Coffee Table in Black by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Triple play coffee table - black
Table in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection.
Additional Information:
Material: Hard resin
Color: Black
Dimens...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Resin
Single Size XL High Triple Play Coffee Table in Orange, Amber and Purple
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Triple play coffee table - Triple play coffee table - Orange, amber, purple
Table in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection.
Additional informatio...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Resin
Single Size XL Medium Triple Play Coffee Table in Purple, Amber and Green
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Triple Play coffee table - Purple, amber, green
Table in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection.
Additional Information:
Material: Hard resin
Colo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Resin
Single Size XL High Triple Play Coffee Table in Purple, Amber and Green
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Triple play coffee table - purple, amber, green
Table in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection.
Additional information:
Material: Hard resin
Colo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Resin
Single Size XL High Triple Play Coffee Table in White by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Triple Play Coffee Table - Triple play coffee table - white
Table in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection.
Additional Information:
Material: Har...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Resin
Single Size XL Low Triple Play Coffee Table in Yellow by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Triple play coffee table - yellow
Table in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection.
Additional information:
Material: Hard resin
Color: Yellow
Dime...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Resin
Set of 3, Size XL Triple Play Coffee Table in Black by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Triple play coffee table - black
Table in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection.
Additional Information:
Material: Hard resin
Color: Black
Dimens...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Resin
Single Size XL Low Triple Play Coffee Table in White by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Triple play coffee table - white
Table in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection.
Additional information:
Material: Hard resin
Color: White
Dimens...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Resin
Set of 3, Size XL Triple Play Coffee Table in White by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Triple play coffee table - white
Table in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection.
Additional Information:
Material: Hard resin
Color: White
Dimens...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Resin
Single Size XL Low Triple Play Coffee Table in Purple, Amber and Green
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Triple Play coffee table - Purple, amber, green
Table in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection.
Additional Information:
Material: Hard resin
Colo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Resin
Single Size XL Medium Triple Play Coffee Table in White by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Triple play coffee table - white
Table in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection.
Additional Information:
Material: Hard resin
Color: White
Dimens...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Pair of "I am with you" Tables
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in New York, NY
Two Gaetano Pesce "I am with you" tables in orange and green resin. Unique pieces.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Gaetano Pesce Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Metal
Gaetano Pesce coffee and cocktail tables for sale on 1stDibs.
Gaetano Pesce coffee and cocktail tables are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of resin and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Gaetano Pesce coffee and cocktail tables, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 2 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 37 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original coffee and cocktail tables by Gaetano Pesce were created in the mid-century modern style in italy during the 21st century and contemporary. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider coffee and cocktail tables by Kartell, Driade, and Corsi Design Factory. Prices for Gaetano Pesce coffee and cocktail tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $494 and can go as high as $15,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $632.
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