Gianfranco Frattini is widely regarded as a mid-century master of Italian modern design. He was an award-winning architect and designer, and specialized in creating furniture and decor that is both decorative and practical — Frattini’s vintage desks, armchairs, nesting tables and other works are celebrated for their sophisticated merging of function and form.
Born in Padua in 1926, Frattini studied architecture at the Polytechnic University of Milan. He later apprenticed with his teacher and mentor, Gio Ponti. Through Ponti — arguably the most important figure in 20th-century Italian architecture and design — Frattini met many notable modernist designers such as Oscar Niemeyer and Le Corbusier, but an introduction to famed Italian entrepreneur Cesare Cassina would prove incredibly significant in helping launch his career.
During the mid-1950s, Frattini began to collaborate with Cassina’s eponymous company. He designed the brand’s acclaimed leather and walnut Model 849 lounge chair — a winner of the Compasso d’Oro award — the Marema nesting tables and the iconic Sesann collection. The latter, an enduring 1970s suite of impossibly welcoming leather-covered seating, is now produced by Tacchini. In addition to Cassina, Frattini created furniture and lighting for other manufacturers such as Bernini, Arteluce, Artemide, Knoll and more.
While many of his designs incorporate glass, tubular steel and other materials, Frattini loved working with wood. The sculptural Albero bookcase — an innovative floor-to-ceiling structure made in walnut that swings on a 360-degree vertical swivel axis — is a striking example of Frattini’s dedication to traditional woodworking techniques. In the early 1970s, he traveled to Japan with friend and collaborator Pierluigi Ghianda — a master Milanese cabinet maker — in order to study the work of artisans in Kyoto. The trip inspired his design of the Kyoto table, a work of solid beech with Canaletto walnut inserts that is part of the permanent collection of the Milan Triennale’s Design Museum. The Kyoto and Albero have been revived by Poltrona Frau.
Frattini’s designs are in the permanent collections of prestigious museums such as the Museum of Modern Art and the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.
Find vintage Gianfranco Frattini furniture, lighting and decor on 1stDibs.
Gianfranco Frattini, "Sfera", Crystal vase, Progetti, 1980
By Progetti, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Paris, FR
Gianfranco Frattini (1926-2004) Sfera A glass and crystal vase. The spherical clear crystal vase inserted with a frosted glass flower container circled with a protective black rubb...
Crystal
Italian modern crystal vase by Gianfranco Frattini for Kristal Sonoro, 1980s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern crystal vase by Gianfranco Frattini for Kristal Sonoro, 1980s. Modern Italian crystal vase, by Gianfranco Frattini for Kristal Sonoro, circa 1980. Crystal flower vase,...
Crystal
Gianfranco Frattini, Red Centerpiece / Tray, Progetti Italy, 1970s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Progetti
Located in Firenze, IT
Red enamelled aluminium stackable tray / centerpiece designed by Gianfranco Frattini Manufactured by Progetti, Italy, 1970s. Manufacturer's label on the base Measures: Height 6 cm...
Aluminum
Small Sfera Vase in Black and Red by Carlo Moretti
By Carlo Moretti
Located in IT
The sphere is an archetype that has always been an object of desire. Offered in a variety of colors from the Moretti family’s secret book or in different transparencies, it is an eve...
Crystal
Small Sfera Vase in Orange, Red and Ivory by Carlo Moretti
By Carlo Moretti
Located in IT
The sphere is an archetype that has always been an object of desire. Offered in a variety of colors from the Moretti family’s secret book or in different transparencies, it is an eve...
Crystal
Lalique 'Ladybird' Crystal Vase 1980s
Located in Milano, MI
Crystal vase by Lalique, "Coccinelle" collection, made in the 1980s Ø cm 10.5 h cm 10.5 Lalique is a renowned French luxury glassware and crystal brand, recognized worldwide for it...
Crystal
1980s Hand-Carved Bohemian Crystal Vase
Located in Marbella, ES
1980s Hand-Carved Bohemian Crystal Vase.
Glass, Art Glass
Mid-Century Modern Murano Glass Vase, Aquamarine, Italy 1980s
Located in Catania, IT
Murano glass vase. Aquamarine coloured glass with an organic form. For use as a decorative artwork or as a functional vessel for holding flowers In excellent vintage condition
Art Glass, Murano Glass
$120
H 4.25 in W 3.75 in D 2 in
Crystal Square Flower Bud Vase by Tizo Modern Design, Crystal 1980s Post-Modern
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a modernist crystal block bud vase, highly recognizable by its thick, clear rectangular frame and offset cylindrical core. This architectural, heavy glass des...
Crystal
$1,200
H 9.85 in W 13.39 in D 5.52 in
Huge "Tasca" Porcelain Vase by Lino Sabattini for Rosenthal, Italy, 1980s
By Lino Sabattini, Rosenthal
Located in Milan, IT
Huge "Tasca" porcelain vase by Lino Sabattini for Rosenthal. Matte finish and still contemporary shape.
Porcelain
Sfera Vase in White, Grey and Black by Carlo Moretti
By Carlo Moretti
Located in IT
The sphere is an archetype that has always been an object of desire. Offered in a variety of colors from the Moretti family’s secret book or in different transparencies, it is an eve...
Crystal
Small Sfera Vase in Grey and Ivory by Carlo Moretti
By Carlo Moretti
Located in IT
The sphere is an archetype that has always been an object of desire. Offered in a variety of colors from the Moretti family’s secret book or in different transparencies, it is an eve...
Crystal
Large Sfera Vase in Orange, Red, and Ivory by Carlo Moretti
By Carlo Moretti
Located in IT
The sphere is an archetype that has always been an object of desire. Offered in a variety of colors from the Moretti family’s secret book or in different transparencies, it is an eve...
Crystal
Large Sfera Vase in Black and Red Streaks by Carlo Moretti
By Carlo Moretti
Located in IT
The sphere is an archetype that has always been an object of desire. Offered in a variety of colors from the Moretti family’s secret book or in different t...
Crystal
Set of Two Crystal Vases by Gianfranco Frattini for Progetti
By Progetti, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Milan, IT
Pair of crystal vases by Gianfranco Frattini for Progetti. Milky glass decoration on transparent body. Size of the big piece.
Glass