An architect, furniture and industrial designer and editor, Gio Ponti was arguably the most influential figure in 20th-century Italian modernism.
Ponti designed thousands of furnishings and products — from cabinets, mirrors and chairs to ceramics and coffeemakers — and his buildings, including the brawny Pirelli Tower (1956) in his native Milan, and the castle-like Denver Art Museum (1971), were erected in 14 countries. Through Domus, the magazine he founded in 1928, Ponti brought attention to virtually every significant movement and creator in the spheres of modern art and design.
The questing intelligence Ponti brought to Domus is reflected in his work: as protean as he was prolific, Ponti’s style can’t be pegged to a specific genre.
In the 1920s, as artistic director for the Tuscan porcelain maker Richard Ginori, he fused old and new; his ceramic forms were modern, but decorated with motifs from Roman antiquity. In pre-war Italy, modernist design was encouraged, and after the conflict, Ponti — along with designers such as Carlo Mollino, Franco Albini, Marco Zanuso — found a receptive audience for their novel, idiosyncratic work. Ponti’s typical furniture forms from the period, such as the wedge-shaped Distex chair, are simple, gently angular, and colorful; equally elegant and functional. In the 1960s and ’70s, Ponti’s style evolved again as he explored biomorphic shapes, and embraced the expressive, experimental designs of Ettore Sottsass Jr., Joe Colombo and others.
Ponti's signature furniture piece — the one by which he is represented in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Germany’s Vitra Design Museum and elsewhere — is the sleek Superleggera chair, produced by Cassina starting in 1957. (The name translates as “superlightweight” — advertisements featured a model lifting it with one finger.)
Ponti had a playful side, best shown in a collaboration he began in the late 1940s with the graphic artist Piero Fornasetti. Ponti furnishings were decorated with bright finishes and Fornasetti's whimsical lithographic transfer prints of things such as butterflies, birds or flowers; the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts possesses a 1950 secretary from their Architetturra series, which feature case pieces covered in images of building interiors and facades. The grandest project Ponti and Fornasetti undertook, however, lies on the floor of the Atlantic Ocean: the interiors of the luxury liner Andrea Doria, which sank in 1956.
Widely praised retrospectives at the Queens Museum of Art in 2001 and at the Design Museum London in 2002 sparked a renewed interest in Ponti among modern design aficionados. (Marco Romanelli’s monograph, which was written for the London show, offers a fine overview of Ponti’s work.) Today, a wide array of Ponti’s designs are snapped up by savvy collectors who want to give their homes a touch of Italian panache and effortless chic.
Find a range of vintage Gio Ponti desks, dining chairs, coffee tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Gio Ponti for Fontana Arte ‘Parco dei Principi’ Floor Lamp with Beige Shade
By Fontana Arte, Gio Ponti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gio Ponti for Fontana Arte, floor lamp ‘Parco dei Principi’ model '1967', brass, glass, coated aluminum, bakelite, Italy, circa 1960 This elegant floor lamp by Gio Ponti is based on...
Aluminum, Brass
Gio Ponti Italian Walnut Wardrobe with Horizontal Striped Veneer, Italy, 1930s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
The wardrobe reads as a sequence of horizontal bands: the entire carcase, both front and sides, is veneered in walnut in a tight rhythm of lighter and darker stripes that runs withou...
Walnut
Decorative Art 1959/1960
By Berndt Friberg, Gio Ponti, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in New York, NY
Survey of trends in modern architecture, furniture, and decorative arts, principally from Britain, Europe, the U.S., Latin America, and Japan, covering the years 1959-1960. Contains ...
Paper
Vintage Mid Century "Model 803" Armchair by Gio Ponti
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Oxnard, CA
Here is a "Model 803" armchair by Gio Ponti produced by Cassina, circa 1950s. This stunning design by Ponti is appreciated for its angular lines, subtle curves and tapered legs. Th...
Fabric, Wood
Gio Ponti Mid-Century Silver plated Champagne or Wine Cooler, A. Krupp, Milano
By Arthur Krupp, Gio Ponti
Located in London, Fitzrovia
A Mid-Century Silver plated Gio Ponti Champagne or Wine Cooler for A. Krupp, Milano. Barely used. From a series designed for the VI triennale, 1930's to 1950's. Beautiful quality an...
Metal
Authentic Vintage Superleggera Chair by Gio Ponti for Cassina, 1970
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Dronten, NL
It is the chair that defied gravity. In 1957, Gio Ponti famously tested the Superleggera by tossing it from a fourth-story window, watching it float to the ground. This poetic demon...
Cane, Wood
Pair of Gio Ponti Small Lounge Chairs, Presented at the Triennale, 1936
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milan, IT
A rare and highly refined pair of small lounge chairs designed by Gio Ponti for the bedroom interior of Un’Abitazione Dimostrativa, presented at the VI Triennale di Milano. These ch...
Velvet, Wood
Gio Ponti for Poltrona Frau Set of Four Lounge Chairs in Light Blue Leather
By Gio Ponti, Poltrona Frau
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gio Ponti for Poltrona Frau, lounge chairs, model ´Dezza´ nr. 48, leather, lacquered wood, metal, Italy, 1965. Set of four stylish lounge chairs designed by Gio Ponti for Poltrona ...
Metal
Gio Ponti, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Italy, 1940s
By Gio Ponti
Located in High Point, NC
A green velvet and wood sofa designed by Gio Ponti and produced by Casa e Giardino, Italy, c. 1940s. Minor scuffing of feet. Minor staining on seat and backrest cushions. Minor fr...
Velvet, Wood
Gio Ponti for Poltrona Frau Lounge Chair 'Dezza' in Light Blue Leather
By Gio Ponti, Poltrona Frau
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gio Ponti for Poltrona Frau, lounge chair model ´Dezza´ nr. 48, leather, lacquered beech, metal, Italy, 1965. Stylish lounge chair designed by Gio Ponti for Poltrona Frau. This cha...
Metal
Wall unit by Gio Ponti for Prod. Italia, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Wall cabinet designed by Gio Ponti in Italy during the 1950s. Crafted in rosewood veneer, opaline glass and plastic laminate, the composition is centered around a large cabinet wit...
Wood
Gio Ponti for Singer & Sons Model 2135 Walnut Expanding Dining Table - 4 Leaves
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Gio Ponti for Singer & Sons Model 2135 Mid Century Walnut Expanding Dining Table with 4 Leaves This table measures: 48 wide x 48 deep x 28.5 inches high, with a chair clearance of 2...
Walnut
$7,334Sale Price / set|20% Off
Gio Ponti Italian Midcentury Design Dining Chairs "Leggera" for Cassina 1950s
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Set of four dining chairs model Leggera designed by Gio Ponti for Cassina, ash wood frame and waxed rope seat, circa 1960s. Cassina adhesive label on some chairs Bibliography: Domus...
Ash, Rope
Iconic Italian Mid-Century Modern Brass Shield Mirror by Gio Ponti, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Nicolosi, IT
Iconic Italian Mid-Century Modern brass mirror from the 1950s, designed by Gio Ponti and distinguished by its elegant shield-shaped silhouette. The piece stands out for its refined ...
Brass
A pair of Black Wooden Gio Ponti Leggera Chairs with Cord Seats, Italy 1951
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Den Haag, NL
A pair of black wooden Gio Ponti Leggera chairs with cord seats, Italy 1951.
Cord, Wood
Rare Gio Ponti–Style Brass and Glass Mirror with E. Müller Glas Label, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Brescia, Brescia
Rare and highly evocative Italian mid-century mirror, circa 1950s, attributed to Gio Ponti. A remarkable warehouse discovery, preserved for decades and never placed into use, this sc...
Brass
Ceramic tile by Gio Ponti for Richard Ginori 1960s with frame
By Gio Ponti, Richard Ginori
Located in taranto, IT
very rare ceramic tile , produced by Richard Ginori in 1965, designed by Gio Ponti. Published in the most important books concerning postwar Italian Ceramic production, displayed in ...
Aluminum
Ceramic tile "water and fire" design Gio Ponti for Gabbianelli, 1989
By Gabbianelli, Gio Ponti
Located in taranto, IT
Tile with a matte white background glaze with a stylized silkscreen decoration of vases and cornucopias from which water comes out, in pink and light blue colors. Drawing by Gio Pon...
Aluminum
Gio Ponti walnut desk for BNL offices, Italy, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A walnut writing desk designed by Gio Ponti for Banca Nazionale del Lavoro (BNL), conceived originally for executive and institutional interiors. The model reflects Ponti’s continuou...
Walnut
Rare Unica Collection Dishes Gio Ponti Franco Pozzi 1960 27 Pieces Multicolor
By Gio Ponti
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Very rare collection of 27 pieces produced by Franco Pozzi Ceramiche based on a design by Gio Ponti.
Ceramic
Rare Set Sofa and 2 Armchairs Design Gio Ponti for Casa e Giardino, 1940
By Gio Ponti
Located in taranto, IT
Splendid and rare living room, production "Casa & Giardino", designed by Gio Ponti, 40s Composed of a three-seater sofa and a pair of shell-shaped armchairs , upholstered in bur...
Velvet, Wood
Gio Ponti Leggera Outdoor Chair by Cassina - Mid-Century Modern
By Gio Ponti
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Gio Ponti Leggera Outdoor Chair For Cassina The wood chair par excellence, one of the flagship pieces in the partnership between Gio Ponti, Cesare Cassina and the company’s joinery ...
Steel
Pair of Brass Sconces "Finestra" 12664 by Gio Ponti for Arredoluce. Italy, 1950s
By Arredoluce, Gio Ponti
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Rare Mid-Century Modern pair of brass and painted lacquered metal wall lights lamps sconces lighting model "Finestra" 12664 by the italian designer Gio Ponti for the manufacture Arre...
Metal, Brass
Set of Two 1940s Gio Ponti Style Mid-Century Modern Solid Brass Wall Sconces
By Gio Ponti
Located in Aci Castello, IT
These exquisite wall sconces, dating from the 1940s, capture the refined elegance and sculptural fluidity characteristic of the Gio Ponti era of Italian Mid-Century Modern design. Cr...
Brass
Gio Ponti 646 "Leggera" Dining Chairs for Cassina, Green Velvet, 1952, Set of 10
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti 646 “Leggera” dining chairs for Cassina, green velvet, Italy, 1952, set of ten. The 646 “Leggera” is one of Gio Ponti’s most enduring chair designs—an icon defined by Cass...
Velvet, Ash
Italian art deco dining table attributed to Gio Ponti, Padova, similar example
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
Italian Art Deco Dining Table Attributed to Gio Ponti - Padua, 1936-1941 An elegant expression of Italian Rationalist design, this rare dining table is attributed to Gio Ponti, like...
Wood
Expertly Restored - Gio Ponti Sculpted Walnut & Travertine Coffee Table
By Gio Ponti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials Walnut Wood, Original Travertine Stone ______________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this ...
Travertine
Gio Ponti, Dresser, Walnut, Singer & Sons, America, 1950s
By M. Singer & Sons, Gio Ponti
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut dresser designed by Gio Ponti and produced by M. Singer & Sons, New York, America, 1950s. Labeled. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions: 36.75"H x 47...
Walnut
Gio Ponti N. 512 Mid-Century Modern Italian Sofa for ISA, 1950s
By Gio Ponti, ISA Bergamo
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Elegant and splendid three-seater sofa with high backrest by Gio Ponti, 1950s, for ISA Edizioni, Bergamo, model N. 512. Carved profile, refined lines, sensual and deep comfort. The u...
Beech, Fabric
Gio Ponti Neo ponti Bucchero Vase 1940s Rare Design
By Gio Ponti
Located in Taranto, IT
Vase in bucchero, Gio Ponti 1940s Rare black bucchero ceramic vase, designed by Gio Ponti in the 1940s. The work is distinguished by its sculptural and dynamic line, with a pronoun...
Ceramic
Set of Four Dining Chairs, Model G6G by Gio Ponti for Montina, Italy, 1969
By Gio Ponti
Located in Greding, DE
Set of four black-lacquered dining chairs featuring distinctive backrests with looped decoration. Model G6G was designed in 1969 as a development of Gio Ponti’s earlier 1936 design f...
Lacquer
Gio Ponti Lio Carminati Bonacina Wicker Armchair Mid-Century Design 1950s
By Lio Carminati, Gio Ponti
Located in Taranto, IT
Gio Ponti Lio Carminati Bonacina Wicker Armchair Mid-Century 1950s Design. Item is in good conservative condition, slight signs of time due to use and age present. (Please see phot...
Wicker, Rattan
Gio Ponti Brass Flower Holder for Casa e Giardino, Italy 1940s
By Gio Ponti, Nino Ferrari
Located in Milan, IT
Italian brass flower vase, circa 1940s, attributed to Gio Ponti. The piece features a softly rounded, hammered brass body with a warm, naturally aged patina. The upper rim is fitted ...
Brass
1970s Cocktail Shaker by Gio Ponti for Fratelli Calderoni. Made in Italy
By Gio Ponti, Calderoni
Located in Milano, IT
1970s amazing Italian Cocktail Shaker by Gio Ponti for F.lli Calderoni, in excellent condition. Made in Italy. Dimensions: Diameter 2,75 x 9,05 height inches Dimensions: Diameter cm...
Metal
$6,169Sale Price|58% Off
Small Desk in Walnut and Laminate with Drawers Gio Ponti 1950s with Authentic
By Gio Ponti
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Rare small desk made by Schiroli and designed by Gio Ponti in the 1950s, in Walnut wood and wood-colored laminate top, has some restorations in the top well executed, we have the ex...
Brass
$16,500 / set
Gio Ponti, Lounge Chairs, Velvet, Wood, Italy, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of red, brown, blue velvet and wood lounge chairs designed by Gio Ponti and produced by Dassi, Italy, 1950s. Vintage fabric in fair to distressed condition, reupholstery reco...
Velvet, Wood
Gio Ponti for Ginori Athletic Dish
By Gio Ponti
Located in New York, NY
Gio Ponti for Ginori athletic dish. Vintage Richard Ginori shaped nut dish/ small saucer from the athletic series designed by Gio Ponti featuring ...
Porcelain
Gio Ponti 'F.A. 33' Half Length Mirror in Brass for GUBI
By Gio Ponti, Gubi
Located in Glendale, CA
Gio Ponti 'F.A. 33' Half Length Mirror in Brass for GUBI The 'F.A. 33' mirror was originally designed by Gio Ponti in 1933 for Fontana Arte, the period’s most prominent lamp, glass...
Brass
Plate by Gio Ponti from 1930 small boat on the waves the blue sea San Cristoforo
By Gio Ponti
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Plate by Gio Ponti from 1930 with a small boat on the waves of the blue sea San Cristoforo
Ceramic
Gio Ponti 'F.A. 33' Full Length Mirror in Black Brass for GUBI
By Gio Ponti, Gubi
Located in Glendale, CA
Gio Ponti 'F.A. 33' Full Length Mirror in Black Brass for GUBI The 'F.A. 33' Mirror was originally designed by Gio Ponti in 1933 for Fontana Arte, the period’s most prominent lamp,...
Brass
Gio Ponti for Venini — “A Canne” Glass Bottle Vase in Blue and Green 1950s
By Gio Ponti, Venini
Located in Dallas, TX
This striking 'A Canne' bottle vase model 972, designed by Gio Ponti and masterfully executed by Venini, exemplifies the refined modernism and technical virtuosity that defined mid‑c...
Art Glass
Floor Lamp mod. 1967, Gio Ponti, Prod. Fontana Arte, Italy, 1950's
By Gio Ponti, Fontana Arte
Located in Piacenza, Italy
This elegant floor lamp, model 1967, was designed by Gio Ponti for Fontana Arte in the 1950's. It features a brass stem with joints, a crystal base, and a lacquered metal reflector. ...
Crystal, Aluminum, Brass
Gio Ponti 'Bilia' Table Lamp in Satin Nickel and Opaline Glass for Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte, Gio Ponti
Located in Glendale, CA
Gio Ponti 'Bilia' table lamp in satin nickel and opaline glass for Fontana Arte. In 1931, Gio Ponti and Pietro Chiesa approached the Luigi Fontana Company to manufacture their desi...
Metal
Gio Ponti 'Luna Sospensione' Pendant Lamp in Brass for Tato Italia
By Tato Italia, Gio Ponti
Located in Glendale, CA
Gio Ponti 'Luna Sospensione' Pendant Lamp in Brass for Tato Italia Designed by Italian design icon Gio Ponti, this authorized Tato Italia re-edition is executed in brushed brass har...
Brass
Gio Ponti 'F.A. 33' Half Length Mirror in Black Brass for GUBI
By Gio Ponti, Gubi
Located in Glendale, CA
Gio Ponti 'F.A. 33' Half Length Mirror in Black Brass for GUBI The 'F.A. 33' Mirror was originally designed by Gio Ponti in 1933 for Fontana Arte, the period’s most prominent lamp, ...
Brass
Straw Holder by Broggi Milano for Hotel Europa in the manner of Gio Ponti
By Fratelli Broggi, Milano, Gio Ponti
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
A rare art deco straw holder designed by Gio Ponti for Bar Pasticceria Alemagna at Piazza Duomo in Milano. The shape is simple and sleek and elegant. ...
Silver Plate
Gio Ponti Leggera Armchair or Side Chair by Cassina in different colors
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices are dependent on the chosen material and model. Available with or without armrests. Frame, Seat and Coating and upholstery of the chair can be customized, please get in touch....
Upholstery, Wood
GiIO PONTI - Walnut bench, pink velvet - Made in ITALY 1940s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
GIO PONTI - Beautiful and elegant bench to be included in both modern and vintage decor . Sturdy and in perfect condition with its original rose-colored velvet upholstery , . Made in...
Nutwood, Velvet
$999 / item
Gio Ponti Small 'Randaccio' Mirror for GUBI
By Gubi, Gio Ponti
Located in Glendale, CA
Gio Ponti Small 'Randaccio' Mirror for GUBI Ponti created the 'Randaccio' Mirror in 1925 for his home on Via Randaccio in Milan. Characterized by its atypical crown-like detailing ...
Brass
Pair of armchairs by Gio Ponti and Emilio Lancia for Domus Nova, Italy 1929
By Emilio Lancia, Gio Ponti
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Pair of armchairs by Gio Ponti and Emilio Lancia for Domus Nova, 1929 A rare pair of armchairs designed by Gio Ponti and Emilio Lancia for Domus Nova in 1929. Made of wood, the chair...
Fabric, Wood
Mid Century Gio Ponti Model 2140 Display Cabinet / Wall Unit for Singer & Sons
By Gio Ponti
Located in Las Vegas, NV
A very rare Gio Ponti Display Cabinet, Model 2140, produced by Singer & Sons and executed in beautifully grained Italian walnut. This m...
Walnut
$15,985 / item
Lettera Disegnata Gray Carpet by Gio Ponti
By Amini, Gio Ponti
Located in Milan, IT
Elegant and playful, the hand drawn lines in this composition create a unique and elegant carpet. An intriguing three-dimensional pattern originally designed by Gio Ponti to recreate...
Textile
Gio Ponti Aniegre Mahogany Executive Desk, Art Deco, Italy, Circa 1938
By Gio Ponti
Located in Astoria, NY
Gio Ponti (Italian, 1891-1979) Aniegre Mahogany Executive Desk, circa 1938, made in Italy, with a central key-locked drawer flanked by banks of four drawers atop maple legs and bronz...
Bronze
$22,400Sale Price / set|53% Off
Gio Ponti Velvet Lounge Chairs in Walnut & Brass for M. Singer and Sons, 1950s
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Dallas, TX
Rare pair of lounge chairs designed by Italian architect Gio Ponti and produced for M. Singer & Sons circa 1950. Exquisitely restored to the highest possible standard.
Brass
Gio Ponti “ Superleggera” N. 4, Chair Wood Straw Padding, 1950, Italy
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
N . 4 Superleggera Gio Ponti.
Wood, Straw
Gio Ponti 'Luna Sospensione' Pendant Lamp in Nickel for Tato Italia
By Tato Italia, Gio Ponti
Located in Glendale, CA
Gio Ponti 'Luna Sospensione' Pendant Lamp in Nickel for Tato Italia Designed by Italian design icon Gio Ponti, this authorized Tato Italia re-edition is executed in brushed nickel h...
Nickel
Italian Rosewood Mid Century Modern Executive Desk Gio Ponti Fornaroli Rosselli
By Antonio Fornaroli, Gio Ponti, Alberto Rosselli Saporiti, Studio PFR ( Ponti Fornaroli Rosselli )
Located in Portland, OR
A inconic & rare Mid-Century Modern Italian table Rosewood & steel executive desk, designed by Gio Ponti, Antonio Fornaroli & Alberto Rosselli and produced by Studio PFR, circa 1955,...
Steel
Gio Ponti Midcentury Rare Italian Curved Armchairs "Casa E Giardino" 1936, Pair
By Gio Ponti, Casa e Giardino
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Rare pair of Gio Ponti armchairs for "Casa e Giardino", 1936. Curved shell model covered in original vintage satin, the cushions have springs inside. The upholstery, as seen in the p...
Fabric, Beech, Fir
Gio Ponti 646 "Leggera" Dining Chair for Cassina, Green Velvet, 1952
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti 646 “Leggera” dining chair for Cassina, green velvet, Italy, 1952 The 646 “Leggera” is one of Gio Ponti’s most enduring chair designs—an icon defined by Cassina’s refined ...
Velvet, Ash
Pair of Gio Ponti Mid-Century Modern Velvet High Back Armchairs by Isa, 1950s
By ISA Bergamo, Gio Ponti
Located in Puglia, Puglia
This pair of armchairs were designed by Gio Ponti and produced by the famous Italian company Isa of Bergamo, with which Gio Ponti collaborated for several years. High back, very impo...
Brass