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.
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
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 Mahogany Executive Desk, ca. 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
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
$18,629 / set
Gio Ponti Set of 12 chairs "modello leggera"
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
Gio Ponti Set of 12 chairs "modello leggera" with backrest and seat covered in padded fabric. Design and manufacture 1954.
Fabric
Rare Gio Ponti Corner Sofa in Pierre Frey Dual Tone Fabric
By Gio Ponti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gio Ponti sofa, Pierre Frey fabric and walnut, Italy, 1960s Stunning sofa by Gio Ponti. This particular sofa breathes the luxurious feel of well-balanced Italian furniture designs o...
Fabric, Walnut
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
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
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...
Brass, Metal
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
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
$9,900 / item
Italian Mid-Century Bed by Gio Ponti, Italy, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Buccinasco, MI
An exceptional and rare Italian Mid-Century bed designed by Gio Ponti for Vittorio Dassi, dating to the 1950s, showcasing the designer’s unmistakable synthesis of lightness, elegance...
Glass, Wood, Maple
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
$16,000 / set
Gio Ponti 516 Armchairs, Pair
By Gio Ponti
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Vintage 516 Armchairs by master Italian architect, publisher, and designer Gio Ponti, 1950. A timeless, architectural expression featuring a sculptural walnut frame, distinctive sl...
Walnut
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
Expertly Restored - Gio Ponti Sculpted Walnut & Travertine Coffee Table
By Gio Ponti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Travertine
$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 Greson 2 chandelier for Greco, Italy 1950s
By Greco, Gio Ponti
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Rare Large ‘Greson 2’ Suspension Chandelier designed by Gio Ponti for Greco, Italy, 1950s. A striking and exceptionally rare example of Italian mid-century lighting, this large-sized...
Aluminum
Set of Six Rare Chairs by Gio Ponti for Singer & Sons
By Gio Ponti
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare set of six walnut model 211 dining chairs by Gio Ponti for Singer & Sons. Beautifully restored and reupholstered in Kirby Design / Foam FR Olive fabric.
Walnut
Ceramic tile "water and fire" design Gio Ponti for Gabbianelli, 1989
By Gio Ponti, Gabbianelli
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 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
$15,131Sale Price / set|49% Off
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
Set of reupholstered 2 Gio Ponti Chairs, Model 803, Cassina 1950s
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Rare Pair of reupholstered Gio Ponti Armchairs, model «803» Manufactured by Cassina Italy, 1954 Walnut legs, wool fabric & leatherette armrests
Fabric, Faux Leather
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 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, Lounge Chair, Fabric, Walnut, Rubber, Italy, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut, fabric and rubber lounge chair, model 811, designed by Gio Ponti and produced by Cassina, Meda, Italy, c. 1956. Wear consistent with vintage age and normal use. Measureme...
Fabric, Rubber, Walnut
Gio Ponti, Dresser, Walnut, Singer & Sons, America, 1950s
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
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
20th Century, Gio Ponti for Venini Chandelier mod. 5523
By Venini, Gio Ponti
Located in Turin, Turin
An eclectic personality, from his early days he was active in the fields of architecture, painting, graphics and set design. He graduated in architecture from the Milan Polytechnic i...
Murano Glass
Pair of Lounge Chairs by Gio Ponti for Casa e Giardino
By Gio Ponti
Located in San Francisco, CA
This pair of expertly restored small-scale armchairs by Gio Ponti for Casa e Giardino features tapered oak legs and rich Sandra Jordan Prima Alpaca Suri Zibelinado upholstery in Aube...
Fabric, Oak
$45,000 / set
a pair of BP 16 ‘Continuum’ armchairs by Gio Ponti
By Gio Ponti
Located in Albany, NY
Designer : Gio Ponti Item: a pair of BP 16 ‘Continuum’ armchairs Manufacturer: (Pierantonio) Bonacina Material: ...
Bamboo
Gio Ponti 646 "Leggera" Dining Chairs for Cassina, Green Velvet, 1952, Set of 8
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti 646 “Leggera” dining chairs for Cassina, green velvet, Italy, 1952, set of 8 The 646 “Leggera” is one of Gio Ponti’s most enduring chair designs—an icon defined by Cassina...
Ash, Velvet
$2,596Sale Price|38% Off
Art Deco Gio Ponti Planter for Richard Ginori Italy
By Gio Ponti, Richard Ginori
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
A rare and beautiful striking planter designed by Gio Ponti during the 1930's for Italian manufacturer Richard Ginori, which still is in production today doing collaborations with fa...
Ceramic
2-Seat Dezza Sofa by Gio Ponti for Poltrona Frau, 2011
By Gio Ponti, Poltrona Frau
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Two seat ''Dezza'' sofa by Gio Ponti Produced by Poltrona Frau. Designed in 1965, the Dezza sofa is some of Gio Ponti’s most important designs. The Dezza sofa is light and very comf...
Leather, Wood
$7,600 / set
Rare pair of Gio Ponti chairs
By Gio Ponti
Located in Albany, NY
Item: pair of chairs Designer: Gio Ponti Manufacturer: I.S.A. Bergamo Demensions: 35.25” h x 16.25” w x22.5” d. 18” seat height Material: Mahogany, metal sabots and upholstery ...
Mahogany
Gio Ponti 'F.A. 33' Half Length Mirror in Brass for GUBI
By Gubi, Gio Ponti
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
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
Gio Ponti for F.lli Montina Black Chair Mod. "969," Italy 1960s
By Montina, Gio Ponti
Located in Naples, IT
Iconica sedia pattern 969, designed by renowned Italian architect and designer Gio Ponti and produced by the historic Montina Company . La caratteristica distintiva è lo schienale...
Leather, Wood
$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
Gio Ponti Rationalist Daybed, 1948
By Gio Ponti
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti Rationalist Daybed for Fondazione Garzanti, 1948. Rationalist daybed designed by Gio Ponti in 1948. The piece reflects the architect’s search for lightness and clarity in ...
Wood
$1,699 / item
Gio Ponti Large 'Randaccio' Mirror for GUBI
By Gubi, Gio Ponti
Located in Glendale, CA
Gio Ponti Large '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
1950s Gio Ponti Goodform Silver Industrial Tanker Chair Swivel Office
By Gio Ponti, GoodForm
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, an office chair produced by GOODFORM Youngstown, Ohio. 1938 Industrial Swivel Tanker Vintage Office Desk Chair design...
Metal, Aluminum, Steel
Gio Ponti 646 "Leggera" Dining Chairs for Cassina, Green Velvet, 1952, Set of 4
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti 646 “Leggera” dining chair for Cassina, green velvet, Italy, 1952, set of four The 646 “Leggera” is one of Gio Ponti’s most enduring chair designs—an icon defined by Cassi...
Velvet, Ash
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
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
original "diamond" ceramic tiles by Gio Ponti for Joo Milano 1960s
By Gio Ponti
Located in taranto, IT
Wall panel composed of a very rare group of 6 ceramic tiles designed in 1960 by Gio Ponti for Joo Ceramiche Milano, "diamond" model, fire-red in white aluminum frame. The whole panel...
Aluminum
Gio Ponti for Argenteria Sabattini Italian Silver-Plated "Musk" Sculpture 1970s
By Gio Ponti, Sabattini Argenteria
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian sculpture ‘Cuckolded Mask” in silver-plated metal designed by Gio Ponti for Argenteria Sabattini with the manufacturer’s mark engraved, Italy 1970s Please note that the item...
Silver Plate
Gio Ponti Walnut Dresser Cupboard by M. Singer & Sons, Circa 1940
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-brown, vintage Mid-Cenutry Modern Italian, American geometric dresser cupboard made of hand crafted polished walnut, designed by Gio Ponti an...
Walnut
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
Murano Art Glass Chandelier by Gio Ponti for Venini 1940s
By Gio Ponti, Paolo Venini
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Murano Art Glass Chandelier by Gio Ponti for Venini 1940s A magnificent chandelier from Murano, designed in 1946 by Gio Ponti for Venini, Venice. White opaque “lattimo” glass with s...
Murano Glass
Gio Ponti Horse Silver Sculpture with Lino Sabattini for Christofle
By Christofle, Gio Ponti, Lino Sabattini
Located in Hanover, MA
1978 Gio Ponti designed silver plated horse sculpture, titled "Cavallo", edition Lino Sabattini for Christofle, 2008. Very good condition. Comes with original Christofle box and non-...
Silver Plate
$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 set of twelve Leggera chairs with rope seat, Cassina, Italy, 1951
By Figli di Amadeo Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
Set of 12 ash wood chairs with hand-knotted rope seats, designed by Gio Ponti as model 646 Leggera in 1951 and manufactured by Figli di Amedeo Cassina during the late 1950s. Concept...
Cane, Ash
$1,499 / item
Gio Ponti Medium 'Randaccio' Mirror for GUBI
By Gio Ponti, Gubi
Located in Glendale, CA
Gio Ponti Medium 'Randaccio' Mirror for GUBI Ponti created the Randaccio Mirror in 1925 for his home on Via Randaccio in Milan. Characterized by its...
Brass
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
Gio Ponti Diamond Flatware, Service for Twelve
By Gio Ponti, Reed & Barton
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A beautiful and complete service for twelve in the Diamond pattern by Gio Ponti. The line was designed in 1958 in collaboration with Italian archite...
Sterling Silver
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
Gio Ponti Continuum BP16 Armchair, Made by Bonacina 1970s-80s
By Bonacina, Gio Ponti
Located in Brussels, BE
Continuum armchair, Designed by Gio Ponti, Made by Bonacina. This example dates to production from the 1970s-80s. Rattan, reed and original upholstery and cushion. Dimensions: 102 c...
Upholstery, Rattan, Reed
Pair of Gio Ponti Armchairs in Coral Red Velvet and Beech, Asko, Finland, 1957
By Asko, Gio Ponti
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare armchair was designed by Gio Ponti in 1954. The particular model, numbered '1410,' was produced by the well-known Finnish manufacturer Asko in the late 1950s. Asko held the...
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Beech
Modernist Vintage Six Superleggera Chairs by Gio Ponti for Cassina 1957 Italy
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Vienna, AT
Modernist Vintage authentic set of six ( 6 ) Superleggera Dining Chairs or Chairs from black lacquered wood and light brown cane mesh designed 1957 by Gio Ponti and manufactured 199...
Wood
20th Century, Gio Ponti for Lietti Wooden Armoire
By Gio Ponti
Located in Turin, Turin
An eclectic personality, from his early days he was active in the fields of architecture, painting, graphics and set design. He graduated in architecture from the Milan Polytechnic i...
Earthenware, Wood