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 Brass Sconces "Finestra" 12664 by Gio Ponti for Arredoluce. Italy, 1950s
By Gio Ponti, Arredoluce
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
Gio Ponti Horse Silver Sculpture with Lino Sabattini for Christofle
By Gio Ponti, Christofle, 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
$26,400 / set
A rare set of Gio Ponti dining chairs. (Model #602)
By Gio Ponti
Located in Albany, NY
Manufacturer: Cassina model #601 Date made: circa 1950 Material: walnut and fabric Size: 17.5”w x 20”d x 34”h Country: Italy Literature: Gio Ponti. Ugo La Pietra. Rizzoli Milan...
Walnut
$11,900 / 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 “ Superleggera” N. 4, Chair Wood Straw Padding, 1950, Italy
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
N . 4 Superleggera Gio Ponti.
Wood, Straw
20th Century Gio Ponti Coffee Table for Isa Bergamo in Wood with Round Glass Top
By ISA Bergamo, Gio Ponti
Located in Turin, Turin
Wonderful and timeless coffee table designed by the Italian Maestro of Design Gio Ponti. Gio Ponti designed this particular coffee table for his friend and editor Aldo Garzanti wh...
Glass, Wood
$22,400Sale Price / set|53% Off
Gio Ponti Velvet Lounge Chairs in Walnut & Brass for M. Singer and Sons, 1950s
By M. Singer & Sons, Gio Ponti
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
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
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
$29,500
Rare Gio Ponti Desk
By Gio Ponti
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A Gio Ponti desk manufactured in Italy by Giordano Chiesa. An early example with 2 tone drawer fronts. Purchased at the Singer Showroom in NYC. Purchased from the original family ...
Walnut
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
Murano Art Glass Chandelier by Gio Ponti for Venini 1940s
By Paolo Venini, Gio Ponti
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 'F.A. 33' Full Length Mirror in Brass for GUBI
By Gio Ponti, Gubi
Located in Glendale, CA
Gio Ponti 'F.A. 33' Full 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 Silver Plated Tureen, Sauce Boat, large Serving Dish and Bowls, Krupp
By Arthur Krupp, Gio Ponti
Located in London, Fitzrovia
1930s-1950s Gio Ponti Silver plated Alpacca deep tureen (140cl) , large sauce boat and small serving bowl designed by Gio Ponti for the VI Trienale, as well as a large heavy Serving ...
Silver Plate
20th Century, Gio Ponti for Giordano Chiesa Illuminated Organized Wall
By Giordano Chiesa, 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...
Glass, Wood
Pair of Biancamano Wicker Armchairs by Gio Ponti and Lio Carminati, Italy 1950s
By Bonacina, Gio Ponti
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Pair of Biancamano armchairs designed by Gio Ponti and Lio Carminati in the 1950s and produced by Bonacina. Handcrafted in woven wicker, these chairs stand out for their sculptural s...
Wicker
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
$1,112Sale Price|20% Off
Gio Ponti Tea / coffee set from the Parco dei Principi hotel in Rome 1960s circa
By Calderoni, Gio Ponti
Located in Roma, IT
Tea or coffee set designed by Gio Ponti for the Hotel Parco Dei Principi in Rome and produced by the historic Italian manufacturer Fratelli Calderoni between 1950s and 1960s. This vintage breakfast set consists of 5 pieces: 1 small teapot with built-in filter in the body 1 large coffee maker 1 Water Jug 1 sugar bowl 1 Tray with feet...
Silver Plate, Nickel
$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 Frassino Tinto Nero Aswood Superleggera Chair For Cassina
By Gio Ponti
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Gio Ponti Frassino Tinto Nero Aswood Superleggera Chair For Cassina Manufactured since 1957, the 699 Superleggera wood chair is the rare combination of the architect’s innovative qu...
Rattan, Ash
Gio Ponti Singer & Sons Model 2134 Walnut & Brass Flip Top Dining Console Table
By M. Singer & Sons, Gio Ponti
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Italian architect Gio Ponti, this table embodies the very soul of Italian Mid-Century Modern. Italian descends from many important historical movements, such as the rich ...
Brass
Set of 2 Armchairs and a Sofa in the style Gio Ponti for Casa E Giardino, 1940s
By Gio Ponti, Casa e Giardino
Located in taranto, IT
Rare splendid 40s living room, made in the style of Casa & Giardino by Gio Ponti, consisting of a two-seater sofa and a pair of armchairs, wooden structure and upholstery in Cintz c...
Brass
late 1940s desk by Gio Ponti in walnut wood
By Gio Ponti
Located in Vigevano, PV
late 1940s desk by Gio Ponti in walnut wood and formica top. this desk was made for a house in milan, designed by gio ponti and emilio lancia.
Formica, Walnut
$15,000Sale Price|40% Off
Gio Ponti Console Chest with Mirror
By Gio Ponti
Located in Hanover, MA
BG GALLERIES SUMMER SALE Gio Ponti long cabinet of six drawers standing on four integrated legs and topped silvered reverse painted glass and surmounted by a large rectangular mirror and a floating glass shelf cut in Ponti's distinctive diamond form. Drawer faces have knife blade edges. Made in 1957 from ash wood and glass. Original brass keys. Perfect for bedroom or entrance hall. "Certificate of Authenticity" from the Gio Ponti Archives. Mobile da camera o da ingresso con cassetti e grande...
Ash, Glass
Rare Early Gio Ponti Chair, Giordano Chiesa, Italy, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
Rare Gio Ponti Model armchair, Italy, 1950s. Manufactured by Giordano Chiesa, Milan, Italy. Ash and new green velvet fabric. Fast shipping worldwide.
Brass
Gio Ponti Grid Pattern Coffee Table circa 1945-1948
By Gio Ponti
Located in Encino, CA
Exceptional and spectacular round grid pattern coffee table by Gio Ponti for Giordano Chiesa. Multiple fruit woods base with a glass top. Italy, circa 1945-1948. Literature: Arredame...
Glass, Fruitwood
Gio Ponti F.A. 33 Wall Mirror Black Brass 54 x 80 cm for GUBI
By Gubi, Gio Ponti
Located in New York, NY
The F.A. 33 Wall Mirror was originally designed by the legendary Italian architect and designer Gio Ponti in 1933 for FontanaArte, the renowned lamp, glass, and mirror manufacturer h...
Brass
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
Gio Ponti “Finestra” 12664 Sconces for Arredoluce, Italy, 1957, Set of 2
By Gio Ponti, Arredoluce
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti “Finestra” 12664 Sconces for Arredoluce, Brass, Italy, 1957, Set of 2 Designed in 1957 by Gio Ponti for Arredoluce, the Finestra model 12664 translates the language of mod...
Brass
Gio Ponti Card Table For Fratelli Reguitti 1950's
By Gio Ponti
Located in Shibuya-ku, 13
Gio Ponti, often referred to as the father of Italian design, was a visionary whose influence extended far beyond furniture; he was also an architect who reshaped the landscape of mo...
Cherry
Gio Ponti Diamond Flatware, Service for Twelve
By Reed & Barton, Gio Ponti
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
Gio Ponti F.A. 33 Wall Mirror Black Brass 70 x 146 cm for GUBI
By Gubi, Gio Ponti
Located in New York, NY
The F.A. 33 Wall Mirror was originally designed by the legendary Italian architect and designer Gio Ponti in 1933 for FontanaArte, the renowned lamp, glass, and mirror manufacturer h...
Brass
Venini Gio Ponti 12-Arm Chandelier in Multicolor by Gio Ponti
By Venini, Gio Ponti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
99.80 Gio Ponti glass chandelier, designed by Gio Ponti and manufactured by Venini, is one of the most innovative chandeliers ever to emerge...
Glass
Gio Ponti Walnut Dresser Cupboard by M. Singer & Sons, Circa 1940
By M. Singer & Sons, Gio Ponti
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 Pair of 1930s Armchairs with their Original Yellow Upholstery
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milan, IT
Gio Ponti Pair of 1930s Armchairs with their Original Yellow Upholstery
Upholstery, Wood
Gio Ponti for Argenteria Sabattini Italian Silver-Plated "Musk" Sculpture 1970s
By Sabattini Argenteria, Gio Ponti
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 646 "Leggera" Dining Chairs for Cassina, Blue Velvet, 1952, Set of 8
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti 646 “Leggera” dining chairs for Cassina, blue velvet, Italy, 1952, set of 8 The 646 “Leggera” is one of Gio Ponti’s most enduring chair designs—an icon defined by Cassina’...
Rope, Ash
Gio Ponti Leggera Chair in Black Lacquered Wood and Original Grey Seat. 1951
By Figli di Amadeo Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Milan, IT
Gio Ponti Leggera Chair in Black Lacquered Wood and Original Grey Seat. Italy 1951
Wood
Gio Ponti wooden and glass occasional table, Italy, 1930s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
An occasional table with a black lacquered wood base and ground glass tops, designed by Gio Ponti in 1932 and produced by the Italian company Luigi Fontana & C. This side table, tho...
Metal
Gio Ponti for Singer and Sons Model 2184 MCM Walnut, Cane and Brass Crednza
By M. Singer & Sons, Gio Ponti
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Gio Ponti for Singer and Sons Model 2184 Mid Century Walnut, Cane and Brass Credenza This credenza measures: 72 wide x 20 deep x 30.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be ha...
Brass
$8,800 / item
Gio Ponti Occasional Table
By Gio Ponti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dimensions: 29.5"dia x 29"h Designer: Gio Ponti Material: Wood Italy, c1950s
Walnut
Gio Ponti Curved Sofa for Casa e Giardino, Velvet, 1956, Attributed
By Gio Ponti, Casa e Giardino
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti Curved Sofa for Casa e Giardino, velvet, Italy, 1956, Attributed Consciously attributed to Gio Ponti for Casa e Giardino, this sofa distills comfort into a single, continu...
Velvet, Wood
Gio Ponti rare model Le Mie Terre vase manufactured by Richard-Ginori
By Gio Ponti, Richard Ginori
Located in Skokie, IL
Gio Ponti rare large vase designed in 1929-30. Glazed maiolica. Painted designer's and manufacturer's marks. This exquisite piece showcases the artistry of glazed maiolica, combinin...
Majolica
Gio Ponti Set of Two Hexagonal Coffee Tables in Wood and Metal I.S.A. 1950s
By I.S.A. Italy, Gio Ponti
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Set of two hexagonal coffee tables with legs in painted metal and wooden/laminate top, designed by Gio Ponti and produced by ISA, 1950s, Italy, Literature: Fabio Fioroni, Alessandra ...
Metal
High Back Sofa By Gio Ponti For ISA Bergamo in Bouclé Fabric Upholstery 1950s
By ISA Bergamo, Gio Ponti
Located in Almelo, NL
Elegant three seat high back sofa reupholstered in new bouclé fabric was designed by Gio Ponti and produced by the ISA company in Bergamo, Italy 1950s. ISA Bergamo was responsible fo...
Brass
20th Century, Gio Ponti for Fontana Arte Floor Lamp mod. 1967
By Fontana Arte, 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...
Crystal, Aluminum, Brass
Gio Ponti Model 811 armchair made of walnut and rubber, Cassina, Italy, 1957
By Figli di Amadeo Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A rare armchair Model 811, with a walnut structure and rubber bands, designed by Gio Ponti and produced in Italy by Cassina in 1957. There are artifacts from past decades that, due ...
Rubber, Walnut
Gio Ponti 'Luna Orizzontale' Floor Lamp in Satin Nickel for Tato Italia
By Tato Italia, Gio Ponti
Located in Glendale, CA
Gio Ponti Luna Orizzontale Floor Lamp in Satin Nickel for Tato Italia. Based on an incredible but never before issued prototype designed by Ponti in 19...
Stainless Steel, Nickel
Pair of Italian Armchairs by Gio Ponti for Casa e Giardino, 1930s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Paris, FR
A set of two Italian collectible vintage armchairs first designed by Gio Ponti for manufacturing company Casa e Giardino in the late 1930s. They have been reupholstered in a white fa...
Fabric, Mahogany
"Superleggera" Chairs by Gio Ponti for Cassina, 1950s, Set of 6
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in bruxelles, BE
Set of 6 black wood and wicker chairs designed by Gio Ponti for Cassina. Stamped Cassina. Seat height 46cm. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PR...
Wicker, Wood
Gio Ponti Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet "Alata" Lounge Chair, 1950s
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Bergère armchair, Alata Mod. 820 armchair, designed by Gio Ponti for the Royal Hotel in Naples and produced by Cassina, Italy, 1950. Completely restored and recently upholstered in v...
Velvet, Beech
Gio Ponti for Richard Ginori, Celesio e Alato pair of cachepot handpainted
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, MI
Very rare pair of Gio Ponti by Richard Ginori " Celesio and Alato" cachepot in ceramic, Pubblished on " Catalogo ceramiche moderne d'arte Richard Ginori, Milano, 1930 pg. 49" mod. 78...
Porcelain
Gio Ponti Set of Eight Hexagonal Coffee Tables in Wood and Metal I.S.A. 1950s
By I.S.A. Italy, Gio Ponti
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Set of eight hexagonal coffee tables with legs in painted metal and wooden/laminate top, designed by Gio Ponti and produced by ISA, 1950s, Italy, Literature: Fabio Fioroni, Alessandr...
Metal
Gio Ponti Sofa Mod. 803 by Cassina, 1950s Fabric Upholstery
By Cassina, 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...
Fabric, Wood
Rare set of six chairs by Gio Ponti model 504 circa 1943
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Très rare série de chaises dites 504 par Gio Ponti pour Cassina. Certificat du comité Ponti.
Fabric, Walnut
Gio Ponti's blond wood coffee table
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
COD-2744 Gio Ponti (1891-1979) A blond wood coffee table with three shaped spokes with tapered legs and brass tips, a thick cut crystal top with an elliptical triangular shape. Ita...
Wood
Italian Wingback Chair in original condition, Produced by I.S.A. Bergamo, 1950s
By ISA Bergamo, Gio Ponti
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Mustard-yellow ISA Bergamo armchair, presumably designed by Gio Ponti, in original condition.
Wood, Fabric
Gio Ponti Console Table with Brass-Capped Legs, Italy, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This refined console table, designed by Gio Ponti in the 1950s, embodies the elegance and lightness that define his celebrated aesthetic. Crafted in richly toned wood, the piece feat...
Wood
Ceramic Plates by Gio Ponti for Ceramica Franco Pozzi, Italy, 1960s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milan, IT
Ceramic plates by Gio Ponti for Franco Pozzi. Four plates and two small bowls with six different color decorations.
Ceramic
Gio Ponti F.A. 33 Wall Mirror Polished Brass 54 x 80 cm for GUBI
By Gubi, Gio Ponti
Located in New York, NY
The F.A. 33 Wall Mirror was originally designed by the legendary Italian architect and designer Gio Ponti in 1933 for FontanaArte, the renowned lamp, glass, and mirror manufacturer h...
Brass