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.
1930s Gio Ponti for Nino Ferrari Art Deco Italian Copper Vase
By Nino Ferrari, Gio Ponti
Located in Brescia, IT
Wrought copper vase "Nino Ferrari" engraved on the base Perfect condition.
Copper
Gio Ponti Venini Murano Glass Bottle Morandiana Series 1960s
By Venini, Gio Ponti
Located in Paris, IDF
Rare Gio Ponti bottle for Venini designed in the 1950s from the Morandiana series. This example is a 1960s edition, acid-etched venini murano italia signature under the base, origina...
Glass
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 for Nino Ferrari Large Hammered Copper Vase, Italy, 1930s
By Gio Ponti, Nino Ferrari
Located in Milan, IT
Beautiful hammered copper vase designed by Gio Ponti and executed by Nino Ferrari for Casa & Giardino, Italy, 1930s.
Copper
Gio Ponti rare model Le Mie Terre vase manufactured by Richard-Ginori
By Richard Ginori, Gio Ponti
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
$11,100Sale Price|25% Off
Gio Ponti for Richard Ginori Maritime Vase, Seascape with Boat, Italy, 1930
By Gio Ponti, Richard Ginori
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gio Ponti for Richard Ginori Italian Vase (circa 1930) decorated with a maritime scene of a ship at sea, signed to base and further marked overall: 6 x 5 3/4 inches Provenance: Property from the Collection of Seymour Stein...
Porcelain
Gio Ponti for Richard Ginori Vase in Terracotta and Gold, 1930s
By Richard Ginori, Gio Ponti
Located in Tilburg, NL
Gio Ponti for Richard Ginori vase in terracotta and gold, Italy, 1930s. It is a wonderful little gem, this vase designed by Gio Ponti and made by Richard Ginori in the 1930s. Great simple design and beautiful contrast between the terracotta and the gold. Part of a series of terracotta and gold bowls...
Pottery
Gio’ Ponti “ Richard Ginori” Vase Ceramic 1929 Italy
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
Gio’ Ponti vase ceramic 1929 Italy. Mark . San Cristoforo - RICHARD GINORI - Made in Italy
Ceramic
GIO PONTI - RICHARD GINORI Ceramics - SAN CRISTOFORO - Made in Italy 1929.
By Gio Ponti, Richard Ginori
Located in Milano, IT
GIO PONTI - A vase by RICHARD GINORI, produced in the SAN CRISTOFORO factory in MILAN, is designed by architect GIO PONTI , in the late 1920s, when he was still the director . THE va...
Ceramic
"Orgues” Silver-Plated Vase by Jacques Sitoleux for Christolfe, 1969
By Gio Ponti
Located in New York, NY
"Orgues” Silver Vase Designed by Jacques Sitoleux for Christolfe 1969 DIMENSIONS Height: 12-1/2 inches Width: 5-1/8 inches Dept...
Metal
$9,872Sale Price|20% Off
Vase 'Pot' 1930, Multi-Color Round Shape, Majolica, Giò Ponti
By Gio Ponti, Richard Ginori
Located in Milano, IT
Pot of Majolica 1930, signed Ginori model 1208-3130, accompanied by an authentic archives Gio' Ponti.
Maiolica
Gio Ponti Wonderfully Patinated 'Soliflore' Vase for Arthur Krupp Milano, 1930s
By Arthur Krupp, Gio Ponti
Located in Meer, VAN
A truly beautiful so called 'Soliflore' vase designed by Gio Ponti for Arthur Krupp Milano in the 1930s. The shape is simple and sleek, but very elegant. The desirable patina make...
Silver
Gio Ponti Richard Ginori Vase Ceramic Gold Red, 1940, Italy
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
Gio Ponti Richard Ginori vase ceramic gold red 1940 Italy.
Ceramic
Gio Ponti for Richard Ginori Rare Gran Rosso di Doccia Porcelain Vase Model 380T
By Gio Ponti, Richard Ginori
Located in New York, NY
Gio Ponti for Richard Ginori rare Gran Rosso di Doccia glazed porcelain vase model 380T with a gold body and red at base, rim and inside. Stamped manufacturer's mark to underside 'Ri...
Porcelain
Gio Ponti Vase, Richard Ginori, Italy, 1929–30. Glazed porcelain.
By Gio Ponti, Richard Ginori
Located in Renens, CH
Gio Ponti Vase, Richard Ginori, Italy, 1929–30. Glazed porcelain. Beautiful and rare decoration featuring flying doves and black lines. This piece was created during the period whe...
Ceramic
Circus Ceramic Vase by Gio Ponti, Art Deco, Two-Handled, Italy, 1924
By Gio Ponti
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Ceramic vase by Gio Ponti (1891-1979). Two-Handled vase decorated in relief with circus theme. Valerio Terraroli (2007) "Italian Art Ceramics: ...
Ceramic
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
Gio Ponti for Richard Ginori Vase in Terracotta and Gold, 1930s
By Richard Ginori, Gio Ponti
Located in Tilburg, NL
Gio Ponti for Richard Ginori vase in terracotta and gold, Italy, 1930s. It is a wonderful little gem, this vase designed by Gio Ponti and made by Richard Ginori in the 1930s. Great simple design and beautiful contrast between the terracotta and the gold. Part of a series of terracotta and gold bowls...
Pottery
Venini Murano glass vase - signed "Venini Italia," ca. 1960s-70s.
By Venini
Located in Vicenza, IT
Elegant Murano blown glass vase, Venini production, with engraved signature on the base "Venini Italia".The body, with a flattened globular shape, has a delicate amethyst hue with a ...
Glass
$9,500
H 10 in W 8.2 in D 6.2 in
Gio Ponti Ceramic Sculpture" Il Pellegrino Stanco" for Richard Ginori, Milano
By Gio Ponti, Richard Ginori
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great sample of one most important designers of the 20th century, Glazed ceramic, Gio Ponti, made for Richard Ginori and marked S Christoforo, Milano.
Ceramic
$132Sale Price|20% Off
H 2.75 in W 11.5 in D 8 in
Art Deco 1930s Abingdon Ceramic Shell Tray Pastel Blue
By Russel Wright
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and unique antique pastel blue colored decorative tray/dish. The art deco shell-like pattern makes this piece a centerpiece in itself. Great condition. Great addition to yo...
Ceramic
Gio Ponti Richard Ginori Vase Ceramic Gold Red, 1940, Italy
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
Gio Ponti Richard Ginori vase ceramic gold red 1940 Italy.
Ceramic
$1,233Sale Price|62% Off
H 9.26 in Dm 7.88 in
Rare Italian Vase 1930 Embossed Copper Gio Ponti for Nino Ferrari Attributed
By Gio Ponti
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Rare Italian vase 1930 embossed copper Gio Ponti for Nino Ferrari Attributed.
Copper
Italy Richard Ginori Early 18th Century Porcelain Vase
By Richard Ginori
Located in Brescia, IT
This elegant vase was produced by Richard Ginori porcelain manufacturer in Doccia, Italy, in the 1730 Not easy to find this model so fine and elegant with its country flowers in pin...
Porcelain
5 George Sakier Art Deco Vases, 1930s
By George Sakier
Located in Westport, CT
Set of 5 George Sakier glass vases, 1930s Fostoria Glass co, hard to find tall vases in very good condition. Large vases are 12.75 x 5” and smaller ones a...
Blown Glass, Reeded Glass
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
Art Deco Moser Glass Vase 1930s
By Moser Glassworks
Located in Vienna, AT
Two beautiful pieces attributed to Ludwig Moser. Manufactured in Karlsbad, Czech Republic around 1930. These two small vases are something special.
Glass
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
Sold
H 3.94 in W 5.12 in D 5.12 in
Sculptural Silver Plate Modernist "Mars" Vase by Gio Ponti for Christofle, 1950s
By Christofle, Lino Sabattini, Gio Ponti
Located in Lille, FR
Sculptural Silver Plate Modernist "Mars" Vase by Gio Ponti for Christofle, 1950s
Metal, Silver Plate
Sold
H 7.88 in W 8.27 in D 5.12 in
Silver Plate Modernist Candlestick by Gio Ponti for Christofle Gallia, 1950s
By Gallia, Christofle, Gio Ponti
Located in Lille, FR
Never used 21 cm wide 20 cm high Like new condition Made of silver-plated metal Sold with its anti-tarnish pouch
Metal, Silver Plate
Rare Set of Six Silver-Plated Bud Vases by Gio Ponti for Krupp Milano, 1930s
By Arthur Krupp, Gio Ponti
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A remarkably rare and museum-worthy set of six silver-plated bud vases designed by Gio Ponti and produced by Krupp Milano in the 1930s, featuring extraordinary provenance. Five of th...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 11.82 in Dm 4.93 in
Gio Ponti for Venini, 1948–1952 Murano glass vase, model “A Canne Multicolore”
By Gio Ponti, Venini
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A rare and spectacular Murano glass vase designed by Gio Ponti for Venini, executed between 1948 and 1952. The piece is masterfully hand-blown in the traditional a canne technique, w...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
20th Century, Gio Ponti for De Poli Vase/ Centerpiece
By Gio Ponti, Paolo De Poli
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...
Enamel
Modernist "Mars" vase in silver by Gio Ponti for Christofle, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Vigevano, PV
Modernist "Mars" vase in silver by Gio Ponti for Christofle, 1950s
Silver
Gubbio Vase Design Gio Ponti Costantino Neoponti Ceramics 1940
By Gio Ponti
Located in Taranto, IT
Bucchero Vase Design Gio Ponti Ceramic 1950s. The NEOPONTI Vase prod. Constantine black ceramic bucchero is an iconic creation by Gio Ponti, designed in the 1950s This piece repre...
Ceramic
Vase Bucchero Design Gio Ponti Ceramic Anni 50
By Gio Ponti
Located in Taranto, IT
Bucchero Vase Design Gio Ponti Ceramic 1950s. The Black Ceramic Bucchero Vase is an iconic creation by Gio Ponti, designed in the 1950s This piece represents a perfect balance betw...
Ceramic
Vase Bucchero Design Gio Ponti Ceramic Anni 50
By Gio Ponti
Located in Taranto, IT
Bucchero Vase Design Gio Ponti Ceramic 1950s. The Black Ceramic Bucchero Vase is an iconic creation by Gio Ponti, designed in the 1950s This piece represents a perfect balance betw...
Ceramic
Vase Bucchero Design Gio Ponti Ceramic Anni 50
By Gio Ponti
Located in Taranto, IT
Bucchero Vase Design Gio Ponti Ceramic 1950s. The Black Ceramic Bucchero Vase is an iconic creation by Gio Ponti, designed in the 1950s This piece represents a perfect balance betw...
Ceramic
Gio Ponti "Polivaso" vase, created for Christofle during the Mid-Century Modern
By Gio Ponti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This striking piece, known as the "Polivaso," is a sculptural vase designed by Italian master Gio Ponti for the renowned French silversmith Christofle. Characteristic of Ponti’s avan...
Silver Plate
Midcentury ceramic vase by Gio Ponti for Richard Ginori, Italy 1947
By Gio Ponti, Richard Ginori
Located in Piacenza, Italy
San Cristoforo ceramic green vase by Gio Ponti and Giovanni Gariboldi manufactured by Richard Ginori. Rare color and manufacturing. Signed Richard Ginori on the bottom. Perfect vin...
Ceramic