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.
Vintage Tea Service by Gio Ponti for Fratelli Calderoni, Italy, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Roma, IT
Tea Service realized for Fratelli Carlderoni in 1950s. Made of 18/10 stainless steel and comprising six pieces, bearing the manufacturer's mark on the underside of the base; the set...
Stainless Steel
Italian Bucchero ceramic jug from the 1990s, “Gubbio” model with a neck
By Gio Ponti
Located in Taranto, IT
A swan-necked jug in black bucchero ceramic designed by Gio Ponti, produced by Costantino for the 1997 Neoponti collection, Italy. The neck rises in a long flattened curve from a low...
Ceramic
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
A Gio Ponti Mid-Century Silver plated Champagne or Wine Cooler, A. Krupp, Milano
By Gio Ponti, Arthur Krupp
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
$309Sale Price|20% Off
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
"Horned Mask" Gio Ponti by Sabattini Silver Plated 1970s Italian Design
By Gio Ponti
Located in Brescia, IT
"Horned Mask" Gio Ponti by Sabattini, 1978 Openwork metal sheet.
Metal
Art Deco/Rationalist Hotel Service Collection by Gio Ponti, 1930s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Roma, IT
Commissioned originally for major premium hospitality and transit projects in the 1930s (such as grand hotels and luxury ocean liners), this collection trades ornamental flourishes f...
Stainless Steel
$1,056Sale 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
1970s Gorgeous Ice Bucket attributed to Gio Ponti for Fratelli Calderoni.
By Calderoni, Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Modernist ice bucket was designed by the visionary Italian architect and designer Gio Ponti for the esteemed Milanese metalware manufacturer Fratelli Calderoni. Expertly crafte...
Metal
Mid-Century Gio Ponti Silver Plated Set, tea Pot, sugar and bowl, for A. Krupp
By Gio Ponti, Arthur Krupp
Located in London, Fitzrovia
Gio Ponti, A large Mid-Century Silver Plated 75CL Tea Pot with sugar, breakfast bowl and a small dish, for Arthur Krupp. (4 items) Designed for the VI triennale, 1930's to 1950's. d...
Metal
Silver-plated cake stand designed by Gio Ponti for Arthur Krupp, 1940s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Silver-plated cake stand designed by Gio Ponti for Arthur Krupp, 1930s. Please feel free to contact us to receive a customized shipping quotation.
Silver Plate
Set of Gio Ponti Reed & Barton "Diamond" Sterling Silverware
By Gio Ponti
Located in New York, NY
Set of sterling silver flatware, designed by Gio Ponti for Reed and Barton, in the diamond pattern. A total of 18 place settings are a...
Sterling Silver
Gio Ponti Modernist Flatware 66 Pieces Italian Mid Century Modern Fraser
By Gio Ponti
Located in Atlanta, GA
Modernist Flatware Set, designed by Gio Ponti for Krupp and retailed by Fraser's, Italy, circa 1950's. Each piece is signed. This is a complete vintage set with a five piece place s...
Stainless Steel
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
Silver plated bowl designed by Gio Ponti for Broggi, 1930s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Silver plated bowl designed by Gio Ponti for Arthur Krupp, 1930s. Please feel free to contact us to receive a customized shipping quotation.
Nickel
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
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 Italian Stainless Diamond Flatware Set Three Long Ice Tea Spoons 1958
By Reed & Barton, Gio Ponti
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Gio Ponti Italian stainless diamond flatware set of three long ice tea spoons, 1958. Measures: 7 1/2" L x 1 1/8" W x 1/2" H Maker stamped. Italian Gio Ponti designer...
Stainless Steel
Gio Ponti Ceramic Sculpture" Il Pellegrino Stanco" for Richard Ginori, Milano
By Richard Ginori, Gio Ponti
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
Morandiana bottle in Venini and Gio Ponti glass for Iveco
By Paolo Venini, Gio Ponti
Located in Busnago, IT
This elegant and refined 1989 Murano glass bottle by Venini is inspired by the paintings of Giorgio Morandi. Conceived in 1956 by Adv. Paolo Venini was made with the collaboration of...
Glass
$1,638Sale Price / set|20% Off
Gio Ponti Silver Cutlery Set for Twelve by Krupp Italy 1950s
By Gio Ponti, Arthur Krupp
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Cutlery silver set for twelve in nickel silver or German silver, this set includes a total of 36 pieces; 12 spoons, 12 forks, and 12 knives with a steel blade. Set designed by Gio ...
Nickel, Stainless Steel
Gio Ponti Teacups and Saucers for Ginori, Il Circo
By Gio Ponti
Located in Riverdale, NY
Set of 4 Il Circo (circus) tea cups and saucers from the mid 1930's Italy designed by Gio Ponti for Ginori. Each decorated with a charming Modernist figure of...
Porcelain
1940s Art Deco Set of Three Alpaca Coffee Pot By Krupp Designed by Gio Ponti
By Art.Krupp Berndorf, Gio Ponti
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A set of three alpaca coffee pot designed by Gio Ponti and manufactured by Krupp Milano in the Forties, they were used in the hotels and they are marked on the bottom Krupp and Jolly...
Alpaca
ceramic tile panel "triennale" design Gio Ponti for Marazzi
By Alberto Rosselli Saporiti, Gio Ponti
Located in taranto, IT
ceramic panel composed of four iconic and famous "triennial" tiles also known as "four times curved," designed in the 1960s by Gio Ponti and Alberto Rosselli for Ceramiche Marazzi. T...
Aluminum
Mid Century Modern Gio Ponti Silver Plated Coffee Pot Arthur Krupp Italy 1930
By Arthur Krupp, Gio Ponti
Located in Palermo, PA
This iconic Italian coffee pot was designed by Gio Ponti for Arthur Krupp and is a beautiful example of his timeless approach to functional design. ...
Metal, Silver Plate
Gio’ Ponti Handles Brass, 1950, Italy
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
Gio‘ Ponti handles brass, 1950 Italy.
Brass
Mid Century Modern Gio Ponti Silver Plated Coffee Pot Arthur Krupp Italy 1930
By Arthur Krupp, Gio Ponti
Located in Palermo, PA
This iconic Italian coffee pot was designed by Gio Ponti for Arthur Krupp and is a beautiful example of his timeless approach to functional design. ...
Metal, Silver Plate
Gio Ponti Ceramic Cigarette Box for Richard Ginori, Italy 1930s
By Gio Ponti, Richard Ginori
Located in Milan, IT
Gio Ponti Ceramic Cigarette Box for Richard Ginori Italy 1930s The box was later ( 1940s ) repainted in light green with flower blossoms.
Ceramic
Gio Ponti Silver Plated Tureen, Sauce Boat, large Serving Dish and Bowls, Krupp
By Gio Ponti, Arthur Krupp
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
Set of 6 Glasses and Pitcher by Gio Ponti for Venini, Italy, 1959
By Gio Ponti
Located in Brussels, BE
Set of 6 Glasses and Pitcher by Gio Ponti for Venini, Italy, 1959
Murano Glass
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
Original "Diamante" 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, white in white aluminum frame. The whole panel me...
Aluminum
Gio Ponti by Calderoni Italian Design Alpacca Metal Serving Coffee Set
By Gio Ponti, Calderoni
Located in Brescia, IT
Gio Ponti "Parco Dei Principi Hotel" series by Calderoni, 1940s. Silver alpacca metal excellent condiction. Measures: H 15, H 13, H 12.
Metal
Early production silver plated Alpacca Ladle by Gio Ponti, Arthur Krupp Milano
By Gio Ponti, Arthur Krupp
Located in London, Fitzrovia
An early production silver plated Alpacca Ladle by Gio Ponti for Arthur Krupp, Milano. manufacturers marks. really nice patina. Waxy silver finish, quite used and lots of character. ...
Silver Plate
Gio Ponti Horse Silver Sculpture with Lino Sabattini for Christofle
By Lino Sabattini, Gio Ponti, Christofle
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
Set of Three 1930s Art Deco Teapots by Gio Ponti for Fratelli Calderoni
By Gio Ponti
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A set of three alpaca coffee pot designed by Gio Ponti and manufactured by Fratelli Calderoni in the Fifties, they were used in the hotels and they are marked on the bottom Calderoni...
Alpaca
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
Set of Six Richard Ginori Porcelain Plates, Modern Style, 1994
By Richard Ginori, Gio Ponti
Located in Asti, Piemonte
Six dinner plates by Richrd Ginori with a design by Gio Ponti, 1935. Biography Architect, designer and artist, Gio Ponti (Milan 1891-1979) graduated in Milan in 1921 and initially a...
Porcelain
$13,657 / set
Gio Ponti Flatware Set For 6 (54 Pieces)
By Gio Ponti
Located in Rome, IT
Gio Ponti complete flatware set for 6 people (54 pieces) from the Hotel Parco dei Principi in Rome;stamped with logo PDP;produced By Calderoni Ar...
Gio Ponti for Venini Morandiane Murano Glass Bottle with Stopper, Signed
By Gio Ponti, Paolo Venini
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking Gio Ponti and Paolo Venini for Venini tall “A Canne” striped bottle or decanter with matching stopper. 18” tall. Created in the Venini workshop in Murano Italy, an island ...
Glass, Blown Glass
Gio Ponti for Nino Ferrari Large Hammered Copper Vase, Italy, 1930s
By Nino Ferrari, Gio Ponti
Located in Milan, IT
Beautiful hammered copper vase designed by Gio Ponti and executed by Nino Ferrari for Casa & Giardino, Italy, 1930s.
Copper
$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
Striped ‘A Canne’ Glass Carafe by Gio Ponti for Venini
By Gio Ponti, Venini
Located in Chicago, IL
Small, striped glass carafe by Gio Ponti for Venini. This is an ‘A Canne’ or caned glass carafe or pitcher. It was produced in Italy at the Venini glass factory. In 1921 Venini and ...
Glass, Blown Glass
GIO PONTI - Richard Ginori - PITTORIA DI DOCCIA - 10 Piatti in porcellana - 1929
By Richard Ginori, Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
GIO PONTI - Richard Ginori - Pittoria di Doccia . 10 piatti in porcellana del 1929. I piatti sono in perfetto stato, bellissimi anche per decorare una parete . Il prezzo...
Porcelain
Gio Ponti “Franco Pozzi” Ceramic Wall Decoration, 1967, Italy
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
Gio Ponti ceramic.
Ceramic
$1,821Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 6 Gio Ponti (Attributed.) Coffe Cups for Krupp, Milano, Art Déco 1930s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Argelato, BO
Set of 6 Alpaca cups, Arthur Krupp, Milan 1930. The cups, clearly Art Dèco in style, were made in the 1930s in Milan for Krupp, exactly in the perio...
Alpaca
$1,821Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of five cookware by Giò Ponti for ArtKrupp Berndorf and Sambonet
By Gio Ponti, Art.Krupp Berndorf
Located in Lugo, IT
Five pots, two of production Art Krupp Berndorf 29,5 cm 21 cm 6 cm 140 cl Three Sambonet production, the largest 31.5 cm 24.5 cm 11 50 series. Designed by Gio Ponti Good Condition...
Alpaca
Gio Ponti, Tea for 6 with Dessert Plates, in Porcelain Richard Ginori, Year 1939
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
GIO PONTI - servizio da the DA 6 in porcellana RICHARD GINORI, decorazione di Doccia. Periodo. ART DECO Pezzi. 21
Porcelain
Italian Plates by Gio Ponti for Franco Pozzi, 1960s, Set of 2
By Gio Ponti
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Set of 2 decorative plates designed by Gio Ponti for Ceramica Franco Pozzi from the "Fantasia Italiana" serie. Good condition: Plates have b...
Ceramic
1930s Gio' Ponti Design for Arthur Krupp Milano Bowl
By Gio Ponti
Located in Biella, IT
Gio' Ponti design bowl for Arthur Krupp Milano years 1930 rare typology the bowl, is in good vintage condition Measure; diameter 15 inches with ha...
Stainless Steel
GIO PONTI - Richard Ginori - PITTORIA DI DOCCIA - Coppia di piatti in porcellana
By Richard Ginori, Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
GIO PONTI - RICHARD GINORI - PITTORIA DI DOCCIA. 2 Piatti da parata in porcellana datati 1929, quando ancora la RICHARD GINORI era sotto la direzione del architetto GIO PONTI. I piat...
Porcelain
Gio' Ponti Richard Ginori Vase Ceramic 1930 Italy
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
Vase / Vase Holder Richard Ginori Gio Ponti
Ceramic
Ceramic Tile by Gio Ponti for Richard Ginori
By Gio Ponti, Richard Ginori
Located in London, London
Polychrome Ceramic tile By Gio Ponti For Richard Ginori Titled "La Bevuta" Marked to the reverse Richard Ginori, Made in Italy Impressed initials RGM Italian 1930s.
Ceramic
$4,097Sale Price / set|20% Off
Gio Ponti, Krupp Milan Branded Set of Twelve Pieces of Cutlery
By Gio Ponti, Art.Krupp Berndorf
Located in Milano, IT
Silver-plated metal cutlery set designed by Gio Ponti for Manifattura Krupp Milan. The set has a total of 48 pieces and is composed as follows: Twelve three-pronged forks, twelve tal...
Metal
Gio' Ponti Richard Ginori Vase Ceramic 1930 Italy
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
Vase / Vase Holder Richard Ginori Gio Ponti
Ceramic
Gio Ponti “Franco Pozzi” Ceramic Wall Decoration, 1967, Italy
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
Gio Ponti ceramic.
Ceramic
Gio Ponti for Richard Ginori Rare Gran Rosso di Doccia Porcelain Vase Model 380T
By Richard Ginori, Gio Ponti
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
Set of 5 decorated Richard-Ginori Italian ceramics - 1930s
By Gio Ponti, Richard Ginori
Located in Vicenza, VI
Set of five ceramics produced by Richard Ginori in the 1930s-40s, during the artistic direction of Giò Ponti. The pieces belong to the Art Deco taste and feature a decoration with a ...
Ceramic
Steel Set by Gio Ponti for Calderoni, Italy, 1950s
By Gio Ponti, Calderoni
Located in Milan, IT
Set composed by tray and three pitchers by Gio Ponti for Calderoni, Milano Size of the biggest pitcher is cms 18 x 1 2 x 12.
Stainless Steel
Murano Blown Glass Chandelier Design by Gio Ponti for Venini Official
By Gio Ponti, Venini
Located in murano, IT
The models in the 99.81 collection were designed by Gio Ponti, who in 1946 applied to the contemporary style the refined colours introduced in the Venini palette by the great desig...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Gio Ponti Green Ovoid Ceramic Glazed Shingles Tiles 100, by PdP Hotel Roma, 1964
By Gio Ponti
Located in Rome, IT
Exclusive group of 100 ovoid shingles tiles, glazed earthenware by Gio Ponti produced by Ceramica JOO for the wall decoration of the Hotel Parco dei Principi,Roma 1964 Measures: He...
Ceramic