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Gio Ponti More Dining and Entertaining

Italian, 1891-1979

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.

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Creator: Gio Ponti
Gio Ponti Set of Six Cups in Silver Alpacca for Fratelli Calderoni 1950
Gio Ponti Set of Six Cups in Silver Alpacca for Fratelli Calderoni 1950

Gio Ponti Set of Six Cups in Silver Alpacca for Fratelli Calderoni 1950

By Gio Ponti, Calderoni

Located in Cascina, Pisa

Set of six cups in silver alpaca designed by Gio Ponti for Fratelli Calderoni, 1950s. Manufacturer's brand stamped on the bottom. Sizes 4 x 9 cm each.

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gio Ponti More Dining and Entertaining

Materials

Alpaca

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Pair of Silver Plate Cheese Holders by Gio Ponti for Calderoni, Italy, 1940s
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Pair of cheese holder by Gio Ponti for F.lli Calderoni. SIlver plate frame holding a crystal bowl with star shaped grinds.

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1970s Cocktail Shaker by Gio Ponti for Fratelli Calderoni. Made in Italy
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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...

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1930 Gio Ponti Calderoni Alpacca Silver Metal Vase _ set of 04
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Located in Brescia, IT

Set of 4 Vases Calderoni, Milan 1930s Silver Metal Mark stamped under the base Excellent Condiction

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Gio Ponti Fratelli Calderoni
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$338Sale Price|20% Off

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By Calderoni, Gio Ponti

Located in Lugo, IT

Single-flower silver alpaca vase by Gio Ponti for Calderoni. Photo conditions Thanks

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Set of Three 1930s Art Deco Teapots by Gio Ponti for Fratelli Calderoni
Set of Three 1930s Art Deco Teapots by Gio Ponti for Fratelli Calderoni

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...

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Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Gio Ponti More Dining and Entertaining

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Steel Set by Gio Ponti for Calderoni, Italy, 1950s
Steel Set by Gio Ponti for Calderoni, Italy, 1950s

Steel Set by Gio Ponti for Calderoni, Italy, 1950s

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H 0.99 in W 17.72 in D 10.63 in

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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.

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Gio Ponti by Calderoni Italian Design Alpacca Metal Serving Coffee Set
Gio Ponti by Calderoni Italian Design Alpacca Metal Serving Coffee Set

Gio Ponti by Calderoni Italian Design Alpacca Metal Serving Coffee Set

By Calderoni, Gio Ponti

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.  

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Set of Six 24kt Gold Plated Roman Themed Coasters Signed by Piero Fornasetti
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Located in New York, NY

This stunning set of six coasters were designed by the legendary Piero Fornasetti for Saks Fifth Avenue in Milan Italy circa 1960. They feature circular porcelain bodies with raised ...

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Gio Ponti (Attr) Silver Plate Soliflores for Fratelli Calderoni, 1960s, Set of 6
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By Gio Ponti, Calderoni

Located in Brescia, Brescia

Enhance your home decor with this stunning set of six attribuited to Gio Ponti Silver Plate Soliflores, crafted by Fratelli Calderoni in Italy during the 1960s. Each soliflore feat...

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1930 Gio Ponti Calderoni Art Deco Silver Metal Design Fruit Basket Bucket
1930 Gio Ponti Calderoni Art Deco Silver Metal Design Fruit Basket Bucket

1930 Gio Ponti Calderoni Art Deco Silver Metal Design Fruit Basket Bucket

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Located in Brescia, IT

Fruit Bucket F.lli Calderoni, Milan Italy, 1930 Rare item Mark impressed under the base Excellent Condiction

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Silver-Plated milk jug and gravy boat by Gio Ponti for Calderoni, 1930s
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Ceramic Plates by Gio Ponti for Ceramica Franco Pozzi, Italy, 1960s
Ceramic Plates by Gio Ponti for Ceramica Franco Pozzi, Italy, 1960s

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.

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Previously Available Items
Gio Ponti stainless steel coffee pot or jug made in Italy by Fratelli Calderoni
Gio Ponti stainless steel coffee pot or jug made in Italy by Fratelli Calderoni

Gio Ponti stainless steel coffee pot or jug made in Italy by Fratelli Calderoni

By Gio Ponti, Fratelli

Located in London, GB

This elegantly simple stainless steel coffee pot was designed by one of the 20th century’s most influential figures in Italian design, Gio Ponti, and crafted by Fratelli Calderoni, a renowned Italian manufacturer. Ponti, celebrated for his innovative approach to industrial design, architecture, and the decorative arts, created timeless pieces that embody both form and function. This coffee pot exemplifies his design philosophy: a sleek, minimal aesthetic with graceful lines, balancing beauty and utility in perfect harmony. The stainless steel material gives it a modern, reflective quality that enhances its presence while remaining understated. Gio Ponti's legacy in the design world is immense, spanning architecture, industrial design, and art. He is perhaps best known as the founding editor of *Domus*, a magazine that defined modernist design and architecture, and for iconic architectural works such as the Pirelli Tower in Milan. His product designs, like this coffee pot, reflect his belief that everyday objects should be as beautifully considered as grand architectural structures. Ponti's work for Fratelli Calderoni embodies this ethos, bringing Italian craftsmanship and refined elegance to functional, everyday pieces. Fratelli Calderoni, the Italian company that produced this coffee pot, has a long-standing tradition of expert craftsmanship. Established in the 19th century, the company initially gained fame for its exquisite silverware and later expanded into high-quality stainless steel designs. Their collaborations with designers like Gio Ponti allowed them to create a range of objects that are as much works of art as they are functional items. This coffee pot, part of a wider range of Ponti’s work with Calderoni, reflects the enduring quality and craftsmanship of Italian design, combining the best of modern materials with timeless elegance. Perfect for those searching for "Gio Ponti coffee pot" or "Fratelli Calderoni stainless steel jug...

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Set of four chrome-plated steel tableware designed by Gio Ponti in the 1950s, from the fine Italian manufacturer Krupp Italia. The set consists of four forks, four knives, four spoons, four dessert forks, four teaspoons, and two serving or salad spoons. All cutlery features curvy and round shapes, made of very elegant and classy silver-plated chrome-plated steel. We offer free shipping, with any return charged to customer. The flatware is great for impressing at a classy dinner party! Fork Height: 18 cm Width: 3 cm Depth: 1 cm Knife Height: 18 cm Width: 3 cm Depth: 1 cm Spoon Height: 18 cm Width: 4 cm Depth: 1 cm Small spoon Height: 15 cm Width: 3.5 cm Depth: 1 cm Small fork...

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Gio Ponti porcelain 'Il Circo' Platter for Richard Ginori, Italy, 1934
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Gio Ponti porcelain 'Il Circo' Platter for Richard Ginori, Italy, 1934

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Located in London, GB

One from a series of a porcelain dinner service designed on the theme of the Circus by the celebrated Italian designer Gio Ponti (1891 –1979). He was an Italian architect, industrial...

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Gio Ponti Domus Flatware Complete Set for 12 - 60 Pieces
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Located in Atlanta, GA

Modernist "Domus" pattern flatware, designed by Gio Ponti for Fraser's, Italy, circa 1950s. These are constructed of stainless steel and are dishwasher safe, making them an excellent...

Category

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Gio Ponti Modernist "Domus" Pattern Flatware, Service for Ten
Gio Ponti Modernist "Domus" Pattern Flatware, Service for Ten

Gio Ponti Modernist "Domus" Pattern Flatware, Service for Ten

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Located in Atlanta, GA

Modernist "Domus" pattern flatware, designed by Gio Ponti for Fraser's, Italy, circa 1950s. These are constructed of stainless steel and are dishwasher safe, making them an excellent...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gio Ponti More Dining and Entertaining

Materials

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Gio Ponti for Christofle Pair of Flèche Candelabra
Gio Ponti for Christofle Pair of Flèche Candelabra

Gio Ponti for Christofle Pair of Flèche Candelabra

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Located in New York, NY

Silver plated candelabra designed in 1926 by Gio Ponti for Christofle and reissued in late 20th century in an edition of 200. Stamped design '...

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1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gio Ponti More Dining and Entertaining

Materials

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Gio Ponti Modernist Flatware Set
Gio Ponti Modernist Flatware Set

Gio Ponti Modernist Flatware Set

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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...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gio Ponti More Dining and Entertaining

Materials

Stainless Steel

Gio Ponti more dining and entertaining for sale on 1stDibs.

Gio Ponti more dining and entertaining are available for sale on 1stDibs.
Questions About Gio Ponti More Dining and Entertaining
  • 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 10, 2025
    Gio Ponti was famous for his work as an architect, furniture and industrial designer and editor. He 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. On 1stDibs, explore a collection of Gio Ponti furniture.