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
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
$1,059Sale 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
Mid-Century Gio Ponti Silver Plated Set, tea Pot, sugar and bowl, for A. Krupp
By Arthur Krupp, Gio Ponti
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
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
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
$1,826Sale 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
Gio Ponti Alpaca Coffee Set for the Sixth Triennale, Italy, 1930s
By Gio Ponti, Arthur Krupp
Located in Milan, IT
Gio Ponti Alpaca Coffee set for the XI Triennale, Italy 1930s.
Alpaca
1950's Gio Ponti silver plated coffee pot, tiny dish & sugar bowl for A. Krupp
By Gio Ponti, Arthur Krupp
Located in London, Fitzrovia
An original 1930's to 50's Gio Ponti silver plated Alpacca - 35CL unused coffee pot designed for the VI triennale, - a 15CL lidded sugar bowl, unused. - as well as a tiny dish. All ...
Metal
Two 1940s Art Deco Coffee Pots Designed by Gio Ponti for Fratelli Calderoni
By Calderoni, Gio Ponti
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A set of two alpaca coffee pot designed by Gio Ponti and manufactured by Fratelli Calderoni in the Forties, they were used in the hotels and they are marked on the bottom Fratelli Ca...
Alpaca
$1,645Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 0.2 in W 7.88 in D 1.97 in
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
Pair of Art Deco Atelier Primavera Tea Set, France, 1930s
By Atelier Primavera au Printemps
Located in Milan, IT
Pair of Art Deco Atelier Primavera tea set, France, 1930s Plate measurements diameter 16 x height 2cm.
Ceramic
$585Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 9.45 in Dm 3.94 in
Vintage Rosenthal Porcelain Coffee or Tea Set, 1960s
By Rosenthal
Located in Bastogne, BE
Björn Wiinblad for Rosenthal - Studio Linie, Germany coffee or tea set. Large vintage German service of the famous Rosenthal Linie factory from Germany...
Porcelain
Limoges Tea Set, Service for 6, Plus 1
Located in Vista, CA
Limoges tea set, service for 6, plus 1. Gold Farmhouse collection, France, perfect condition, 7 cups and saucers, coffee/tea pot, creamer and sugar.
Porcelain
$445 / set
H 6.3 in W 5.52 in D 4.34 in
Pair of Silver Plate Cheese Holders by Gio Ponti for Calderoni, Italy, 1940s
By Gio Ponti, Calderoni
Located in Milan, IT
Pair of cheese holder by Gio Ponti for F.lli Calderoni. SIlver plate frame holding a crystal bowl with star shaped grinds.
Silver Plate
$11,186
H 9.34 in W 1.38 in D 0.99 in
Rare 12-person Nickel Silver cutlery set by Gio Ponti for Calderoni, 1960s
By Gio Ponti, Calderoni
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Rare 12-person alpacca cutlery set designed by Gio Ponti for Argenterie Calderoni, Milan around the 1960s. The set revisits a cutlery service designed in the 1940s by the same design...
Silver, Brass
Mid Century Modern Silver Plated Tea Set
Located in Montreal, QC
Service is comprised of teapot, creamer, sugar bowl, sugar cube tongs, and two stirrers. Illegible signature to underside of tray. USA: circa 1950 teapot: 6¼ h × 5 w × 3¼ d in tray: ...
Silver Plate
$2,285 / set
H 10.63 in W 8.67 in D 6.3 in
Marius Giuge Fine Gilded Ceramic Tea and Coffee Set, Vallauris, circa 1960s
By Marius Giuge
Located in Antwerp, BE
The beautiful set comprised of a tea or coffee pot, a cream jug and a sugar bowl with lid and thirteen cups and saucers, each piece with gilded borders. Exquisite ceramic, a make pr...
Ceramic
French porcelain Coffee / Tea Service for 10 People
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Nice coffee or tea service from the first half of the 20th century for 10 people. Beautiful porcelain quality, white with fine gold edging and gold patterns on each piece. High Porce...
Porcelain
$275 / set
H 4.5 in W 9 in D 6 in
Antique Wedgwood Blue Jasperware Tea Set w/ Tea Pot Creamer Sugar Bowl 3 Pc Set
By Wedgwood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Wedgwood Blue Jasperware Tea Set w/ Tea Pot, Creamer, and Lidded Sugar Bowl - 3 Pc Set. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: Tea Pot: 4.5...
Porcelain
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
$650
H 6.7 in W 7.25 in D 6.9 in
American Art Deco Solid Copper Tea Kettle Pot with Whistling Bird 1920s-1930s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Antique or vintage tea kettle features rounded body with striking Art Deco or Streamline Moderne style sculptural decor in relief on both front and back of the pot. The handle and sitting bird decor on top of the whistling lid are accented in red enamel, juxtaposing the solid copper body and adding a color accent to the composition. The kettle is marked on the bottom, "Solid Copper made in USA"; it is in remarkably good vintage condition for its age, with beautiful age-appropriate patina on metal. Provenance: the kettle was acquired from the American art and antiques collector estate in Western New York state. We are offering multiple Americana furniture...
Metal, Copper, Enamel
$2,166
H 4.34 in W 6.7 in D 3.55 in
Mid Century Modern Gio Ponti Silver Plated Coffee Pot Arthur Krupp Italy 1930
By Gio Ponti, Arthur Krupp
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
Italian Art Deco Silver-Plated Tea and Coffee Service by Krupp Milano, 1940s
By Arthur Krupp, Luigi Caccia Dominioni
Located in Milan, IT
Elegant Italian Art Deco tea and coffee service produced by Krupp Milano in the 1940s. This refined five-piece set is executed in silver-plated metal and features a clean, modernist ...
Silver Plate
Vally Wieselthier Art Deco Ceramic Tea Pot, USA, 1940s
By Vally Wieselthier, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful Art Deco tea pot with lid, dated circa 1940, made of pottery / stoneware with lovely brown glaze, designed by Vally Wieselthier. In very good ...
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
Gio Ponti silver-plated teapot for Fratelli - Italy, 1950s
By Gio Ponti, Fratelli
Located in London, GB
A modest elegance marks this Gio Ponti teapot. Defined by a geometric handle and lipped spout, this design was for the Hotel Kursaal Rimini, produced ...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 4.34 in W 7.09 in D 3.94 in
1950's Gio Ponti silver plated coffee pot, tiny dish & egg holder by A. Krupp
By Gio Ponti, Arthur Krupp
Located in London, Fitzrovia
A Gio Ponti mid-century silver plated 53CL unused coffee pot designed for the VI triennale, an A. Krupp egg cup barely used as well as a tiny dish, used but in good condition. All fr...
Metal
Gio Ponti Coffee Serving Set by for Richard Ginori from 1938
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, MI
Ceramic coffee service by Richard Ginori designed by Gio Ponti in 1938. The service consists of a coffee pot, milk jug and sugar bowl. Coffee maker - Ø 20 cm Ø cm 13 h cm 13 Compan...
Porcelain
Sold
H 4.34 in Dm 13 in
Mid-Century Gio Ponti Silver Plated Coffee and Tea set on a tray, A.Krupp Milano
By Arthur Krupp, Gio Ponti
Located in London, Fitzrovia
A Gio Ponti 6 piece mid-century silver plated coffee and tea set on a small circular tray. Designed for the VI triennale, 1930's to 1950's. comprising 6 it...
Metal
Richard Ginori Ceramic Tea Set Designed attr. to Gio Ponti
By Gio Ponti, Richard Ginori
Located in Milano, IT
Beautiful ceramic tea set made by Richard Ginori under the design of Gio Ponti in the 1950s, of fine Italian manufacture. BRANDED. The set consists of a total of 27 complete pieces, plus two hats for the teapot and sugar bowl. The set consists of 12 white ceramic cups...
Ceramic
Sold
H 4.34 in W 7.09 in D 3.94 in
Mid-century Gio Ponti silver plated coffee pot and a tiny Arthur Krupp dish
By Gio Ponti, Arthur Krupp
Located in London, Fitzrovia
Gio Ponti silver plated metal coffee pot (53cl) designed for the VI Triennale, and a tiny Arthur Krupp dish, 1930s-1950s. This coffee pot seems...
Alpaca
Art Deco Gio Ponti Richard Ginori Withe Porcelain Coffee Set, Italy 1933
By Gio Ponti, Richard Ginori
Located in Sacile, PN
"Barbara White Porcelain with Gold accents coffee set by Gio Ponti for Richard Ginori. "Barbara" coffee set , designed by Gio Ponti for Richard Gin...
Porcelain
Sold
H 4.73 in W 16.74 in D 13 in
Midcentury Gio Ponti Silvered Coffee and Tea Set on a Rectangular Tray, A. Krupp
By Arthur Krupp, Gio Ponti
Located in London, Fitzrovia
We have been scouring again and able to put together this midcentury Alpacca silver plated Gio Ponti coffee and tea set on a rectangular tray. Designed for the VI Triennale and produ...
Metal
Sold
H 4.73 in W 17.72 in D 11.42 in
Extensive Silver Plated Gio Ponti Coffee and Tea Set on a Tray, Arthur Krupp
By Arthur Krupp, Gio Ponti
Located in London, Fitzrovia
An extensive midcentury Alpacca silver plated Gio Ponti coffee and tea set on a tray for Arthur Krupp. Designed for the VI Triennale. An oval tray, tea pot (75cl), coffee pot (53cl),...
Metal
Tea Set in Ceramic and Pure Gold by Gio Ponti for Richard Ginori
By Gio Ponti, Richard Ginori
Located in Milano, IT
Splendid tea set designed by Gio Ponti for Richard Ginori in the 30's. The set includes a large teapot, a sugar bowl and a cream jug. The set is made entirely of very fine white ceramic, with the edges embellished with pure gold, and a thin red stripe enriches the whole. The teapot is the largest and has a bulkier body, while then has a very fine spout and handle. The lid is also embellished with pure gold, and has a small gold band useful for filling the teapot. The milk jug is smaller and its opening is larger without the lid. It has a sturdier sleeve to allow you to hold it steady even with a heavier weight. The sugar bowl is the smallest, it has two beautifully crafted pure gold sleeves, it too has a lid to allow for sugar storage...
Gold Leaf
Sold
H 4.73 in Dm 14.97 in
Mid Century Gio Ponti Silvered Coffee and Tea Set on Circular Tray, for A. Krupp
By Gio Ponti, Arthur Krupp
Located in London, Fitzrovia
An extensive midcentury Alpacca silver plated Gio Ponti coffee and tea set on a circular tray, Arthur Krupp. Designed for the VI Triennale. A Circular tray (heavy and solid, could ...
Metal
Sold
H 5.52 in Dm 8.67 in
Art Deco Gio Ponti Richard Ginori Light Blue Porcelain Coffee Set, Italy 1937
By Gio Ponti, Richard Ginori
Located in Sacile, PN
"Barbara" Blue de Nile "Porcelain with Gold accents coffee set by Gio Ponti for Richard Ginori. "Barbara" coffee "Tete a tete" set , designe...
Porcelain
Sold
H 4.34 in W 7.09 in D 3.94 in
1950's Gio Ponti silver plated coffee pot, a tiny dish & egg holder by A. Krupp
By Arthur Krupp, Gio Ponti
Located in London, Fitzrovia
A Gio Ponti mid-century silver plated 35CL unused coffee pot designed for the VI triennale, an A. Krupp egg cup as well as a tiny dish, used but in good condition. All from the Abner...
Metal
Sold
H 9.45 in W 6.3 in D 5.12 in
Gio Ponti Tea Set in Porcelain Richard Ginori Pittoria di Doccia 1930s Italy
By Gio Ponti, Doccia Porcelain
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Tea set in ceramic with floral decoration composed of four teacups, a sugar bowl, a milk jug, and a teapot, it's come with a Certificate of authenticity released by the Gio Ponti archives in Milan. This set was designed by the Italian designer Gio Ponti and manufactured by Richard Ginori Pittoria di...
Porcelain
Art Deco Gio Ponti for Richard Ginori White Porcelain Tea Set, Italy 1932
By Gio Ponti, Richard Ginori
Located in Sacile, PN
"Barbara" White Porcelain with Silver accents tea set by Gio Ponti for Richard Ginori. "Barbara" tea set for 12 people, designed by Gio Ponti for R...
Porcelain