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.
Gio Ponti Italian Midcentury Design Dining Chairs "Leggera" for Cassina 1950s
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Set of four dining chairs model Leggera designed by Gio Ponti for Cassina, ash wood frame and waxed rope seat, circa 1960s. Cassina adhesive label on some chairs Bibliography: Domus...
Ash, Rope
$16,500 / set
Gio Ponti, Lounge Chairs, Velvet, Wood, Italy, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of red, brown, blue velvet and wood lounge chairs designed by Gio Ponti and produced by Dassi, Italy, 1950s. Vintage fabric in fair to distressed condition, reupholstery reco...
Velvet, Wood
$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
Set of 2 Armchairs and a Sofa in the style Gio Ponti for Casa E Giardino, 1940s
By Casa e Giardino, Gio Ponti
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
Rare Set Sofa and 2 Armchairs Design Gio Ponti for Casa e Giardino, 1940
By Gio Ponti
Located in taranto, IT
Splendid and rare living room, production "Casa & Giardino", designed by Gio Ponti, 40s Composed of a three-seater sofa and a pair of shell-shaped armchairs , upholstered in bur...
Velvet, Wood
Gio Ponti, Rare "811" Lounge Chair, Fabric, Walnut, Rubber, Cassina, c. 1956
By Gio Ponti, Figli di Amadeo Cassina
Located in High Point, NC
A rare and iconic lounge chair designed by Gio Ponti. Produced by Cassina, Meda, Italy, c. 1956. This chair is sold with a certificate of authenticity from the Gio Ponti Archives. ...
Metal
Gio Ponti Natural Aswood Superleggera Chair For Cassina
By Gio Ponti
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Gio Ponti Natural Aswood Superleggera Chair For Cassina Manufactured since 1957, the 699 Superleggera wood chair is the rare combination of the architect’s innovative quest and the ...
Rattan, Ash
Gio Ponti Midcentury Rare Italian Curved Armchairs "Casa E Giardino" 1936, Pair
By Gio Ponti, Casa e Giardino
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Rare pair of Gio Ponti armchairs for "Casa e Giardino", 1936. Curved shell model covered in original vintage satin, the cushions have springs inside. The upholstery, as seen in the p...
Fabric, Beech, Fir
Gio Ponti set of twelve Leggera chairs with rope seat, Cassina, Italy, 1951
By Gio Ponti, Figli di Amadeo Cassina
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
Set of 12 ash wood chairs with hand-knotted rope seats, designed by Gio Ponti as model 646 Leggera in 1951 and manufactured by Figli di Amedeo Cassina during the late 1950s. Concept...
Cane, Ash
Set of reupholstered 2 Gio Ponti Chairs, Model 803, Cassina 1950s
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Rare Pair of reupholstered Gio Ponti Armchairs, model «803» Manufactured by Cassina Italy, 1954 Walnut legs, wool fabric & leatherette armrests
Fabric, Faux Leather
Pair of Lounge Chairs by Gio Ponti for Casa e Giardino
By Gio Ponti
Located in San Francisco, CA
This pair of expertly restored small-scale armchairs by Gio Ponti for Casa e Giardino features tapered oak legs and rich Sandra Jordan Prima Alpaca Suri Zibelinado upholstery in Aube...
Fabric, Oak
Gio Ponti Continuum BP16 Armchair in Bamboo, Made by Bonacina 1970s-80s
By Bonacina, Gio Ponti
Located in Brussels, BE
Continuum armchair in Bamboo, Designed by Gio Ponti, Made by Bonacina. This example dates to production from the 1970s-80s. Bamboo, wicker and original upholstery and cushion. Dimen...
Upholstery, Bamboo, Wicker
$7,600 / set
Rare pair of Gio Ponti chairs
By Gio Ponti
Located in Albany, NY
Item: pair of chairs Designer: Gio Ponti Manufacturer: I.S.A. Bergamo Demensions: 35.25” h x 16.25” w x22.5” d. 18” seat height Material: Mahogany, metal sabots and upholstery ...
Mahogany
$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
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
2-Seat Dezza Sofa by Gio Ponti for Poltrona Frau, 2011
By Gio Ponti, Poltrona Frau
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Two seat ''Dezza'' sofa by Gio Ponti Produced by Poltrona Frau. Designed in 1965, the Dezza sofa is some of Gio Ponti’s most important designs. The Dezza sofa is light and very comf...
Leather, Wood
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 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
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
Gio Ponti For I.S.A Wingback Armchair, 1950s Midcentury
By Gio Ponti
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous and important wingback armchair from the design master Gio Ponti for I.S.A. Bergamo, designed in the 1940s and produced in the 1950s Italy, an innovative sleek design of m...
Fabric, Wood
Gio Ponti N. 512 Mid-Century Modern Italian Sofa for ISA, 1950s
By Gio Ponti, ISA Bergamo
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Elegant and splendid three-seater sofa with high backrest by Gio Ponti, 1950s, for ISA Edizioni, Bergamo, model N. 512. Carved profile, refined lines, sensual and deep comfort. The u...
Beech, Fabric
Gio Ponti per F.lli Montina Sedia Nera Mod. "969", Italia 1960s
By Montina, Gio Ponti
Located in Naples, IT
Iconica sedia modello 969, disegnato dal rinomato architetto e designer italiano Gio Ponti e prodotta dalla storica Ditta Montina . La caratteristica distintiva è lo schienale ape...
Leather, Wood
Gio Ponti Curved Sofa for Casa e Giardino, Velvet, 1956
By Gio Ponti, Casa e Giardino
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti Curved Sofa for Casa e Giardino, velvet, Italy, 1956 Designed in 1956 for Casa e Giardino, this Gio Ponti sofa distills comfort into a single, continuous gesture. The silh...
Velvet, 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
Pair of Gio Ponti Armchairs from Hotel Bristol Merano, Casa e Giardino, 1954
By Casa e Giardino, Gio Ponti
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
Pair of upholstered armchairs, from the original furnishings of the Hotel Bristol, Merano, designed by Gio Ponti, Casa e Giardino series, Italian manufacture, 1954. This pair of arm...
Velvet, Walnut
Set of 2 Gio Ponti “Superleggera” Chairs for Cassina, Italy, 1957
By Gio Ponti
Located in Kampen, NL
Set of two Superleggera chairs designed by Gio Ponti for Cassina, Italy, 1957. Constructed from solid ash wood and painted black, each chair features a woven straw seat for comfort a...
Straw, Ash
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 Art Dèco Italian Sofa from Hotel Bristol Merano, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Luxurious Art Deco sofa designed by Gio Ponti for the Hotel Bristol Merano Italia. Sofa with low armrests and a sculptural shape. Made in Italy in the early 1950s. The velvet is worn...
Velvet, Beech
Gio Ponti Model 811 armchair made of walnut and rubber, Cassina, Italy, 1957
By Gio Ponti, Figli di Amadeo Cassina
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 FR” Armchair Wood Brass Upholstered Seat and Back, 1960, Italy
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
Gio’ Ponti “FR armchair wood brass upholstered seat and back 1960 Italy.
Wood
Gio Ponti for Cassina Set of 4 Superleggera Chairs, Italy 1980s
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Naples, IT
A set of four Superleggera chairs, produced by Cassina in the early 1960s and designed by Gio Ponti, The Superleggera chair is a renowned design created by the Italian architect and...
Straw, Wood
Rare Dark Goldenrod Wingback Armchair model 437 by Gio Ponti for Cassina
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1950s. This is a quite rare armchair designed by Giò Ponti for Cassina in the 50s. This model was originally designed as a naval piece of furniture. The high standar...
Beech, Velvet
$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
"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
Set of 10 Gio Ponti Leggera Model 646 Dining Chairs for Cassina, Italy, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A wonderful set of ten original, early Gio Ponti Leggera Model 646 dining chairs, Cassina, Italy, 1950s. In restored condition with new upholstery. All with maker’s label marked 'Fig...
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
Set of 8 Gio Ponti Leggera Model 646 Dining Chairs for Cassina, Italy, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A wonderful set of eight original, early Gio Ponti Leggera Model 646 dining chairs, Cassina, Italy, 1950s. In restored condition with new upholstery. All with maker’s label marked 'F...
Fabric, Wood
Giovanni Ponti - Superleggera chair - Cassina edition
By Gio Ponti
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Giovanni Ponti Superleggera chair Cassina edition Black lacquered ash / removable leather cover In a perfect state H83 x W41 x D45 cms
Leather, Ash
Gio Ponti for Poltrona Frau Lounge Chairs in Light Blue Leather
By Poltrona Frau, Gio Ponti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gio Ponti for Poltrona Frau, lounge chairs, model ´Dezza´ nr. 48, leather, lacquered wood, metal, Italy, 1965. Stylish lounge chairs designed by Gio Ponti for Poltrona Frau. These ...
Metal
20th Century, Gio Ponti Wooden and fabric Bench
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...
Fabric, Wood
Gio Ponti for Poltrona Frau Set of Four Lounge Chairs in Light Blue Leather
By Gio Ponti, Poltrona Frau
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gio Ponti for Poltrona Frau, lounge chairs, model ´Dezza´ nr. 48, leather, lacquered wood, metal, Italy, 1965. Set of four stylish lounge chairs designed by Gio Ponti for Poltrona ...
Metal
Pair of Gio Ponti 'Superleggera' Dining Chairs Made in Italy c.1950
By Gio Ponti
Located in London, GB
A stunning pair of 'Superleggera' dining chairs by the legendary Italian designer Gio Ponti, made in Italy circa 1950. Executed in beautifully finished ash wood with expertly hand-kn...
Straw, Wood, Ash
1950s Hight Back Chiavarina Chair Gio Ponti attributed for SAC Chiavari
By Gio Ponti
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Beautiful pair of "Chiavarine" high-backed chairs, expertly made in the 1950s in Chiavari by S.A.C. in the style of Gio Ponti. Made with French-polished beech wood in mahogany color ...
Beech
Gio Ponti Set of Twelve Superleggera Chairs for Cassina, Italy, 1957
By Figli di Amadeo Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A set of twelve Superleggera chairs, meticulously restored in aniline black paint.. The original woven straw seats have been replaced with new meticulously crafted seats, maintaining...
Straw, Ash
20th Century, Gio Ponti for Cassina Armchair mod. 807 Distex
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
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
Italian Wingback Chair in original condition, Produced by I.S.A. Bergamo, 1950s
By Gio Ponti, ISA Bergamo
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Mustard-yellow ISA Bergamo armchair, presumably designed by Gio Ponti, in original condition.
Wood, Fabric
Gio Ponti for Poltrona Frau Lounge Chair 'Dezza' in Light Blue Leather
By Gio Ponti, Poltrona Frau
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gio Ponti for Poltrona Frau, lounge chair model ´Dezza´ nr. 48, leather, lacquered beech, metal, Italy, 1965. Stylish lounge chair designed by Gio Ponti for Poltrona Frau. This cha...
Metal
$1,382 / item
Gio Ponti '969' Chairs
By Gio Ponti
Located in London, England
The Beech Wood Chair, designed by Gio Ponti in 1969, is a mid-century modern masterpiece. Made from durable beech wood, it features clean lines, expert craftsmanship, and a minimal...
Fabric, Beech
20th Century, Gio Ponti for Casa&Giadino Pair of Green Armchairs
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...
Fabric, Wood
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
$4,058Sale Price|30% Off
Isa Bergamo Gio Ponti Style Armchair Made in Italy 1950s Original Fabric
By Gio Ponti
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Isa Bergamo Gio Ponti armchair made in Italy 1950s original fabric.
Aluminum
20th Century, Gio Ponti Light Blue Wooden Sofa
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...
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Gio Ponti Mid-Century Modern Velvet Armchairs for Casa e Giardino, 1950s
By Casa e Giardino, Gio Ponti
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Pair of armchairs designed by Gio Ponti, Casa e Giardino series, wooden structure, padding and covering in original textured velvet of the time, kept in excellent condition, as shown...
Velvet, Beech
Gio Ponti for Singer & Sons Bench
By M. Singer & Sons, Gio Ponti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
For your consideration is this Mid-Century Modern bench designed by legendary Italian architect and designer, Gio Ponti, for Singer & Sons, circa 1950s. This rare piece showcases Pon...
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
$7,000Sale Price|20% Off
Gio Ponti Tomaso Buzzi Sofa
By Tomaso Buzzi, Gio Ponti
Located in Red Lion, PA
Truly beautiful one of a kind authorized copy of Gio Ponti and Tomaso Buzzi 1930 Sofa. Walnut frame upholstered in satin silk. Manifactured by Carpani F.ll inc Literature: Mobili De...
Satin, Silk, Walnut
Pair of armchairs mod. "Triennale," Design Gio Ponti, ISA production, Italy 1951
By Gio Ponti
Located in Napoli, IT
Bibliography: Domus No. 280, March 1953; I. de Guttry, M. P. Maino, Il mobile italiano degli anni '40 e '50, p. 237, f. 24, Laterza, 1992; Gio Ponti Archives documentation.
Velvet, Hardwood
$8,302Sale Price / set|30% Off
Gio Ponti Leggera dining chairs Cassina, set of 6, Italy, 1956
By Figli di Amadeo Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Zevenaar, NL
Set of 6 blonde Leggerera chairs by Gio Ponti, designed in 1954. This set is an early verion and manufactured in 1956. (labeled) These iconic and very comforable chairs by Gio Ponti...
Straw, Beech
Gio Ponti "807 Distex" Lounge Chair for Cassina, Camel and Brown Velvet, 1953
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti " 807 Distex" lounge chair for Cassina, camel and brown velvet, Italy, 1953 Designed in 1953 and presented at the X Triennale di Milano in 1954, the 807 “Distex” by Gio Po...
Velvet
Armchair Biancamano in Rattan by Gio Ponti
By Gio Ponti
Located in Berlin, BE
Armchair Biancamano in rattan by Gio Ponti 1950s Gio Ponti & Lio Carminati 'Biancamano' rattan chair for Bonacina. Additional information: Material: Rattan Artist: Gio Ponti Size: ...
Wicker
$18,500 / set
Gio Ponti Leggera Chairs Set of Ten for Cassina
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Chicago, IL
Gio Ponti Leggera Chairs Set of Ten for Cassina Model 699 Italy, 1952 This set includes ten Leggera chairs designed by Gio Ponti for Cassina. The c...
Faux Leather, Ash