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 Pair of Wingback Armchairs, Italian Mid-Century Design, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Torino, Piemonte
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
Triennale Armchair Prototypes by Gio Ponti for I.S.A. Bergamo, with certificate
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
Pair of “Triennale” Armchairs by Gio Ponti for I.S.A. Bergamo, 1951 An important and rare pair of “Triennale” armchairs, designed by Gio Ponti and produced by I.S.A. Bergamo in 1951...
Brass
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
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
A pair of Black Wooden Gio Ponti Leggera Chairs with Cord Seats, Italy 1951
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Den Haag, NL
A pair of black wooden Gio Ponti Leggera chairs with cord seats, Italy 1951.
Cord, Wood
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
Authentic Vintage Superleggera Chair by Gio Ponti for Cassina, 1970
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Dronten, NL
It is the chair that defied gravity. In 1957, Gio Ponti famously tested the Superleggera by tossing it from a fourth-story window, watching it float to the ground. This poetic demon...
Cane, Wood
Vintage Mid Century "Model 803" Armchair by Gio Ponti
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Oxnard, CA
Here is a "Model 803" armchair by Gio Ponti produced by Cassina, circa 1950s. This stunning design by Ponti is appreciated for its angular lines, subtle curves and tapered legs. Th...
Fabric, Wood
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
$5,661Sale Price / set|30% Off
Pair of Gio Ponti Mid-Century Modern Velvet High Back Armchairs by Isa, 1950s
By ISA Bergamo, Gio Ponti
Located in Puglia, Puglia
This pair of armchairs were designed by Gio Ponti and produced by the famous Italian company Isa of Bergamo, with which Gio Ponti collaborated for several years. High back, very impo...
Brass
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 style Ebonized ladder back rush seat side or desk chair with ball feet
By Gio Ponti
Located in London, GB
Gio Ponti. An ebonized ladder back rush seat side or desk chair with ball feet. Stamped Made in Italy on the back stretcher.
Rush
Set of 8 “969” Volute Chairs for the VI Triennale by Gio Ponti, Montina, 1970s
By Montina, Gio Ponti
Located in Brescia, Brescia
Originally conceived by Gio Ponti for the VI Triennale di Milano in 1936, this set of eight dining chairs was reissued by Montina in the 1970s, preserving the poetic force and formal...
Fabric, Foam, Ash, Birch
Gio Ponti walnut and velvet pair of lounge chairs by Casa e Giardino, Italy 1936
By Gio Ponti, Casa e Giardino
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A rare pair of armchairs with walnut frame and powder pink velvet upholstery, Design by Gio Ponti, "Casa e Giardino" Catalogue, Italian production. Presented at the VI Triennale di M...
Velvet, Walnut
Gio Ponti Model 811 armchair made of walnut and rubber, Cassina, Italy, 1957
By Figli di Amadeo Cassina, Gio Ponti
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
Fede Cheti Italian Velvet Loveseat
By Gio Ponti
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
An Italian loveseat designed by Gio Ponti, upholstered in its original green Fede Cheti velvet with pewter fringe, and documented by architect and designer Roberto Aloi in 1950. An i...
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Gio Ponti 646 "Leggera" Chairs for Cassina, Sand Beige Velvet, 1952, Set of 16
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti 646 “Leggera” dining chairs for Cassina, sand beige velvet, Italy, 1952, set of sixteen The 646 “Leggera” is one of Gio Ponti’s most enduring chair designs—an icon defined...
Velvet, Ash
Gio Ponti 516 Armchairs, Walnut Frame, Two-Tone Upholstery, 1950
By Gio Ponti
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Vintage 516 Armchairs by master Italian architect, publisher, and designer Gio Ponti, 1950. A timeless, architectural expression featuring a sculptural walnut frame, distinctive sl...
Walnut
Pair of Biancamano Wicker Armchairs by Gio Ponti and Lio Carminati, Italy 1950s
By Gio Ponti, Bonacina
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Pair of Biancamano armchairs designed by Gio Ponti and Lio Carminati in the 1950s and produced by Bonacina. Handcrafted in woven wicker, these chairs stand out for their sculptural s...
Wicker
Pair of Gio Ponti 116 Dining Chairs, Italy, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
Rare pair of Gio Ponti 116 chairs, Italy, 1950s. Later purple velvet upholstery. May benefit from new fabric. Priced and sold as a pair. Fast shipping worldwide.
Fabric, Wood
Gio Ponti Leggera Armchair or Side Chair by Cassina in different colors
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices are dependent on the chosen material and model. Available with or without armrests. Frame, Seat and Coating and upholstery of the chair can be customized, please get in touch....
Upholstery, Wood
$8,741Sale Price|30% Off
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
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 'Continuum' Lounge Chair
By Gio Ponti
Located in Red Lion, PA
This iconic piece is the "Continuum" lounge chair (Model BP16 / D.163.7), designed by the legendary Italian architect and designer Gio Ponti in 1963 Old new inventory from the wareho...
Textile, Rattan
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
Gio Ponti Dezza Lounge Chairs for Poltro Frau, Cowhide & Leather, Italian Design
By Gio Ponti
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of Gio Ponti for Poltrona Frau "Dezza" Lounge Chairs, with cowhide and black leather upholstery on chrome-plated tapered legs, with "Poltrona Frau" label to underside. 36" H x ...
Chrome
$14,000 / set
Gio Ponti Dining Chairs, Model 111 for Singer & Sons
By Gio Ponti
Located in San Francisco, CA
Gio Ponti design set of eight model 111 dining chairs for Singer & Sons, Italy. Two sets of four combined for a total of eight chairs. Produced by Figli Amedeo Cassina Meda, Ital...
Upholstery, Walnut
Armchair mod. BP 16 Continuum, design Giò PONTI for P. BONACINA. Italy, 60s
By Pierantonio Bonacina, Gio Ponti
Located in Torino, IT
Armchair mod. BP 16 Continuum, design Giò PONTI for P. BONACINA. Italy, 60s ORIGIN Italy PERIOD Anni 60 DESIGNER Gio PONTI (1891-1979) MARK Pierantonio BONACINE MODEL BP 16 Cont...
Rattan
Gio Ponti 646 "Leggera" Chairs for Cassina, Sand Beige Velvet, 1952, Set of 8
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti 646 “Leggera” dining chairs for Cassina, sand beige velvet, Italy, 1952, set of eight. The 646 “Leggera” is one of Gio Ponti’s most enduring chair designs—an icon defined ...
Velvet, Ash
Gio Ponti, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Italy, 1940s
By Gio Ponti
Located in High Point, NC
A green velvet and wood sofa designed by Gio Ponti and produced by Casa e Giardino, Italy, c. 1940s. Minor scuffing of feet. Minor staining on seat and backrest cushions. Minor fr...
Velvet, Wood
Gio Ponti “ Superleggera” N. 4, Chair Wood Straw Padding, 1950, Italy
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
N . 4 Superleggera Gio Ponti.
Wood, Raffia
Gio Ponti Armchair, Model 803 by Cassina, Italy, 1954
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare armchair was designed by Gio Ponti and produced by Cassina, Italy in 1954. The model was numbered 803 and is one of the most iconic and recognizable Ponti designs produced ...
Fabric, Upholstery, Walnut
$3,996Sale Price|30% Off
Gio Ponti Mid-Century Modern Rare Italian Curved Sofa "Casa E Giardino" 1936
By Casa e Giardino, Gio Ponti
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Gio Ponti three-seater sofa for "Casa e Giardino", 1936. Curved shell model covered in original vintage satin, the cushions have springs inside. The upholstery, as seen in the photos...
Satin, Beech
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
Gio Ponti for ISA Rare Pair of Ivory Bouclé and Gilt Metal Lounge Chairs, 1950s
By ISA Bergamo, Gio Ponti
Located in New York, NY
Gio Ponti for ISA Bergamo exceptional pair of sculptural lounge chairs or armchairs with gilt metal legs, Italy, 1950s. Beautifully proportioned and highly sculptural, the chairs ar...
Metal
$25,000 / item
Large Gio Ponti Lounge Chairs
By Gio Ponti
Located in Red Lion, PA
Rare and important pair of high back lounge chairs with wood frames and upholstered seats and backs by Gio Ponti Newly Upholstered
Fabric, Wood
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
Gio Ponti SUPERLEGGERA 499 chair by Cassina, 1970s
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Zevenaar, NL
Giò Ponti was perhaps the most influential figure in Italian design and architecture for nearly three decades, from the 1950s to the 1970s. Throughout his long career, he left his ma...
Cane, Ash
Pair of Walnut and Leather Side Chairs by Gio Ponti, Italy, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Paris, FR
A pair of Italian side chairs by Gio Ponti, from to the 1950s mid-century period in walnut with restored in a beautiful tan leather upholstery with nailhead trim. The design is chara...
Leather, Wood
$12,500 / item
Pair of Gio Ponti 807 Distex Lounge Chairs
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Red Lion, PA
Model No. 807 Distex chairs designed by Gio Ponti for Cassina, featuring a distinctive low-slung, angled profile. Newly upholstered
Fabric, Wood
$4,002Sale Price|30% Off
Gio Ponti N. 512 Mid-Century Modern Italian Sofa for ISA, 1950s
By ISA Bergamo, Gio Ponti
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
$420Sale Price|20% Off
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
$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
Pair of Armchair Gio Ponti Casa e Giardino, 1930s Full Restoration by Greenapple
By Gio Ponti, Greenapple, Casa e Giardino
Located in Lisboa, PT
Collectible Vintage Italian armchair designed by Gio Ponti for the Casa e Giardino manufacturing company in the late 1930s. This iconic design piece has been completely restored fro...
Brass
Gio Ponti 646 "Leggera" Dining Chair for Cassina, Green Velvet, 1952
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti 646 “Leggera” dining chair for Cassina, green velvet, Italy, 1952 The 646 “Leggera” is one of Gio Ponti’s most enduring chair designs—an icon defined by Cassina’s refined ...
Velvet, Ash
Gio Ponti 646 "Leggera" Dining Chairs for Cassina, Green Velvet, 1952, Set of 8
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti 646 “Leggera” dining chairs for Cassina, green velvet, Italy, 1952, set of 8 The 646 “Leggera” is one of Gio Ponti’s most enduring chair designs—an icon defined by Cassina...
Ash, Velvet
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
Set of Four Dining Chairs, Model G6G by Gio Ponti for Montina, Italy, 1969
By Gio Ponti
Located in Greding, DE
Set of four black-lacquered dining chairs featuring distinctive backrests with looped decoration. Model G6G was designed in 1969 as a development of Gio Ponti’s earlier 1936 design f...
Lacquer
Gio Ponti Sofa Mod. 803 by Cassina, 1950s Fabric Upholstery
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Torino, Piemonte
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
$8,741Sale Price / set|30% Off
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, Home and Garden series, wooden structure, goose down cushions, padding and covering in original textured fabric of the time, kept in excellen...
Fabric
$3,540Sale Price / set|29% Off
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
$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
Gio Ponti 646 "Leggera" Dining Chairs for Cassina, Green Velvet, 1952, Set of 6
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti 646 “Leggera” dining chair for Cassina, green velvet, Italy, 1952, set of six The 646 “Leggera” is one of Gio Ponti’s most enduring chair designs—an icon defined by Cassin...
Velvet, Ash
Molteni&C D.151.4 Velvet Armchair by Gio Ponti
By Molteni & C, Gio Ponti
Located in Boston, MA
Gio Ponti leaned on nautical inspiration to design this armchair that was destined for use on ocean liners and today is a part of Molteni&C's Heritage Collection. A contoured backres...
Velvet, Walnut
Mid Century 1950s Model 803 Armchair by Gio Ponti
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in London, London
Armchair by Gio Ponti Model 803 New upholstery Stained beech legs Made by Cassina Retailed by Illums Bolihus (label attached) Upholstered in Pierre Frey fabric with...
Fabric, Velvet, Beech
$1,598Sale Price|20% Off
Poltrona Gio Ponti Modello Dezza per Frau Italia 1970s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Polrona Frau Gio Ponti Dezza con tessuto originale danneggiato , macchiato e da sostituire-
Fabric, Wood
Rare Early Gio Ponti Chair, Giordano Chiesa, Italy, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
Rare Gio Ponti Model armchair, Italy, 1950s. Manufactured by Giordano Chiesa, Milan, Italy. Ash and new green velvet fabric. Fast shipping worldwide.
Brass
$2,913Sale Price / set|30% Off
Attributed Gio Ponti Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet Armchairs for ISA, Pair
By ISA Bergamo, Gio Ponti
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Elegant and splendid pair of Mid-Century Modern armchairs, attributed to Gio Ponti, 1950 for ISA Editions, Bergamo. Sculpted profile, refined lines, sensual and deep comfort. The cha...
Velvet, Beech
Gio Ponti 646 "Leggera" Dining Chairs for Cassina, Green Velvet, 1952, Set of 10
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti 646 “Leggera” dining chairs for Cassina, green velvet, Italy, 1952, set of ten. The 646 “Leggera” is one of Gio Ponti’s most enduring chair designs—an icon defined by Cass...
Velvet, Ash
Gio Ponti Curved Sofa for Casa e Giardino, Velvet, 1956, Attributed
By Casa e Giardino, Gio Ponti
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti Curved Sofa for Casa e Giardino, velvet, Italy, 1956, Attributed Consciously attributed to Gio Ponti for Casa e Giardino, this sofa distills comfort into a single, continu...
Velvet, Wood
Gio Ponti 646 "Leggera" Dining Chair for Cassina, Blue Velvet, 1952
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti 646 “Leggera” Dining Chair for Cassina, Blue Velvet, Italy, 1952 The 646 “Leggera” is one of Gio Ponti’s most enduring chair designs—an icon defined by Cassina’s refined w...
Rope, Ash