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.
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
Pair of Gio Ponti Small Lounge Chairs, Presented at the Triennale, 1936
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milan, IT
A rare and highly refined pair of small lounge chairs designed by Gio Ponti for the bedroom interior of Un’Abitazione Dimostrativa, presented at the VI Triennale di Milano. These ch...
Velvet, 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
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 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
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
$7,366Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
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
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 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 Midcentury Rare Italian Curved Armchairs "Casa E Giardino" 1936, Pair
By Casa e Giardino, Gio Ponti
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 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
Pair of Gio Ponti Armchairs in Coral Red Velvet and Beech, Asko, Finland, 1957
By Gio Ponti, Asko
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare armchair was designed by Gio Ponti in 1954. The particular model, numbered '1410,' was produced by the well-known Finnish manufacturer Asko in the late 1950s. Asko held the...
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Beech
Gio Ponti Leggera Chair in Black Lacquered Wood and Original Grey Seat. 1951
By Figli di Amadeo Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Milan, IT
Gio Ponti Leggera Chair in Black Lacquered Wood and Original Grey Seat. Italy 1951
Wood
Gio Ponti, Lounge Chair, Fabric, Walnut, Rubber, Italy, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut, fabric and rubber lounge chair, model 811, designed by Gio Ponti and produced by Cassina, Meda, Italy, c. 1956. Wear consistent with vintage age and normal use. Measureme...
Fabric, Rubber, Walnut
$22,400Sale Price / set|53% Off
Gio Ponti Velvet Lounge Chairs in Walnut & Brass for M. Singer and Sons, 1950s
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
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
Gio Ponti 646 "Leggera" Dining Chair for Cassina, Green Velvet, 1952
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
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 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
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
Pair of armchairs by Gio Ponti and Emilio Lancia for Domus Nova, Italy 1929
By Emilio Lancia, Gio Ponti
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Pair of armchairs by Gio Ponti and Emilio Lancia for Domus Nova, 1929 A rare pair of armchairs designed by Gio Ponti and Emilio Lancia for Domus Nova in 1929. Made of wood, the chair...
Fabric, Wood
Gio Ponti 646 "Leggera" Dining Chairs for Cassina, Green Velvet, 1952, Set of 2
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti 646 “Leggera” dining chair for Cassina, green velvet, Italy, 1952, set of 2 The 646 “Leggera” is one of Gio Ponti’s most enduring chair designs—an icon defined by Cassina’...
Velvet, Ash
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
Mid-Century Modern Ninfea Folding Side Chair by Gio Ponti, Italy
By Gio Ponti
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-brown, vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian Ninfea folding side chair made of hand crafted polished Walnut, designed by Gio Ponti, in good condition. The seat backrest of singl...
Leather, Walnut
Modernist Vintage Six Superleggera Chairs by Gio Ponti for Cassina 1957 Italy
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
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
Gio Ponti Rationalist Daybed, 1948
By Gio Ponti
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti Rationalist Daybed for Fondazione Garzanti, 1948. Rationalist daybed designed by Gio Ponti in 1948. The piece reflects the architect’s search for lightness and clarity in ...
Wood
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
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
Lio Carminati & Gio Ponti Pair of Rattan Armchairs "Biancamano," Italy 1950s
By Lio Carminati, Gio Ponti
Located in Naples, IT
Biancamano armchairs designed by Gio Ponti and Lio Carminati in 1950. The name comes from the Italian liner, launched in 1925, the Conte Biancamano, which made its maiden voyage on t...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Gio Ponti Leggera Outdoor Chair by Cassina - Mid-Century Modern
By Gio Ponti
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Gio Ponti Leggera Outdoor Chair For Cassina The wood chair par excellence, one of the flagship pieces in the partnership between Gio Ponti, Cesare Cassina and the company’s joinery ...
Steel
$20,200Sale Price|27% Off
Rare Settee by Gio Ponti for Cassina, Refinished and Reupholstered, Italy 1950s
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An exceptionally rare and coveted settee by Gio Ponti for Cassina, circa 1950s, with reupholstered white bouclé fabric cushions, refinished elm frames with incredible wood grain, sig...
Bouclé, Elm
$2,644Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Chiavari Gio Ponti Style Mid-Century Modern Italian High Back Chairs 50s
By Chiavari, Gio Ponti
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Pair of fantastic high-backed ladder chairs in walnut-stained beech with seats in the original fabric of the time. These amazing pieces were designed by Gio Ponti for Chiavari in the...
Beech, Fabric
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
Pair of Gio Ponti Mid-Century Modern Velvet High Back Armchairs by Isa, 1950s
By Gio Ponti, ISA Bergamo
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
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
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
Gio Ponti Curved Sofa for Casa e Giardino, Velvet, 1956, Attributed
By Gio Ponti, Casa e Giardino
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
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
$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
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 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
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
$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
Gio Ponti “Leggera” 2 Chairs by Cassina 1951 Wood Original Coating, Italy
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
Gio Ponti “LEGGERA” Couple chairs by Cassina 1951 wood original coating, Italy.
Wood
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
$7,000Sale Price|20% Off
Gio Ponti Tomaso Buzzi Sofa
By Gio Ponti, Tomaso Buzzi
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
$4,462 / item
Gio ponti Pincipi Chair For Cassina
By Gio Ponti
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Gio ponti Pincipi Chair For Cassina A design icon, product of the golden age that marked the historic partnership between the great architect and Cassina. Gio Ponti’s unmistakable ...
Fabric, 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
$7,849Sale Price|30% Off
Gio Ponti Mod 572 Rocking Chair by Cassina, Hand-Carved Ash, 1955
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
Cassina Rocking Chair - Mod 572 - Gio Ponti Rocking chair model 572, produced by ‘Figli di Amadeo Cassina’ Milan in 1955, solid ash wood, elastic straps Pirelli, completely original...
Ash, Rubber
Gio Ponti Lio Carminati Bonacina Wicker Armchair Mid-Century Design 1950s
By Gio Ponti, Lio Carminati
Located in Taranto, IT
Gio Ponti Lio Carminati Bonacina Wicker Armchair Mid-Century 1950s Design. Item is in good conservative condition, slight signs of time due to use and age present. (Please see phot...
Wicker, Rattan
Gio Ponti & Emilio Lancia Wood and Rush Armchair for Domus Nova, Italy, 1929
By Gio Ponti, Emilio Lancia
Located in Milan, IT
Spectacular Armchair by Gio Ponti and Emilio Lancia for Domus Nova. Italy 1929. A supreme example of Italian Art Deco design.
Rush, Wood
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
GiIO PONTI - Walnut bench, pink velvet - Made in ITALY 1940s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
GIO PONTI - Beautiful and elegant bench to be included in both modern and vintage decor . Sturdy and in perfect condition with its original rose-colored velvet upholstery , . Made in...
Nutwood, Velvet
Gio Ponti 1940s Wooden Armchairs, Upholstered in Blue Fabric
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
Molteni&C D.151.4 Velvet Armchair by Gio Ponti
By Gio Ponti, Molteni & C
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
Gio Ponti Beech Wood Chair, Mid-Century Modern Design, Italy, 1969
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
Pair of Gio Ponti Armchairs for Cassina, Conte Grande Liner, 1949
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
The armchairs stand on four turned walnut legs, from which rises a compact volume that draws slightly inward at the back. The silhouette reads as a small architecture: armrests and b...
Fabric, Walnut
Gio Ponti Wingback Chair in Cherry Wood and Mélange Nobilis Fabric, Italy, 1929
By Gio Ponti, Nobilis
Located in The Hague, NL
This exceptionally rare wingback chair was designed by Gio Ponti and produced in Italy in 1929. The elegant model was part of the furniture designed by Ponti for the Casa Giampiccoli...
Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Upholstery, Wood, Cherry
Gio Ponti Sofa Mod. 803 by Cassina, 1950s Fabric Upholstery
By Cassina, 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