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.
20th Century, Gio Ponti for Cassina Armchair mod. 807 Distex
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
Set of Six Rare Chairs by Gio Ponti for Singer & Sons
By Gio Ponti
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare set of six walnut model 211 dining chairs by Gio Ponti for Singer & Sons. Beautifully restored and reupholstered in Kirby Design / Foam FR Olive fabric.
Walnut
Gio Ponti, rare pair of armchairs Mod.820 in wood and upholstered fabric
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
Gio Ponti (1991-1979) Rare pair of armchairs Mod.820 in wood and upholstered fabric designed for the Grand Hotel Royal Continental in Naples. Cassina manufacture 1953. Bibliograph...
Fabric, Wood
Gio Ponti Leggera Chair in Black Lacquered Wood and Original Grey Seat. 1951
By Gio Ponti, Figli di Amadeo Cassina
Located in Milan, IT
Gio Ponti Leggera Chair in Black Lacquered Wood and Original Grey Seat. Italy 1951
Wood
Gio Ponti Principi Chair in white, blue, red or black for Cassina, Italy - New
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the chosen material/color. A design icon, product of the golden age that marked the historic partnership between the great architect Ponti and Cassina. Gio P...
Ash, Leather, Fabric
Gio Ponti Armchair for Cassina. Mod. "820", Italy 1950, Hotel Royal, Naples.
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Gio Ponti designed this armchair especially for the Hotel Royal in Naples. The "Model 820" was produced by Cassina in the 1950s. The armchair has a wooden frame and is upholstered in...
Fabric, Wood
$8,075Sale Price|30% Off
Pair of Blu Velvet Gio Ponti Bergere Wingback Armchairs by ISA, 1950
By Arredamenti ISA, Gio Ponti
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of blu velvet GIO PONTI bergere armchair, manufactured by ISA Arredamenti Bergamo, circa 1950. This model designed by Gio Ponti in the late 40s was manufactured by Cassina with...
Brass
Gio Ponti Chair mod. 110 with Fornasetti Original Fabric for Cassina 1953
By Piero Fornasetti, Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Conversano, IT
Extraordinary Model 110 chair, designed by Gio Ponti in 1951 and produced by Cassina, unanimously recognized as one of the highest and most refined expressions of Italian postwar des...
Fabric, Wood
Gio Ponti Set of Four Painted and Gilded Iron Armchairs, 1948
By Casa e Giardino, Gio Ponti
Located in Milan, IT
Gio Ponti set of four painted and gilded Iron armchairs 1948.
Iron
Gio Ponti armchair for Cassina. Mod. ‘820’, Italy 1950, Hotel Royal, Naples.
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Gio Ponti designed this armchair especially for the Hotel Royal in Naples. The ‘Model 820’ was produced by Cassina in the 1950s. The armchair has a wooden frame and is upholstered in...
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
$19,900Sale Price|28% 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
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
20th Century, Gio Ponti Light Blue Wooden Sofa
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
$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 646 "Leggera" Dining Chairs for Cassina, 1952, Set of 6
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti 646 "Leggera" dining chairs for Cassina, black ash-wood and rope seat, Italy, 1952, set of six. The model 646 "Leggera" is an icon of chair d...
Rope, Ash
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
Gio Ponti Model 516 Armchair, Painted Walnut, Cream White, 1950
By Figli di Amadeo Cassina, Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of armchairs, model “516”, originally designed by Ponti for the furnishing of Tranatlantico Conte Biancamano, Manufactured by Figli di Amadeo Cassina (Cassina), Italy, c. 1950 pierced slat back, off-white cream painted walnut, white woven cotton textile. Provenance: Private Collection, Connecticut, USA. Measurements 78 cm x 62 cm x 79.5h cm 30 3/4 in x 24 3/8 in x 31 1/4 in height Literature Galleria Deposito A...
Textile, Walnut
Gio Ponti 646 "Leggera" Dining Chairs for Cassina, Blue Velvet, 1952, Set of 12
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti 646 “Leggera” dining chairs for Cassina, blue velvet, Italy, 1952, set of 12 The 646 “Leggera” is one of Gio Ponti’s most enduring chair designs—an icon defined by Cassina...
Ash, Velvet
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
Gio Ponti 646 "Leggera" Dining Chair for Cassina, 1952
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti 646 "Leggera" dining chair for Cassina, black ash-wood and rope seat, Italy, 1952 The model 646 "Leggera" is an icon of chair design and of Cassina’s masterful artisan cra...
Rope, Ash
Gio Ponti Ninfea Chairs for Brevetti Reguitti, Italy 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Argelato, BO
Rare and beautiful pair of folding armchairs, Ninfea model, designed by the famous architect and designer Gio Ponti for the Reguitti company. Authentic icon of Italian Mid-Century d...
Fabric, Wood
Gio Ponti for ISA Rare Pair of Lounge Chairs with Matching Ottomans, Italy 1950s
By Gio Ponti, ISA Bergamo
Located in New York, NY
Gio Ponti for ISA Bergamo exceptional pair of sculptural lounge chairs or armchairs with matching stools and gilt metal legs, Italy, 1950s. Beautifully proportioned and highly sculp...
Brass
$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
Gio Ponti for Singer & Sons Bench
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
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
Molteni&C D.156.3 Leather Armchair by Gio Ponti
By Gio Ponti, Molteni & C
Located in Boston, MA
The D.156.3 armchair by Gio Ponti was chosen for the 10th Milan Triennale as an exemplary model of furniture design. Defined by geometric shapes, this armchair is hand-crafted by ski...
Leather, Wood
elegant gio ponti lounge chairs for casa e giardino
By Casa e Giardino, Gio Ponti
Located in Munich, DE
wonderful pair of very cosy gio ponti lounge chairs. very low, but with great comfort. and such beauties....
Velvet, Wood
Gio Ponti Chairs from Augustus Ocean Liner - Pairs X3
By Gio Ponti
Located in Hanover, MA
Three pairs of extremely rare and highly coveted chairs designed by Gio Ponti and produced by Cassina, Italy for the First Class bar of Italia Line's MV Augustus ocean liner...
Walnut
Molteni&C D.153.1 Leather Armchair by Gio Ponti
By Gio Ponti, Molteni & C
Located in Boston, MA
The iconic D.153.1 armchair is a mid-century design by acclaimed Italian designer Gio Ponti. With a high backrest and slight recline, it features a lush fabric mix offering a contemp...
Brass
Gio Ponti 699 Superleggera by Cassina in Black, White or Ash
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices are dependent on the chosen material. Gio Ponti 699 Superleggera by Cassina. Available in ASHWOOD LACQUERED BLACK or ASHWOOD LACQUERED WHITE or NATURAL ASHWOOD. Manufactured since 1957, the Superleggera wood chair is the rare combination of the architect’s innovative quest and the cutting-edge experimentation by the Meda-based company, becoming the indisputable icon and masterpiece of modernity and extreme artisanal elegance. A highlight of Cassina’s catalogue...
Cane, Ash
Gio Ponti 646 "Leggera" Dining Chairs for Cassina, Blue Velvet, 1952, Set of 4
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti 646 “Leggera” dining chairs for Cassina, blue velvet, Italy, 1952, set of 4 The 646 “Leggera” is one of Gio Ponti’s most enduring chair designs—an icon defined by Cassina’...
Rope, Ash
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
Mid-Century mod. 111 by Giò Ponti for Cassina set of 4 Wooden Chairs 1950s Italy
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Palermo, IT
Beautiful set of 4 chairs mod."111" by Giò Ponti, with a shaped wooden structure, with padded back and seat and covered in wisteria-colored fabric. Cassina production, Italy, 1950s. ...
Fabric, Wood
Gio Ponti 646 "Leggera" Dining Chairs for Cassina, 1952, Set of 2
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti 646 "Leggera" dining chairs for Cassina, black ash-wood and rope seat, Italy, 1952, set of two The model 646 "Leggera" is an icon of chair design and of Cassina’s masterfu...
Rope, Ash
1950s Gio Ponti Super Leggera Chairs New Josef Frank Hawaii Fabric
By Gio Ponti
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A vintage pair of 1950s Gio Ponti Superleggara Chairs. Superleggara is Italian for “super light” and these chairs are every bit of that. Weighing in at less than 4 lbs, they are physically light and with the tapered angled pieces of wood they are visually light as well. Newly upholstered in Josef Frank Hawaii...
Walnut
Gio Ponti Armchair 820 for Hotel Royal Napoli in Wood and Fabric, Italy, 1953
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Famous armchair mod. 820 by Gio Ponti for Cassina for Grand Hotel Royal Continental in Naples. In desperate need for reupholstery as you can see but you can still choose what fabric ...
Fabric, Wood
Italian Design Classic Gio Ponti, Leggera Chair for Cassina, 1970s
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Renens, CH
The 646 Leggera chair is an iconic design created by the renowned Italian architect and designer Gio Ponti; designed in 1952, this chair is celebrated for its lightweight and elegan...
Fabric, Ash
Gio Ponti 699 “Superleggera” Dining Chairs for Cassina, 1957, Set of 14
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti 699 “Superleggera” Dining Chairs for Cassina, Ash and Rope, Italy, 1957, Set of fourteen. In 1957 the Italian furniture manufacturer Amedeo Cassina added a new dining chai...
Rope, Wood, Ash
Gio Ponti 646 "Leggera" Chairs for Cassina, Sand Beige Velvet, 1952, Set of 2
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti 646 “Leggera” dining chairs for Cassina, sand beige velvet, Italy, 1952, set of two. The 646 “Leggera” is one of Gio Ponti’s most enduring chair designs—an icon defined by...
Velvet, Ash
Pair of 2 Mid Century Italian Armchair by Gio Ponti 1960 Parco dei Principi Rome
By Gio Ponti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gio Ponti Armchairs, from the Parco dei Principi, Rome You can see more photos on the Parco Dei Principi website in Rome, regarding the armchairs. Gio Ponti's infinite compositional...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
$23,378 / set
Gio Ponti Dining Chairs
By Gio Ponti
Located in Oosterbeek, NL
Six very special Gio Ponti Italian dining chairs design in the 1950s for Singer & Sons. Good condition.
Wood
Gio Ponti Mid-Century Armchair – Italy, Circa 1950
By Gio Ponti
Located in NICE, FR
This sculptural armchair is a true testament to 1950s Italian design, reflecting the distinctive style of Gio Ponti for Casa & Giardino. With its soft curves, low profile, and origi...
Textile, Wood
Gio Ponti, Leggera set of 12 chairs in anthracite stained wood
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
Gio Ponti (1891-1976) Rare set of 12 chairs in anthracite stained wood with fabric covering. Modello leggera, Cassina manufacture 1954.
Wood
$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
Midcentury Italian Armchair by Gio Ponti for Casa e Giardino, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Chicago, IL
Midcentury Italian armchair by Gio Ponti for Casa e Giardino, 1950s. Elegant, curved upholstered silhouette on classic wood tapered legs...
Wool, Upholstery, 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
Set of 12 Gio Ponti Leggera Model 646 Dining Chairs for Cassina, Italy, 1950s
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A wonderful set of twelve original, early Gio Ponti Leggera Model 646 dining chairs, Cassina, Italy, 1950s. In restored condition with new ...
Fabric, Wood
Set of 10 Gio Ponti 699 Superleggera by Cassina in Black
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of 10 Gio Ponti 699 Superleggera by Cassina in black Manufactured since 1957, the Superleggera wood chair is the rare combination of the architec...
Cane, Ash
1st edition "Leggera" dining chairs by Gio Ponti, Figli di Amedeo Cassina 1951
By Gio Ponti, Figli di Amadeo Cassina
Located in Renens, CH
1st edition Figli di Amadeo Cassina, Meda Italy 1950's. These elegant and timeless chairs feature a structure in black lacquered ashwood. The rope seat has been professionally resto...
Rope, Ash
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
Gio Ponti 646 "Leggera" Dining Chairs for Cassina, 1952, Set of 4
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti 646 "Leggera" dining chairs for Cassina, black ash-wood and rope seat, Italy, 1952, set of four. The Gio Ponti 646 "Leggera" dining chairs, d...
Rope, Ash
Gio Ponti 646 "Leggera" Dining Chairs for Cassina, Blue Velvet, 1952, Set of 6
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti 646 “Leggera” dining chairs for Cassina, blue velvet, Italy, 1952, set of 6 The 646 “Leggera” is one of Gio Ponti’s most enduring chair designs—an icon defined by Cassina’...
Rope, Ash
$8,500 / item
Gio Ponti Cane Seat Armchair for Knoll International
By Knoll, Gio Ponti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning and rare walnut armchair by Gio Ponti for Knoll International, c.1960s, Italy, is an exquisite example of mid-century craftsmanship. This piece features a modernist and mini...
Cane, Walnut
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
Chair by Gio Ponti around 1952
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
This simple, elegant chair was designed for Cassina around 1952 by the Italian architect and designer Gio Ponti. It is to be understood as a variant of the 'leggera' chair. The soli...
Plastic, Walnut
Pair of Italian Organic Modern Lounge Chairs by Gio Ponti for Casa e Giardino
By Gio Ponti, Casa e Giardino
Located in New York, NY
A Rare and Elegant Pair of Italian Mid-Century Organic Modern Armchairs / Lounge Chairs Designed by Gio Ponti for "Casa e Giardino" and Presented at the VI Triennale di Milano, 1936....
Upholstery, Walnut
Gio Ponti 646 "Leggera" Dining Chairs for Cassina, 1952, Set of 10
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti 646 "Leggera" dining chairs for Cassina, black ash-wood and rope seat, Italy, 1952, set of ten. The Gio Ponti 646 "Leggera" dining chairs, de...
Rope, Ash
Gio Ponti 646 "Leggera" Dining Chairs for Cassina, Blue Velvet, 1952, Set of 2
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti 646 “Leggera” dining chairs for Cassina, blue velvet, Italy, 1952, set of 2 The 646 “Leggera” is one of Gio Ponti’s most enduring chair designs—an icon defined by Cassina’...
Rope, Ash
Armchair by Gio Ponti for Boucher Édition
By Boucher & Co, Gio Ponti
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Rare fauteuils par Gio Ponti pour Boucher et Fils, Cet éditeur distribua quelques modèles de Ponti en France.
Fabric, Ash
$10,520Sale Price / set|25% Off
pair of GIO PONTI armchairs white velvet brass feet for private residence 1955
By Gio Ponti
Located in Rome, IT
elegant pair of Gio Ponti armchairs probably a unique pieces from a private residence in Arenzano, Genova, Italy 1955 from the same residence other important items designed by Gio...
Brass