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.
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
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
Gio Ponti Sculptural Stool Model 687
By Gio Ponti
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Sculptural Walnut Stool Model 687 by Gio Ponti. Italy, circa 1950's
Upholstery, Walnut
Gio Ponti 646 "Leggera" Dining Chairs for Cassina, Green Velvet, 1952, Set of 4
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti 646 “Leggera” dining chair for Cassina, green velvet, Italy, 1952, set of four The 646 “Leggera” is one of Gio Ponti’s most enduring chair designs—an icon defined by Cassi...
Velvet, Ash
Vintage Walnut Writing Table and Chair Set by Gio Ponti, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century modern Italian freestanding writing table, desk set with two drawers and a stripped chair made of hand crafted Walnut, in good condition. The large table is com...
Metal, Brass
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
Gio Ponti, Pair of fireside chairs
By Gio Ponti
Located in London, GB
Mahogany with rush seating Attributed to designer. H100 x W41 x D43 cm
Rush, Mahogany
Gio Ponti Model 116 Dining Chair for Singer and Sons Produced By Giordano Chiesa
By Gio Ponti, Giordano Chiesa
Located in Coronado, CA
This Gio Ponti Model 116 chair was produced in the 1950s by Giordano Chiesa for Singer and Sons cabinet shops in New York City. We had this piece lovingly restored and upholstered in...
Leather, 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 for Casa E Giardino Midcentury Sofa in Bouclé Upholstery Italy 1940s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Almelo, NL
Gio Ponti For Casa E Giardino Midcentury Sofa in Bouclé upholstery Italy 1940s This midcentury Italian sofa is undeniably elegant and comfortable. Its unique design boasts a gentl...
Bouclé, Beech
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
Molteni&C D.154.2 Lounge Chair by Gio Ponti
By Molteni & C, Gio Ponti
Located in Boston, MA
This mid-century lovechair was inspired by designer Gio Ponti's trips to Latin America in the 1950s. A winner of the Wallpaper Design Award, today the armchair is one of Molteni&C's ...
Chrome
Gio Ponti Rare Pair of Benches in Walnut and Ivory Bouclé, Italy, 1930s
By Gio Ponti
Located in New York, NY
Gio Ponti early rare pair of benches with walnut frames and ivory bouclé fabric, Italy, 1930s. These elegant benches have a graceful frame with curved cabriole tapering legs connecte...
Bouclé, Walnut
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
1950s Pair of Sculpted Stools by Gio Ponti. Reupholstered in Boucle. Model 687
By Gio Ponti
Located in Florence, Tuscany
These sculptural 1950s stools by Gio Ponti for Cassina, model 687, showcase his distinctive architectural lines and beautifully tapered walnut frame. The open, Y-shaped side structur...
Fabric, Bouclé, Wood
Gio Ponti Mid-Century Modern Ashwood "Leggera 646" Italian Chairs, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Madrid, ES
Mid-century chairs model "Leggera 646" designed by Gio Ponti for Cassina. Made of solid ashwood structure with original upholstery. Discover the timeless ...
Wood, Upholstery
$7,971Sale Price|30% Off
Pair of Blu Velvet Gio Ponti Bergere Wingback Armchairs by ISA, 1950
By Gio Ponti, Arredamenti ISA
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
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
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 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
Pair of Armchairs mod 811 by Gio Ponti for Cassina, 1957
By Gio Ponti
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of Armchairs mod 811 by Gio Ponti for Cassina, 1957 Made in 1957, this rare lounge chair model ‘811’ is designed by Gio Ponti for Figli di Amadeo Cassina. This armchair is defi...
Fabric, Rubber, Wood
Set of 4 Orange Leather "Leggera" Chairs by Gio Ponti for Cassina, Italy, 1950s
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Milan, IT
Four chairs model 646 by Gio Ponti for Cassina. Rare version with upholstered backrest. Set features three chairs come with same color and the fourth one in a different color.
Wood
Set/2 Accent Chairs Gio Ponti, 1930s Full Restoration by Greenapple
By Casa e Giardino, Greenapple, Gio Ponti
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...
Oak, Wool, Velvet
High Back Sofa By Gio Ponti For ISA Bergamo in Bouclé Fabric Upholstery 1950s
By Gio Ponti, ISA Bergamo
Located in Almelo, NL
Elegant three seat high back sofa reupholstered in new bouclé fabric was designed by Gio Ponti and produced by the ISA company in Bergamo, Italy 1950s. ISA Bergamo was responsible fo...
Brass
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
Pair of Armchair Gio Ponti Casa e Giardino, 1930s Full Restoration by Greenapple
By Gio Ponti, Casa e Giardino, Greenapple
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, 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
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
Vintage Folding Chair Ninfea by Gio Ponti for Reguitti, Italy, 1958
By Gio Ponti
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage folding chair Ninfea by Gio Ponti for Reguitti, Italy 1958. Dimensions: Width 48 cm - Depth 66 cm - Height 71 cm - Seat height 33 cm. ...
Brass
Armchair by Gio Ponti for Boucher Édition
By Gio Ponti, Boucher & Co
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
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
Sculptural Walnut Stool Model 687 by Gio Ponti , 1953s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
Sculptural Walnut Stool Model 687 by Gio Ponti , 1953s I can sent more detail picture.please contact me! Each price
Fabric, Walnut
$10,457Sale 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
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" 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
Set of 4 Vintage Leggera Dining Chairs by Gio Ponti produced by Cassina ca. 1950
By Figli di Amadeo Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Geneva, CH
Beautiful set of 4 "Leggera" dining chairs by Gio Ponti produced by Figli di Amadeo Cassina in Italy ca. 1950s Black lacquered wood and new papercord seat. Manufacturer label. Newly ...
Papercord, Wood
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
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
Set of six black Superleggera Chairs by Giò Ponti, Italy Mid-20th Century
By Gio Ponti
Located in Greding, DE
Set of six "Superleggera" chairs designed by Giò Ponti. The chairs feature an ebonized frame that highlights the iconic lightweight design and are upholstered in yellow fabric, addin...
Fabric, Beech
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 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
$19,637 / set
Set d 6 chairs Superleggera, Gio Ponti, Cassina
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, Lombardia
This incredible set of 6 Superleggera chairs designed by Gio Ponti for Cassina in 1950 embodies the elegance and lightness of modern aesthetics. These iconic chairs feature clean, sl...
Straw, Wood
Set of Four Gio Ponti Dining Chairs for M. Singer & Sons, 1950s
By Gio Ponti, M. Singer & Sons
Located in Hamburg, PA
This elegant set of four mid-century modern Model #602 dining chairs is designed by icon Gio Ponti and produced for M. Singer & Sons (New York / Chicago). Featuring a sleek walnut-fi...
Rush, Walnut
$10,335Sale Price / set|65% Off
Gio Ponti Model 516 Pair of Lounge Chairs, Cream White Painted Walnut, 1950
By Figli di Amadeo Cassina, Gio Ponti, Cassina
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
Italian Two-Seat Sofa in Red Corduroy Velvet by Grand Hotel Duomo Milano, 1950
By Melchiorre Bega, Gio Ponti
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian two-seat sofa in red corduroy velvet by Grand Hotel Duomo Milano, 1950s Extremely rare red corduroy sofa from fifties, coming from Grand Hote...
Velvet, Wood
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
$6,971 / item
Chairs designed by Gio Ponti for Kardex italiano
By Gio Ponti
Located in IT
These chairs are a model designed by Gio Ponti in 1936 for Montecatini's furniture. They were produced in different variations by the company Parma Antonio & Figli of Saronno, which ...
Metal
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
Pair of Mod. 687 Walnut Stools / Ottomans by Gio Ponti for Cassina, c.1953
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in London, GB
A beautiful pair of Model '687' walnut stools / ottomans designed by Gio Ponti for Cassina, Italy, c.1953. With great sculptural lines and elegant tapered legs, these stools will mak...
Velvet, Wood, Walnut
Molteni&C D.156.3 Leather Armchair by Gio Ponti
By Molteni & C, Gio Ponti
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
Gio Ponti Ninfea Folding Chairs in Wood and White Fabric by Reguitti 1960s Italy
By Fratelli Reguitti, Gio Ponti
Located in Cascina, Pisa
A Ninfea (or Pieghevole Ninfea) folding lounge chair with a structure in the wood, seat, and back in woven white fabric and brass hinges. The Ninfea chair...
Brass
Modello 811 Lounge Chair by Gio Ponti for Cassina, Italy, 1950s
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Antwerp, BE
A rare Modello 811 armchair designed by Gio Ponti circa 1957 for Cassina. Crafted in walnut, it reflects Ponti’s signature blend of architectural precision and refined comfort. Its s...
Velvet, Wood
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 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 699 “Superleggera” Dining Chairs for Cassina, 1957, Set of 2
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti 699 “Superleggera” Dining Chairs for Cassina, Ash, Rope, Italy, 1957, Set of two In 1957 the Italian furniture manufacturer Amedeo Cassina added a new dining chair to its ...
Rope, Ash, Wood
Pair of Armchairs, Mod. 803, Design by Gio Ponti, Cassina Production Italy, 1954
By Gio Ponti
Located in Napoli, IT
Pair of armchairs, mod. 803, designed by Gio Ponti and produced by Cassina, Italy, 1954. Full restored and newly upholster in cotton velvet rust with rust satin sides. Bibliography...
Wood
Gio Ponti 646 "Leggera" Dining Chairs for Cassina, Blue Velvet, 1952, Set of 10
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti 646 “Leggera” dining chairs for Cassina, blue velvet, Italy, 1952, set of 10 The 646 “Leggera” is one of Gio Ponti’s most enduring chair designs—an icon defined by Cassina...
Rope, Ash
Gio Ponti 646 "Leggera" Dining Chairs for Cassina, Blue Velvet, 1952, Set of 14
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti 646 “Leggera” dining chairs for Cassina, blue velvet, Italy, 1952, set of fourteen The 646 “Leggera” is one of Gio Ponti’s most enduring chair designs—an icon defined by C...
Velvet, Ash
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 699 “Superleggera” Dining Chairs for Cassina, 1957, Set of 12
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti 699 “Superleggera” Dining Chairs for Cassina, Ash and Rope, Italy, 1957, Set of twelve. In 1957 the Italian furniture manufacturer Amedeo Cassina added a new dining chair ...
Rope, Wood, Ash