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 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
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
$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 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
$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 646 "Leggera" Dining Chairs for Cassina, Green Velvet, 1952, Set of 2
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
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
$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
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
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
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
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
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
Gio Ponti Model 116 Dining Chair for Singer and Sons Produced By Giordano Chiesa
By Giordano Chiesa, Gio Ponti
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
$4,875Sale Price / item|66% Off
Gio Ponti Model 516 Armchair, Painted Walnut, Cream White, 1950
By Cassina, Gio Ponti, Figli di Amadeo 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
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
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 & Emilio Lancia Wood and Rush Armchair for Domus Nova, Italy, 1929
By Emilio Lancia, Gio Ponti
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
Gio Ponti ivory wingback armchair, model n. 512 by Cassina, 1950
By Gio Ponti, Figli di Amadeo Cassina
Located in Rome, IT
Important armchair designed by Gio Ponti 1950 model n.512 produced by F.lli Cassina recently reupholstery in white ivory velvet, walnut feet conic walnut feet and ivory velvet very ...
Velvet, Walnut
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
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
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 699 “Superleggera” Dining Chairs for Cassina, 1957, Set of 4
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti 699 “Superleggera” Dining Chairs for Cassina, Ash, Rope, Italy, 1957, Set of four. In 1957 the Italian furniture manufacturer Amedeo Cassina added a new dining chair to it...
Rope, Ash, Wood
Gio Ponti Chair Mod. "646 Leggera" in Wood and Blue Fabric, Italy 1960s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Naples, IT
A very rare and iconic chair Mod. "646 Leggera" by Gio' Ponti, the chair is made of wood and the upholstery of blue fabric.
Fabric, Wood
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 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
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 646 "Leggera" Dining Chairs for Cassina, 1952, Set of 6
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
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
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 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
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, 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
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
Pair of Italian Organic Modern Lounge Chairs by Gio Ponti for Casa e Giardino
By Casa e Giardino, Gio Ponti
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
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
$23,826 / 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 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
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
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
Set of 2 Gio Ponti “Leggera” Chairs for Cassina, Italy, 1957
By Gio Ponti
Located in Kampen, NL
Set of two Leggera 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 and du...
Straw, Ash
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
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
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 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
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 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
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
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 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
High Back Sofa By Gio Ponti For ISA Bergamo in Bouclé Fabric Upholstery 1950s
By ISA Bergamo, Gio Ponti
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
$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
$7,900Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Sofa by Gio Ponti for ISA Bergamo
By ISA Bergamo, Gio Ponti
Located in New York, NY
An elegant, stunning Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofa with modern neoclassical influences by Gio Ponti for Editions ISA, Bergamo, circa 1955. This sofa features a high back, wingback ...
Mohair, Upholstery, Hardwood
Gio Ponti 646 "Leggera" Dining Chairs for Cassina, Blue Velvet, 1952, Set of 10
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
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
$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
Carlo De Carli and Gio Ponti pair of Mod.802 armchairs covered in padded fabric
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
Carlo De Carli, Gio Ponti Pair of Mod.802 armchairs covered in padded fabric. Designed in 1954, they were made in a variant with brass feet for the Italian Cultural Institute in Sto...
Fabric
Set of 8 Gio Ponti for Cassina 646 Leggera Dining Chairs
By Gio Ponti
Located in Astoria, NY
Gio Ponti (Italian, 1891-1979) for Cassina Set of Eight "646 Leggera" Dining Chairs, black lacquered ash wood and upholstered seats. 32.5" H x 17" W x 18" D; seat 18" H. Provenance...
Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer
$40,000 / set
Gio Ponti Armchairs for Hotel Royal by Dassi
By Dassi, Gio Ponti
Located in New York, NY
Rare pair of wingback armchairs designed by famed architect and furniture maker Gio Ponti for the Hotel Royal in Naples, Italy in 1953. Manufactured by Das...
Fabric, Wood
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
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
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 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