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.
$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
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 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
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
Gio Ponti Continuum BP16 Armchair in Bamboo, Made by Bonacina 1970s-80s
By Bonacina, Gio Ponti
Located in Brussels, BE
Continuum armchair in Bamboo, Designed by Gio Ponti, Made by Bonacina. This example dates to production from the 1970s-80s. Bamboo, wicker and original upholstery and cushion. Dimen...
Upholstery, Bamboo, Wicker
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
20th Century, Gio Ponti for Cassina Armchair mod. 807 Distex
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
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
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
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 for Poltrona Frau Lounge Chairs in Light Blue Leather
By Poltrona Frau, Gio Ponti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gio Ponti for Poltrona Frau, lounge chairs, model ´Dezza´ nr. 48, leather, lacquered wood, metal, Italy, 1965. Stylish lounge chairs designed by Gio Ponti for Poltrona Frau. These ...
Metal
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
20th Century, Gio Ponti for Casa&Giadino Pair of Green Armchairs
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
Armchair by Gio Ponti for Cassina
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Lugo, IT
Armchair by Gio Ponti for Cassina Defects on the Vienna cane, as shown in the photo. Good condition. Thank you.
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
Pair of Gio Ponti Mid-Century Modern Velvet Armchairs for Casa e Giardino, 1950s
By Gio Ponti, Casa e Giardino
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
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
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
Pair of Armchairs “Triennale” by Gio Ponti for ISA Bergamo, Italy
By Gio Ponti
Located in New York, NY
Pair of sculptural armchairs with smooth wooden frames, featuring subtly winged sides and trapezoidal backrests and seats. Designed by Gio Ponti and produced by I.S.A. Bergamo in 195...
Velvet, Wood
Gio Ponti Model 516 Pair of Lounge Chairs, Cream White Painted Walnut, 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
$2,380Sale Price|30% 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
Gio Ponti for ISA Rare Pair of Ivory Bouclé Armchairs or Lounge Chairs 1950s
By Gio Ponti, ISA Bergamo
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Gio Ponti in 1936 and manufactured by ISA Bergamo in the 1950s, this rare and exceptional set includes a pair of upholstered armchairs or lounge chairs accompanied by mat...
Brass
A Gio Ponti Rattan and Bamboo Armchair
By Gio Ponti
Located in New York, NY
A Gio Ponti rattan and bamboo wingback armchair with hand-woven rattan details. Circa 1950.
Rattan, Bamboo
Set/2 Accent Chairs Gio Ponti, 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...
Oak, Wool, Velvet
Gio Ponti Armchairs for ISA Bergamo, Italy, 1952, Set of 2
By Gio Ponti, ISA Bergamo
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti armchairs for ISA Bergamo, sage green fabric and brass, Italy, 1952, Set of 2 Designed in 1952 for ISA Bergamo, these armchairs capture Gio Ponti at his most effortless—re...
Brass
$4,081Sale Price|30% Off
Isa Bergamo Gio Ponti Style Armchair Made in Italy 1950s Original Fabric
By Gio Ponti
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Isa Bergamo Gio Ponti armchair made in Italy 1950s original fabric.
Aluminum
Gio Ponti Set of Four Painted and Gilded Iron Armchairs, 1948
By Gio Ponti, Casa e Giardino
Located in Milan, IT
Gio Ponti set of four painted and gilded Iron armchairs 1948.
Iron
Pair of Gio Ponti Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet "Alata" Lounge Chairs, 1950s
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Pair of bergère armchairs, Alata Mod. 820 armchairs, designed by Gio Ponti for the Royal Hotel in Naples and produced by Cassina, Italy, 1950. Completely restored and recently uphols...
Velvet, Beech
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
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
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
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 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
Pair of Gio Ponti Mid-Century Modern Velvet Armchairs for Casa e Giardino, 1950s
By Gio Ponti, Casa e Giardino
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
Pair of Gio Ponti Armchairs in Coral Red Velvet and Beech, Asko, Finland, 1957
By Asko, Gio Ponti
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 Style Italian Mid-Century Walnut and Damask Curved Back Armchair
By Gio Ponti
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Mid-Century Walnut armchair with a curved wingback form and tapering atomic style armrests with beige damask upholstery on the seat and back (style of GIO PONTI)
Damask
Gio Ponti Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet "Alata" Lounge Chair, 1950s
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Bergère armchair, Alata Mod. 820 armchair, designed by Gio Ponti for the Royal Hotel in Naples and produced by Cassina, Italy, 1950. Completely restored and recently upholstered in v...
Velvet, Beech
Cassina Pair of Italian White Velvet Armchairs, of Transatlantic Ship "Augustus"
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Pair of armchairs with white velvet cover and walnut legs. Design for the transatlantic ship "Augustus". Production Cassina, Italy, 1950. Literature: Paolo Piccione, Gio Ponti Le Nav...
Velvet, Walnut
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 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
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
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
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
$3,009
Gio Ponti, Armchair
By Gio Ponti
Located in London, GB
For Bonacina c.1950s Bamboo and cane with an upholstered cushion in Anni Albers Collection Black mountain Honey Weave by Christopher Farr Cloth ...
Bamboo, Cane
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 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
$9,522Sale Price|20% 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
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
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 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
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 Pionti 807 Distex armchairs Lelievre Paris velvet
By Gio Ponti
Located in Padova, IT
A pair of Distex armchairs designed by Gio Ponti in the 1950s for Cassina. New "Essentiel Cosmos" red and orange exceptionally high-quality velvet upholstery by Lelievre Paris. Perf...
Fabric, Wood
Mid-Century 1955 Vintage Gio Ponti and Cassina Pair Armchairs Mod.803
By Gio Ponti
Located in London, GB
Gio Ponti is an Italian architect, designer, writer and founder of the Domus magazine. He is widely considered one of the benchmarks for the renewal of Italian design after the Secon...
Brass
Armchair by Gio Ponti, 1950
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
This armchair, designed by Gio Ponti, is made out of solid oak, beige cover and cushion renewed Dimension: H 88 cm, W 53 cm, D 52 cm, SH 48 cm Design Gio Ponti, 1950. Manufacturer ...
Oak
Pair of Gio Ponti Mid-Century Modern Curved Armchairs for Casa e Giardino, 1940s
By Gio Ponti, Casa e Giardino
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Pair of curved armchairs designed by Gio Ponti, Casa e Giardino production 1940s, wooden frame, goose down cushions, padding and upholstery in original satin fabric of the time, the ...
Satin, Beech
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
$8,500 / item
Gio Ponti Cane Seat Armchair for Knoll International
By Gio Ponti, Knoll
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
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
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
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