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 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
Set of reupholstered 2 Gio Ponti Chairs, Model 803, Cassina 1950s
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Rare Pair of reupholstered Gio Ponti Armchairs, model «803» Manufactured by Cassina Italy, 1954 Walnut legs, wool fabric & leatherette armrests
Fabric, Faux Leather
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
$2,065Sale Price / item|25% Off
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
Gio Ponti for F.lli Montina Black Chair Mod. "969," Italy 1960s
By Gio Ponti, Montina
Located in Naples, IT
Iconica sedia pattern 969, designed by renowned Italian architect and designer Gio Ponti and produced by the historic Montina Company . La caratteristica distintiva è lo schienale...
Leather, Wood
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
$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
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
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 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
Set of 6 Gio Ponti chairs for ISA Bergamo, white velvet, 1950
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Set of 6 chairs designed by Gio Ponti for ISA Bergamo, circa 1950. The chairs have an elegant and light structure, typical of Ponti’s design language, with white velvet upholstery th...
Velvet, Nutwood
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
"Superleggera" Chairs by Gio Ponti for Cassina, 1950s, Set of 6
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in bruxelles, BE
Set of 6 black wood and wicker chairs designed by Gio Ponti for Cassina. Stamped Cassina. Seat height 46cm. Wear due to time and age. FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PR...
Wicker, 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
$2,635Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Chiavari Gio Ponti Style Mid-Century Modern Italian High Back Chairs 50s
By Gio Ponti, Chiavari
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
Set of Four Model 969 Chairs by Gio Ponti for Montina, Italy, 1970s
By Montina, Gio Ponti
Located in Milan, IT
Set of four chairs by Gio Ponti for Montina. Natural finish wood frames with scroll backrest.
Wood
$1,362 / item
Gio Ponti '969' Chairs
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
Gio Ponti & Emilio Lancia Chairs for Domus Nova, 1930, Set of 4
By Emilio Lancia, Gio Ponti
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti & Emilio Lancia Chairs for Domus Nova, fabric and wood, Italy, 1930, set of four Designed in 1930 by Gio Ponti and Emilio Lancia for Domus Nova, these chairs represent...
Fabric, Wood
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 & Emilio Lancia Chairs for Domus Nova, 1930, Set of 6
By Gio Ponti, Emilio Lancia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti & Emilio Lancia Chairs for Domus Nova, fabric and wood, Italy, 1930, set of six Designed in 1930 by Gio Ponti and Emilio Lancia for Domus Nova, these chairs represent ...
Fabric, 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
Mid Century Folding Chairs Eden Designed by Gio Ponti, Italy 60s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Lucija, SI
Rare folding chairs design by one of the most famous italian designer Gio Ponti. This are model Eden from the 60s Reupholstered
Faux Leather, Beech
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 & Emilio Lancia Chairs for Domus Nova, 1930, Set of 2
By Emilio Lancia, Gio Ponti
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti e Emilio Lancia Chairs for Domus Nova, fabric and wood, Italy, 1930, set of two Designed in 1930 by Gio Ponti and Emilio Lancia for Domus Nova, these chairs represent a pi...
Fabric, Wood
Gio Ponti “ Superleggera” N. 4, Chair Wood Straw Padding, 1950, Italy
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
N . 4 Superleggera Gio Ponti.
Wood, Raffia
$7,060 / 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
Set of 5 chairs Mod. 969, Gio Ponti, Montina, 1969 mid-century green
By Gio Ponti, Montina
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Set of 5 chairs Mod. 969, Gio Ponti, Montina, Italy, 1969 Elegant reinterpretation of the scroll chair designed by Ponti for the VI Triennale in 1936. Beech frame, curved plywood b...
Fabric, Wood
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 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
$2,353 / item
Gio Ponti Leggera Chair For Cassina
By Gio Ponti
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Gio Ponti Leggera Chair For Cassina An icon of chair design and of Cassina’s masterful artisan craftsmanship. A tasteful and versatile piece remin...
Walnut
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
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
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 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
$2,450 / set
Set of Four White Gio Ponti Livia Chairs
By Gio Ponti
Located in Dronten, NL
Originally designed by design Giò Ponti in 1937, these chairs are 21st C re-editions. The Livia chair owes its name to the 'livianum' offices in the University of Padua that it was d...
Beech
Italian Design Classic - Gio Ponti, Superleggera Chair for Cassina, 1960s
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Renens, CH
The “699 Superleggera” chair is an iconic design created by the renowned Italian architect and designer Gio Ponti. Designed in 1957, this chair is celebrated for its lightweight (ju...
Mohair, Ash
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 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
$19,886 / 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
$3,471 / item
Gio Ponti Leggera Chair For Cassina
By Gio Ponti
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Gio Ponti Leggera Chair For Cassina An icon of chair design and of Cassina’s masterful artisan craftsmanship. A tasteful and versatile piece remin...
Walnut
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
Chair with armrests mod 110, design Gio Ponti for Cassina
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Elegant small armchair/chair with arms mod. 110 with walnut frame, bronze feet and original ivory upholstery, designed by Gio Ponti for Cassina. Italy, ca. 1950. The structure has b...
Bronze
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 699 “Superleggera” Dining Chair for Cassina, 1957
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti 699 “Superleggera” dining chair for Cassina, ash, rope, Italy, 1957 In 1957 the Italian furniture manufacturer Amedeo Cassina added a new dining chair to its collection. I...
Rope, Ash, Wood
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 "Fireside" Chair Walnut and Rush Seat, 1930's
By Gio Ponti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gio Ponti designed chair with high ladder back typical of Ponti's style. Dark, stained wood frame with rush wicker seat. Manufactured for Casa E Giardino, Milan, Italy 1939.
Walnut
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 “Leggera” Cassina 1950 Wood Ecological Leather Padding, Italy
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
Gio Ponti “Leggera“ Cassina 1950 wood ecological leather, 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
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 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, Chair for Casa e Giardino, wood and wicker, Milan 1939 circa
By Gio Ponti
Located in Argelato, BO
Sculptural fireside chairs by Gio Ponti for Casa e Giardino, circa 1939. Natural woven rush seat.
Wicker, 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 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 699 Superleggera Chairs Designed By Gio Ponti For Cassina. Italy, 1957.
By Gio Ponti
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of Superleggera chairs designed by Gio Ponti for Figli Di Amadeo Cassina. Made of solid ash wood and rattan. Italy, 1957. Their construction challenge lies in the triangular sec...
Rattan, Wood
Set of 6 Gio Ponti Leggera Model 646 Dining Chairs for Cassina, Italy, 1950s
By Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in Argelato, BO
A wonderful set of 6 original, early Gio Ponti Leggera Model 646 dining chairs, Cassina, Italy, 1950s. In restored condition with new upholstery, dark red wood and bouclé fabric. Al...
Bouclé, 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
Gio Ponti 699 “Superleggera” Dining Chairs for Cassina, 1957, Set of 6
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti 699 “Superleggera” Dining Chairs for Cassina, Ash, Rope, Italy, 1957, set of six. In 1957 the Italian furniture manufacturer Amedeo Cassina added a new dining chair to its...
Rope, Wood, Ash
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 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