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.
Italian Wingback Chair in original condition, Produced by I.S.A. Bergamo, 1950s
By ISA Bergamo, Gio Ponti
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Mustard-yellow ISA Bergamo armchair, presumably designed by Gio Ponti, in original condition.
Wood, Fabric
Gio Ponti Pair of High Back Armchairs in Ivory Bouclé, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in New York, NY
Gio Ponti pair of high back armchairs or lounge chairs in white or ivory bouclé with polished walnut tapering legs. These chic armchairs have the classic shape of a wingback chair, ...
Wood, Bouclé
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
Gio Ponti, Wingback / Lounge Chair, White and Blue Fabric, Oak, Cassina, 1950s
By Figli di Amadeo Cassina, Gio Ponti
Located in High Point, NC
A white and blue fabric and oak lounge chair / wingback chair designed by Gio Ponti and produced by Cassina, Italy, 1950s. Wooden legs present with light areas of wear consistent w...
Fabric, Oak
$12,000 / set
H 32.68 in W 16.93 in D 43.31 in
Gio Ponti "807 Distex" Lounge Chair for Cassina, Camel and Brown Velvet, 1953
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti " 807 Distex" lounge chair for Cassina, camel and brown velvet, Italy, 1953 Designed in 1953 and presented at the X Triennale di Milano in 1954, the 807 “Distex” by Gio Po...
Velvet
$3,450 / set
H 39 in W 33.5 in D 34 in
Pair of Danish 1940s Style Large Scale High Back Lounge Chairs with Ottomans
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Pair of great large scale Danish club or lounge chairs of newer fabrication in the style of 1940's chairs but likely made around 2000. We found the chairs in Denmark and based on the looks they appeared to be 1940's but upon closer review we found them to be of much newer date. We liked the look and style very much and decided to offer them here. The chairs are superbly charming and similarly comfortable with a very strong presence to anchor any room. Raised on legs of oak. The chairs were made by Danish manufacturer, Hjort Knudsen...
Wool, Oak
$23,871
H 42.92 in W 29.93 in D 31.5 in
Important Ottorino Aloisio Wingback Chair in Green Mohair, Colli, Italy, 1957
By Colli Torino
Located in The Hague, NL
This exceptional wingback chair was designed by Ottorino Aloisio in 1957. The chair was manufactured by the Turin workshop of Pier Luigi Colli. The ...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut, Mohair, Silk, Velvet
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
$54,793 / set
H 34.26 in W 27.76 in D 39.38 in
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
Armchair by Gio Ponti for Cassina
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
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
Danish Modern 1940s Wingback Lounge Chair With Wooden Wings
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Great example of early Danish midcentury design, circa 1930-40s wingback chair in hand carved solid oak with exposed sides and brass tacks. Sturdy and strong construction of generous...
Wool, Oak
$5,000 / set
H 33.25 in W 23 in D 28 in
Beautiful Original 1950s Lounge Chairs in the style of Gio Ponti
By Gio Ponti
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of 1950s Lounge Chairs, black wooden legs and recently reupholstered in black and white striped cotton fabric. Chairs have original spring webbing. Ready for a new home.
Fabric, Wood
$4,200
H 40.5 in W 32.75 in D 33.5 in
Fritz Hansen 1950s Wingback Chair Model 8023 in Teak Danish Midcentury
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fantastic Danish midcentury wingback chair model 8023 designed by Fritz Hansen and first seen in Fritz Hansen's 1951 catalog. Very elegant design with a slim silhouette and a strong ...
Wool, Teak
$12,720 / set
H 45.67 in W 27.96 in D 34.26 in
Italian Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chairs in Bouclé, Italy 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
These mid-century modern Italian high-back chairs are exquisite examples of the timeless elegance that defines the era’s design in Italy. Crafted during the peak of the movement, the...
Bouclé, Wood, Fabric
$9,750
H 37.41 in W 76.78 in D 37.41 in
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
$16,500 / set
H 39.25 in W 28 in D 33 in L 39.25 in
Gio Ponti, Lounge Chairs, Velvet, Wood, Italy, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of red, brown, blue velvet and wood lounge chairs designed by Gio Ponti and produced by Dassi, Italy, 1950s. Vintage fabric in fair to distressed condition, reupholstery reco...
Velvet, Wood
Danish Modern 1950s Highback Lounge Wing Chair With Wooden Armrests
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful and very unique Danish 1940s wingback chair with nicely carved armrest in stained beechwood. Very elegant with strong angular lines and a strong presence to anchor any roo...
Wool, Beech
$13,800
H 35.04 in W 25.6 in D 35.44 in
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
$20,547 / set
H 43.31 in W 28.35 in D 32.29 in
Gio Ponti Pair of Wingback Armchairs, Italian Mid-Century Design, 1950s
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
Pair Gio Ponti wingback armchairs in Venetian red velvet
By Gio Ponti
Located in London, GB
A fantastic pair of Gio ponti wingback armchairs newly upholstered in hand stitched fine Venetian red velvet .
Velvet, Wood
Gio Ponti Rare Pair of Lounge Chairs 1940s 'COA from Ponti Archive'
By Gio Ponti
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare and important pair of high back lounge chairs with wood frames and upholstered seats and backs by Gio Ponti and fabricated by Ariberto Colombo, Cantu, Italy 1940's. These chairs...
Fabric, Wood
Gio Ponti Ivory Wingback Armchair N. 512, circa 1940
By ISA Bergamo, Gio Ponti
Located in Rome, IT
Important armchair designed by Gio Ponti in late 1940 and probably produced by Isa Bergamo recently reupholstery in ivory velvet, walnut feet very good condition Measures: H 109cm...
Velvet, Walnut
Sold
H 41.75 in W 29.5 in D 30 in
Pair of Italian Midcentury Hi Back Lounge Chairs / Armchairs by Gio Ponti, 1955
By ISA Bergamo, Gio Ponti
Located in New York, NY
An elegant, stunning pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern armchairs or lounge or wingback or high back chairs by Gio Ponti, 1955 for Editions ISA, Bergamo. Gio Ponti was known for work...
Upholstery, Hardwood
Gio Ponti Continuum Lounge Chair BP16 Bonacina, Italy, 1963
By Bonacina, Gio Ponti
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Rare rattan‘Continuum’ lounge chair model BP16 designed by Gio Ponti, manufactured by Bonacina, Lurago d’Erba, Como, Italy, 1963. The chair is completely made of rattanr and has newl...
Upholstery, Rattan
Gio Ponti Lounge Chair in Light Blue Wool with Saddle Leather Piping
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Gio Ponti for both Cassina and Dassi, light blue wool with leather piping upholstered lounge chair with the classic shape of a wingback chair but with the modernist lines...
Upholstery, Wood
Italian Yellow Wingback Chair, Produced by I.S.A. Bergamo, 1950s
By ISA Bergamo, Gio Ponti
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Wingback chair, produced by I.S.A. Bergamo, Italy, 1950s. Re-upholstered with mohair fabric by Kvadrat - "Raf Simons" Haakon 2. Feel free to contact us for more detailed pictures.
Mohair, Wood
Sold
H 44.1 in W 28.35 in D 27.56 in
Gio Ponti Pair of High Back Armchairs Newly Upholstered in Teal Velvet
By Gio Ponti
Located in London, GB
A magnificent and elegant pair of Gio Ponti newly upholstered high back armchairs in fine teal velvet. The chairs are designed with beautiful lines with indented sides and buttoned b...
Velvet, Wood
Gio Ponti Continuum BP16 Lounge Chair Bonacina Italy 1963
By BBB Bonacchina, Gio Ponti
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Rare bamboo 'Continuum' lounge chair model BP16 designed by Gio Ponti, manufactured by Bonacina, Lurago d'Erba, Como Italy 1963. The chair is completely made of bamboo and wicker and...
Upholstery, Bamboo, Cane
Pair of Gio Ponti "Conte Biancomo" Wicker Chairs
By Gio Ponti
Located in Girona, Spain
Pair of highback wicker ratan chairs designed for the cruiseship "Conte Biancomo" made by Vittorio Bonacini and Co. Italy, 1950's. Ratan. Very good vintage condition
Gio Ponti Wicker Chair
By Gio Ponti
Located in New York, NY
Originally designed for Luxury Liner "Conte Biancomo". Made by Vittorio Bonacini and Co. and retailed by Rosenthal - Netter. Some extremely minot loss to the wrapping, normal and co...
Exclusive Gio Ponti Armchair Unique Piece
By Gio Ponti
Located in Rome, IT
GIO PONTI ARMCHAIR unique piece from a suite of the Hotel Parco dei Principi in Roma 1964 manufactured by Cassina this exhamaple is a unique piece, produced in pink alcantara for...
Brass
high back chair by Gio Ponti
By Gio Ponti
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Bamboo high-back lounge chair designed by Ponti for the interior of the luxury cruise ship "Conte Biancamano '.
Bamboo