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.
Pair of rare Cabinets by Gio Ponti for Domus Nova, Italy, 1930s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Elegant pair of high cabinets designed by Gio Ponti, Italy, circa 1930s. Each piece is crafted in burl wood and walnut, showcasing a refined geometric design enriched by a gently cur...
Wood
Gio Ponti Console Table for Singer, Lacquered Oak & Iron, Italy, 1960s
By Gio Ponti, Singer
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
Gio Ponti Console Table for Singer, Lacquered Oak & Iron, Italy, 1960s A rare 1960s Gio Ponti console table for Singer. Manufactured in Italy in the 1960s, the item is made of l...
Brass, Iron
Mid Century Gio Ponti Model 2140 Display Cabinet / Wall Unit for Singer & Sons
By Gio Ponti
Located in Las Vegas, NV
A very rare Gio Ponti Display Cabinet, Model 2140, produced by Singer & Sons and executed in beautifully grained Italian walnut. This maste...
Walnut
20th Century Brown Italian Walnut M. Singer & Sons Dresser, Cabinet by Gio Ponti
By M. Singer & Sons, Gio Ponti
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-brown, vintage Mid-Cenutry Modern Italian, American geometric dresser cupboard made of hand crafted polished walnut, designed by Gio Ponti an...
Walnut
Gio Ponti, Dresser, Walnut, Singer & Sons, America, 1950s
By M. Singer & Sons, Gio Ponti
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut dresser designed by Gio Ponti and produced by M. Singer & Sons, New York, America, 1950s. Labeled.
Walnut
Italian Mid-Century maple Wardrobe with mirrors by Dassi with Gio Ponti, 1950s
By Gio Ponti, Vittorio Dassi
Located in Buccinasco, MI
This exceptional six-door wardrobe, crafted in the 1950s by Vittorio Dassi, stands as a rare and refined testament to Italian mid-century design. Part of a complete bedroom suite — ...
Mirror, Wood, Maple
20th Century, Gio Ponti for Lietti Wooden Armoire
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...
Earthenware, Wood
Italian Art Deco Set by Gio Ponti for P. Lietti, 1928
By Paolo Lietti & Figli, Gio Ponti, Luigi Brusotti
Located in Meda, MB
This set was produced in Italy, in Cantù (small village in the north of Italy, next to Milan), by Paolo Lietti & Figli and designed by Gio Ponti. It features a mirror manufactured by Luigi Brusotti a matching dresser and an armoire...
Bronze
Gio Ponti wall mounted bookcase Italy 1955
By Gio Ponti, Giordano Chiesa
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
A masterpiece of mid-century design, this wall-mounted bookcase exemplifies the visionary work of Gio Ponti, one of the most influential figures in 20th-century architecture and desi...
Walnut, Paint
Gio Ponti unique bar cabinet made in Italy 1955
By Gio Ponti
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
This stunning and unique high bar cabinet, designed by the legendary Gio Ponti for the home of Guglielminetti, a renowned decor designer for RAI, is a true masterpiece of Italian mid...
Brass
20th Century, Gio Ponti for Dassi Wooden Sideboard 1950s
By Dassi, 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...
Brass
Gio Ponti Singer & Sons Walnut, Rosewood Chest of Drawers Restored
By Richard Singer & Sons, Gio Ponti
Located in Miami, FL
Gio Ponti Singer & Sons Walnut, Rosewood Chest of Drawers Restored Offered for sale is a Gio Ponti for Singer & Sons rosewood and walnut restored chest of drawers from the 1950s. T...
Rosewood, Walnut
Gio Ponti, Singer & Sons, Italian Mid-Century Modern, Sculptural Dresser, Walnut
By Gio Ponti
Located in Manhasset, NY
Gio Ponti, Singer & Sons, Italian Mid-Century Modern, Sculptural Dresser, Walnut, Labeled Iconic Rare and important cabinet designed by world renowned Italian designer Gio Ponti for...
Walnut
Gio Ponti Chest of Drawers Signed M. Singer and Sons Model 2161
By Gio Ponti
Located in San Francisco, CA
Gio Ponti design chest of drawers for Singer & Sons N.Y. Model 2161. Rare and iconic dresser by one of the masters of Italian Mid-Century design incorporating only the highest quality construction, design and materials. Newly refinished featuring eight drawers, two top ones with dividers and a sliding...
Walnut
Desk and Stool by Gio Ponti for Fontana Arte, Italy 1938
By Fontana Arte, Gio Ponti
Located in Hellouw, NL
The name Gio Ponti needs little introduction to the design-loving public. This architect, designer and visionary stood at the cradle of modern Italian design. His countless projects ...
Rosewood
Gio Ponti for Singer and Sons Model 2160 Mid Century Walnut Cabinet
By M. Singer & Sons, Gio Ponti
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Gio Ponti for Singer and Sons Mid Century Model 2160 walnut cabinet This cabinet measures: 69.75 wide x 19 deep x 37.5 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting studi...
Walnut
Gio Ponti for Singer & Sons Credenza, Model 2160
By Gio Ponti
Located in San Francisco, CA
Gio Ponti designed credenza for Singer & Sons, Model 2160. Stunning figured walnut case with sculpted doors and legs. Interior comprises four large drawers and an adjustable shelf. T...
Walnut
Italian Midcentury Executive Desk Table with chair designed by Gio' Ponti, 1940s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Traversetolo, IT
This writing table, a true gem designed by Gio Ponti, dates back to the 1940s and is an extraordinary example of Italian design. Its crescent shape is accentuated by a balanced arran...
Walnut
Modern Executive Desk by Alberto Rosselli and Gio Ponti for Arflex, 20th Century
By Gio Ponti, Alberto Rosselli Saporiti
Located in NICE, FR
An iconic piece of Italian modernist design, this Tecniform desk was created in 1958 by the visionary duo Alberto Rosselli and Gio Ponti for Arflex. Embodying the elegant innovation ...
Steel
Pair of Gio Ponti Wardrobe Doors from the Hotel Royal, Naples, 1955
By Giordano Chiesa, Gio Ponti
Located in Rome, IT
Rare pair of Gio Ponti wardrobe doors, 1955 from the furniture of the Hotel Royal, Naples manufactured by Giordano Chiesa and produced by Dassi Lissone 2 mirrors on the verso walnut,...
Brass
Pair of large Gio Ponti olm Wardrobe Doors from the Hotel Royal, Naples, 1955
By Gio Ponti, Giordano Chiesa
Located in Rome, IT
Rare and large pair of Gio Ponti wardrobe doors, 1955 from the furniture of the Hotel Royal, Naples manufactured by Giordano Chiesa and produced by Dassi Lissone 2 mirrors on the ver...
Brass
Mid-Century Bookcase by Gio Ponti for Ariberto Colombo, 1945
By Gio Ponti
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Bookcase by Gio Ponti for Ariberto Colombo, 1945
Wood
Molteni&C D.655.1 Wood Chest of Drawers by Gio Ponti
By Molteni & C, Gio Ponti
Located in Boston, MA
A statement piece for the modern home designed by Gio Ponti. This chest of drawers is imbued with distinctive 1950s style. Hand Painted white drawer fronts offer sturdy handles in el...
Elm, Mahogany, Rosewood, Walnut
20th Century, Gio Ponti for Schirolli Wooden Desk
By Gio Ponti, Schirolli
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...
Wood
$24,199Sale Price|20% Off
Gio Ponti briarwood corner cabinet, with certified
By Gio Ponti
Located in Milano, IT
"Gio Ponti's masterpiece: A magnificent corner cabinet in walnut burl with bronze accents." This extraordinary corner cabinet, designed by the famous Gio Ponti, is a beautiful eleme...
Wood
Gio Ponti, Sideboard, Mahogany, Glass, Vinyl, Brass, Italy, 1950s
By Dassi, Gio Ponti
Located in High Point, NC
A mahogany, glass, vinyl and brass sideboard designed by Gio Ponti and probably produced by Dassi, Italy, 1950s.
Brass
Gio Ponti Display Cabinet Model 4120 for Singer & Sons
By Gio Ponti
Located in San Francisco, CA
Rare and important display cabinet by the master Gio Ponti, model 4120 for Singer & Sons. Elegant and architectural display cabinet in gorgeous Italian walnut with brass sabots and p...
Brass
$15,439Sale Price|25% Off
Italian dresser by Gio Ponti for P. Lietti, 1928
By Gio Ponti, Luigi Brusotti, Paolo Lietti & Figli
Located in Meda, MB
This dresser was produced in Italy, in Cantù (small village in the north of Italy, next to Milan), by Paolo Lietti & Figli and designed by Gio Ponti. It features a mirror manufac...
Bronze
Italian Rosewood Mid Century Modern Executive Desk Gio Ponti Fornaroli Rosselli
By Antonio Fornaroli, Alberto Rosselli Saporiti, Gio Ponti, Studio PFR ( Ponti Fornaroli Rosselli )
Located in Portland, OR
A inconic & rare Mid-Century Modern Italian table Rosewood & steel executive desk, designed by Gio Ponti, Antonio Fornaroli & Alberto Rosselli and produced by Studio PFR, circa 1955,...
Steel
Writing Desk by Gio Ponti, Italy 1940s
By Gio Ponti
Located in San Francisco, CA
Designed in Italy during the 1940s, this writing desk reflects Gio Ponti’s signature approach to modern design—elegant, streamlined, and highly functional. The desk features a total ...
Brass
$15,000Sale Price|40% Off
Gio Ponti Console Chest with Mirror
By Gio Ponti
Located in Hanover, MA
BG GALLERIES SUMMER SALE Gio Ponti long cabinet of six drawers standing on four integrated legs and topped silvered reverse painted glass and surmounted by a large rectangular mirror and a floating glass shelf cut in Ponti's distinctive diamond form. Drawer faces have knife blade edges. Made in 1957 from ash wood and glass. Original brass keys. Perfect for bedroom or entrance hall. "Certificate of Authenticity" from the Gio Ponti Archives. Mobile da camera o da ingresso con cassetti e grande...
Ash, Glass
Gio Ponti, Singer & Sons, Italian Mid-Century Modern, Sculptural Dresser, Walnut
By Gio Ponti
Located in Manhasset, NY
Gio Ponti, Singer & Sons, Italian Mid-Century Modern, Sculptural Dresser, Walnut, Labeled Iconic Rare and important cabinet designed by world renowned Italian designer Gio Ponti for...
Walnut
Gio Ponti, Singer & Sons, Italian Mid-Century Modern, Cabinet, Walnut, Labeled
By M. Singer & Sons, Gio Ponti
Located in Manhasset, NY
Gio Ponti, Singer & Sons, Italian Mid-Century Modern, Sculptural Cabinet, Walnut Iconic, Rare and important cabinet designed by world renowned Italian designer Gio Ponti for America...
Walnut
Italian Armoire by Gio Ponti for P. Lietti, 1928
By Paolo Lietti & Figli, Gio Ponti, Luigi Brusotti
Located in Meda, MB
This wardrobe was produced in Italy, in Cantù (small village in the north of Italy, next to Milan), by Paolo Lietti & Figli and designed by Gio Ponti. It features a mirror manufa...
Bronze
Gio Ponti Italian Post-War Rosewood & Mahogany Cabinet
By Gio Ponti
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Post-War Design (1950s) rosewood and mahogany wall unit bar with 3 lower commodes and upper cabinet decorative tiles on white lacquered door...
Rosewood, Mahogany, Mirror, Lacquer
Gio Ponti for M. Singer and Sons Rare Model 2160 Floating Credenza
By M. Singer & Sons, Gio Ponti
Located in Raleigh, NC
A stunning mid-century modern credenza by the legendary Italian designer Gio Ponti, crafted circa 1950–1951 for M. Singer & Sons. This exquisite Model 2160 features a sleek, low-prof...
Wood, Walnut
Sideboard in Wood and Glass by Gio Ponti 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Gio Ponti large sideboard in wood with two sliding doors in glass, Italian manufacture from the 1950s. The sideboard comes with the Gio Ponti archives certificate. Gio Ponti (Milan...
Glass, Wood
Gio Ponti for Singer and Sons Model 2184 MCM Walnut, Cane and Brass Crednza
By M. Singer & Sons, Gio Ponti
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Gio Ponti for Singer and Sons Model 2184 Mid Century Walnut, Cane and Brass Credenza This credenza measures: 72 wide x 20 deep x 30.25 inches high All pieces of furniture can be ha...
Brass
GIO PONTI, Exceptionnal brass and glass shelf, Circa 1939
By Gio Ponti
Located in Paris, FR
Excepptionnal brass and glass shelf, featuring five supported wooden shelves held by two glass blades at the ends, all securely connected and fix...
Brass
Gio Ponti Bookcase for Studio PFR
By Studio PFR ( Ponti Fornaroli Rosselli ), Gio Ponti
Located in Torino, IT
Gio Ponti Bookcase for Studio PFR Rare modular wall bookcase. Black lacquered metal rod frame. Three wood veneer tops. Refined and minimalist, this bookcase is ideal for those lo...
Metal
Gio Ponti Walnut Commode for Singer & Sons
By Gio Ponti
Located in San Francisco, CA
Gio Ponti design four-drawer walnut commode for Singer & Sons, Italy. The legs had been reduced in height so I had them professionally remade in the exact size and shape. The case an...
Walnut
$17,500Sale Price|30% Off
Gio Ponti Desk & Wall Shelf for Forli Administrative Offices, Gio Ponti Archives
By Gio Ponti
Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL
Designer & Manufacturer: Gio Ponti (Italian, 1891-1979) Markings: Amministrazione Provenciale Florli label Country of Origin & Materials: Italy; fruitwood, laminate, beech, b...
Brass
20th Century, Gio Ponti for Lietti Wooden Cabinet, 20s
By Gio Ponti, Paolo Lietti & Figli
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...
Brass
Gio Ponti Rationalist Cabinet, 1940
By Gio Ponti
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gio Ponti Rationalist Cabinet, wood, Italy, 1940. This office cabinet, designed by Gio Ponti in the 1940s, is crafted through a meticulous study of the play of light. It balances e...
Wood
Italian Modern 12 Drawer Walnut Dresser, Gio Ponti
By Gio Ponti
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Mid-Century Modern 12 drawer walnut dresser, Gio Ponti.
Walnut
20th Century Gio Ponti Sideboard in Wood with Drawers and Storage for Dassi, 50s
By Dassi, 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...
Crystal, Brass
Italian Modern Walnut and Brass Executive Desk, Gio Ponti
By Gio Ponti
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Modern Walnut and Brass Executive Desk, Gio Ponti
Walnut
Monumental Wooden Cabinet with Parchment Panels by Gio Ponti, Italy
By Gio Ponti
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1950s. It features parchment panels and it is made in a rare exotic wood. Its bar part features mirrored glass interiors. This is a vintage piece, therefore it might s...
Brass
pair of GIO PONTI laminate wall cupboard doors with mirrors Hotel PdP Rome, 1964
By Gio Ponti
Located in Rome, IT
pair of GIO PONTI wall cupboard doors, wardrobe, from the original furniture of the Hotel Parco dei Principi in Rome, 1964 ash, formica-laminate- mirror green-blu formica-laminate on the cover and white formica on the verso manufactured by dassi Lissone Measures: height:175cm, 135 x 3 cm very good condition Provenance: this item coming directly from the original furniture of the Hotel PdP copy of original invoice of the Parco dei principi Hotel is available on request Literature: Gio Ponti l’arte si innamora dell’industria-Ugo La Pietra pp 365,367 -Ugo La Pietra, Gio Ponti, New York, 1996, p. 373 -Fabrizio Mautone- Gio Ponti La committenza Fernandes, Electa Napoli 2009,pg 153 Exhibitions ( a similar example): -CENTOVENTI GIO’ PONTI designer...
Mirror, Formica, Ash
Small bookcase by Gio Ponti, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Barcelona, ES
Small bookcase 1950s 50 cm x 30 cm x 50h cm 19,68 in x 11,81 in x 19,68 h in Style Italian, Vintage, Mid-Century
Wood, Walnut