The Italian architect, artist and furniture designer Ico Parisi (1916–96) and his wife and frequent collaborator, Luisa Parisi (1914–90), formed one of the most prolific and spirited European design teams of the postwar period. Together they created a magnetic aesthetic that combines the refined angularity and elegance of the work of Gio Ponti with the liveliness and lightness of the furniture of Carlo Mollino.
Ico Parisi — his first name is short for Domenico — was born and raised in Palermo. He moved to the northern Italian city of Como in the early 1930s and lived and worked there the remainder of his life. He initially studied and worked as a civil engineer, but later became an associate in the office of architect Giuseppe Terragni, a leading light of the stern and formal Rationalist design movement. Ico moved in artistic circles that included Lucio Fontana and Bruno Munari; after he married Luisa Aiani — a former student of Gio Ponti’s — in 1947 their design studio became known as an artists’ salon. The couple’s big break as designers came the following year when their work was shown, along with that of Carlo Mollino, Paolo Buffa, Franco Albini and other greats, leading to contracts with manufacturers such as Cassina and Singer & Sons.
What attracted these firms was the Parisis’ fluency with a wide array of furniture forms. No two looks are quite alike. Their body of work includes a series of coffee and dining tables and consoles for Singer & Sons created in the early 1950s that feature notch-edged tops and javelin-shaped legs, and cabinets and credenzas such as those with plain fronts and molded-teak and plywood detailing for MIM Rome (1959). Their chairs range from sleek dining pieces with supple, bone-shaped backrests for Singer & Sons to the lush Model 813 Uovo, or Egg chair, for Cassina (1951). Then, as now, Parisi furnishings can fill an entire decor, yet seem eclectic and at the height of style.
20th Century Ico & Luisa Parisi Yellow Ceramic for Zanolli & Sebellin
By Ico & Luisa Parisi
Located in Turin, Turin
Yellow and white ceramic, designed by Ico Parisi & Luisa Parisi in 1966 for Zanolly & Sebellin. Entirely in glazed ceramic. Very good condition.
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Italian Ceccarelli Ceramic Cats on Cushion
By Ceccarelli
Located in Sarasota, FL
Signed by Italian ceramicist Ceccarelli, this vintage sculpture captures the affectionate charm of two cats resting together on a tasseled cushion. The larger long-haired cat gazes o...
Terracotta
20th Century Chinese Ceramic Tang SanCai (Tri Color)Horse
Located in Pomona, CA
A large vintage Tang style Sancai glazed terracotta horse. This exquisite piece features a striking green and brown color glazed finish, infusing it with a touch of classic allure. T...
Ceramic
A studio art ceramic sculpture of two mermaids, mid 20th century
Located in View Park, CA
A very special studio art ceramic pottery sculpture of two - perhaps lesbian - mermaids sharing a secret, signed, mid twentieth century. This unique sculpture also doubles as a catch...
Ceramic, Pottery
20th century French Rooster Art Deco Ceramic Sculpture, 1930s
By Jacques Adnet
Located in LEGNY, FR
Beautiful crackled ceramic rooster from the Art Deco period in very good condition. In the style of Jacques Adnet. Numbered under the base. The rooster stands proud and elegantly. F...
Ceramic
20th century French Art deco Ceramic LeJan Boat, 1930s
By LEJAN
Located in LEGNY, FR
Art deco Lejan “Bateau à cavalière” in white crackled ceramic, featuring an artisanal and timeless 1920s style. A decorative piece, perfect for a shelf, coffee table, or display cabi...
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Large Italian Ceramic Cat Figure
Located in Charleston, SC
Now this is a fun and funky cat. Immediately upon seeing the face, it has that Italian look, almost like a smirk. Sitting in the common perched position. Seems to be intentional craz...
Ceramic
Yellow Banana Ceramic Sculpture, Zanolli Nove Italy, circa 1970
By Rita Zanolli
Located in Firenze, IT
Yellow banana ceramic sculpture Zanolli Nove Italy, circa 1970 Measures: 48 x 15 x 20 cm Conditions: Excellent.
Ceramic
$1,196
H 11.5 in W 5.5 in D 9 in
Magnificent Life-Size Zanolli, Italian Hand Painted Ceramic Barn Owl c1980s
By Midcentury Italian school
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Impeccably hand painted life-size barn owl figure by Zanolli, Italy from the 1980's Has incredible presence - a terrific piece Circa 1980's Signed Zanolli, Italy Height 11.5 inch, Wi...
Ceramic
$377Sale Price|20% Off
H 16.93 in W 9.06 in D 11.82 in
Mid 20th Century Medium Ceramic Leopard Decorative Sculpture, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Italian ceramic, signatures, very good original very good vintage condition. No damages. Leopard was produced in 1960s in Italy.
Ceramic
Ceramic Figure of a Rabbit by Ronzan, Mid-20th Century
Located in Delft, NL
Ceramic figure of a rabbit by Ronzan, mid-20th century This ceramic rabbit was made by the Italian manufacturer Ronzan. The rabbit is made of white and glazed ceramics with green painted eyes and nose. Giovanni Ronzan...
Ceramic
20th Century Ceramic Vase by Andree & Michel Hirlet, circa 1970
By Andrée & Michel Hirlet
Located in London, GB
Glazed stoneware vase by Andrée & Michel Hirlet. Material: Stoneware, glazing. Dimensions: H 42 x 27 cm. Year: circa 1970. Unique piece, signed. Working outside of any wider artisti...
Stoneware
20th Century Signed Ceramic Figure Sculpture
By Clyde Burt
Located in Dallas, TX
Very beautifully done, three figures. Signed RZ in base, possibly Roger Zellner. Clyde Burt style as well.
Ceramic, Wood
Ico & Luisa Parisi L'occhio ceramic sculpture for Zanolli & Sebellin, 1966
By Ico & Luisa Parisi
Located in Milan, IT
Ico & Luisa Parisi L'occhio ceramic sculpture for Zanolli & Sebellin, 1966 Signed ZS NOVE
Ceramic