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 Torino, Piemonte
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 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
Sascha Brastoff Signed Figurative Ceramic Sculpture, 20th Century
By Sascha Brastoff
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Sascha Brastoff Signed Figurative Sculpture, 20th Century.
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
Don Quixote: 20th Century Enamelled Ceramic Sculpture
Located in Marseille, FR
Don Quixote: 20th century enamelled ceramic sculpture representing the famous character of Cervantes, self-proclaimed vigilante, knocking down a Windmill that he takes for an evil gi...
Earthenware
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
Large Early 20th Century Glazed Ceramic Blue Duck
Located in Chonburi, TH
Behold a magnificent Large Early 20th Century Glazed Ceramic Blue Duck with a regal purple base. This exquisite avian masterpiece encapsulates the elegance of bygone eras, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship and timeless aesthetic appeal. Standing proud, the duck's cerulean plumage is adorned with a glossy finish, capturing the essence of artisanal mastery. The vibrant interplay of blue and purple hues evokes a sense of opulence, while the sizable form lends an imposing presence. This objet d'art seamlessly blends the charm of early 20th-century design with the allure of glazed ceramics, making it a captivating symbol of artistic refinement and a testament to the enduring allure of vintage decorative pieces.
Ceramic, Porcelain
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
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
Vintage ceramic mushroom objet, 20th century
Located in View Park, CA
A vintage studio art hand-carved ceramic mushroom objet, probably mid to late 20th century. Signed on base.
Ceramic
20th Century Italian Ceramic Prowling White Tiger Statue
Located in Hastings, GB
Mid Century Italian Ceramic white tiger in a pounce pose, stamped made in Italy to the base, in super vintage condition. Height 55 cm x Width 59 cm x Depth 37 cm
Ceramic
Blue ceramic skeleton fish, 20th century
Located in Nice, FR
An original wall decoration in the shape of a stylized fish skeleton, made of ceramic. Glazed ceramic material. Its color is a deep blue, with some lighter shades due to the glaze an...
Ceramic
$464
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
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