Domenico “Ico” Parisi was one half of a prolific postwar design duo he comprised with his wife, Luisa. Their furniture designs are known for running the stylistic gamut, with celebrated mid-century modern pieces ranging from elegantly skeletal — like dramatic ebonized dining chairs — to plush and shapely, like the iconic 1951 Egg chair, in a plethora of materials.
The son of an art teacher father, Ico Parisi was exposed to art at an early age. Born in 1916 in the Sicilian capital of Palermo, he and his family moved to Como in 1925. There, the young Parisi would begin to develop his interest in architecture and design. After earning a degree as a building inspector in 1936 and working as a civil engineer, Parisi took on an apprenticeship in the studio of Giuseppe Terragni, the modernist, fascist Italian architect, pioneer of the Rationalist movement and creator of the iconic Casa del Fascio.
While working for Terragni, Parisi crossed paths with such contemporary design talents as Lucio Fontana, Bruno Munari and Pietro Lingeri, though he briefly moved away from design and architecture to explore photography and film. His artistic work would soon be interrupted, however, by the outbreak of World War II, during which he served at the front before returning to Como in 1943. There, he resumed work as a designer and architect, founding two architecture groups: the Alta Quota and the Gruppo Como.
Through his creative circles, Parisi met Luisa Aiani, a former student of the prolific architect and furniture designer Gio Ponti, who was affiliated with the Alta Quota. They married in 1947 and founded the studio La Ruota — a cross between a design firm and an intellectual salon — in Como shortly thereafter. In 1950, Parisi finally completed his architectural schooling, studying under the nationalist architect Alberto Sartoris at the Athenaeum Architecture School in Lausanne, Switzerland. He and Aiani began several decades of sophisticated output, designing curved sofas upholstered in yellow velvet and armchairs with slender mahogany frames for enduring Italian manufacturers such as Cassina and others.
Much like Charles and Ray Eames in America, the Parisis worked as a team and relied on experimentation in style and material for many of their designs. Ico Parisi died in Como in 1996.
Find a collection of vintage Ico Parisi coffee tables, dining chairs and more on 1stDibs.
Mario Tsai, Aluminium Tsai Suspension Lamp by Cassina
By Ico Parisi
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mario Tsai, Aluminium Tsai Suspension Lamp by Cassina UNIT OF LIGHT A collection of modular metal lamps in which the base unit alludes to the shape of a brick. A simple lighting sy...
Aluminum
Rare Italian Mid-Century Sideboard by Ico Parisi, Italy, 1950s
By Ico Parisi
Located in Buccinasco, MI
Rare Italian Mid-Century Sideboard by Ico Parisi, Italy, 1950s – Documented in the Catalogue Raisonné An elegant and architecturally balanced Italian Mid-Century sideboard designed ...
Brass
Six-Piece Walnut Positano Bed by Ico Parisi for MIM Mobili Italiani Moderni Roma
By Ico Parisi, MIM Roma
Located in Petershagen, DE
This rare, six-piece bed is from the Positano series, which was designed by Ico Parisi for MIM Roma (Mobili Italiani Moderni). It exemplifies the elegant functionality of Italian mod...
Metal
Leather Settee Model 919 by Ico Parisi for Cassina, Italy, 1960s
By Ico Parisi, Cassina
Located in Milan, IT
Scarce leather settee model 919 by Ico Parisi for Cassina. The piece was manufactured by Cassina upon commission for interiors projects by Ico Parisi. Sold together with a certificat...
Leather
Vintage Sideboard of Eight Drawers by Ico Parisi, Italy, 1970s
By Ico Parisi, MIM Roma
Located in Roma, IT
Sideboard of eight drawers realized by Ico Parisi for MIM. With plywood structure covered in rosewood. Details in satin aluminium. Signs of use present with rosewood veneered plywood...
Wood, Plywood
Ico Parisi for MIM Roma Rotating Door Coat Stand Mod. Formia, Italy 1958
By Ico Parisi, MIM Roma
Located in Naples, IT
Rotating door coat rack mod. Formia with wooden frame and cloth upholstery. Metal details, Prod. MIM, Italy, 1958. Bibliography, Domus no. 359, October 1959; R. Lietti, Ico Parisi. D...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Italian Wall Unit Model ''Urio'' by Ico Parisi for MIM, 1960s
By Ico Parisi
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Italian Wall Unit Model ''Urio'' by Ico Parisi for MIM, 1960s
Wood
Ico Parisi sofa, model 875 in steel and upholstered fabric
By Ico Parisi
Located in Milano, IT
COD-2183 Ico Parisi (1916-1996) Rare model 875 sofa in steel and upholstered fabric. Cassina 1960 manufacturing. Bibliography: R. Lietti, Ico Parisi. Design. Catalog raisonné 1936...
Steel
Ico Parisi Umbrella Stand for Stildomus in Walnut and Metal, Italy, 1950's
By Stildomus, Ico Parisi
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Rare 1950s Italian umbrella stand by Ico Parisi for Stildomus, made in walnut with metal detailing. The piece has the geometric, architectural quality that marks Parisi’s work in thi...
Metal
Valet clothes rack By ico Parisi
By Ico Parisi
Located in New York, NY
An elegant Italian clothing valet by Ico Parisi for Fratelli Requitti. Brass and beech wood. can be disassembled in two parts. Good conditions.
Wood, Beech
Sideboard by Ico Parisi 1960s Production Brugnoli Cantù
By Brugnoli Mobili Cantú, Ico Parisi
Located in Milano, IT
Sideboard cabinet with hinged doors and exposed drawers, made of exotic wood veneer with brass handles. Completely Restored.
Wood
751 coffee table by Ico Parisi per Cassina
By Ico Parisi, Cassina
Located in Milano, IT
You said: Uploaded image Scrivi un inserzione in inglese per 1stdibs per questa libreria italiana degli anni '60 con montanti in teak massello, lavorati dal pieno. Ripiani in teak c...
Glass, Wood
$1,648Sale Price / item|49% Off
Ico Parisi Wall Unit with Mirror and Stool, 1950, Italy
By Ico Parisi
Located in Oirlo, LI
Ico Parisi wall unit with mirror and stool 1950 Italy Mahogany wall unit or beautiful in the hall with wooden top and finials, with drawer an...
Mahogany
$4,072Sale Price|49% Off
Ico Parisi Rare Large Wood and Laminate Desk with Mirror, Hotel Lorena, 1959.60
By Bernini, Ico Parisi
Located in Rome, IT
Ico and Luisa Parisi vanity desk from Hotel Lorena, Grosseto manufacured by Ditta Bernini Italy, 1959-60 this desk is very rare because this is the large version of the desk and...
Mirror, Laminate, Mahogany
Pair of Lotus Armchair by Ico and Luisa Parisi, Mid-20th Century
By Luisa Parisi, Ico Parisi
Located in Roma, IT
Pair of Lotus armchairs is an elegant piece of design furniture manufactured by Ico and Luisa Parisi in the mid-20th Century Rare pair of armchairs mod...
Leather
Mario Tsai, Aluminium Tsai Suspension Lamp by Cassina
By Ico Parisi
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mario Tsai, Aluminium Champagne Painted Tsai Suspension Lamp by Cassina UNIT OF LIGHT A collection of modular metal lamps in which the base unit alludes to the shape of a brick. A ...
Aluminum
Ico Parisi Wooden Bench for Brugnoli Mobili Cantù, Italy 1974
By Ico Parisi, Brugnoli Mobili Cantú
Located in Hellouw, NL
Ico Parisi, a renowned Italian designer of the 20th century, was celebrated for his innovative and forward-thinking approach to furniture design. Collaborating with Brugnoli Mobili C...
Wood
Bench model Camogli by Ico Parisi for M.I.M Roma, 1958
By Ico Parisi, MIM Roma
Located in Piacenza, Italy
"Camogli" bench, designed by Ico Parisi and produced by M.I.M Roma, is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Made from solid wood with brass details, it showcases exceptional construction ...
Brass
Ico Parisi Palpebra Matt Black Table Lamp by Cassina
By Ico Parisi
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Ico Parisi Palpebra Matt Black Table Lamp by Cassina The creative flair of Ico Parisi in a playful invention of mimicry. This artistic lamp is engineered to open and close, mimicki...
Aluminum
Mid-century Modern brass magazine rack, Ico and Luisa Parisi Italy 1950
By Ico Parisi
Located in Firenze, IT
Mid-century Modern brass angle smoked glass magazine rack designed by Ico and Luisa Parisi Italy 1950 brass, wood H 60 cm - 43 × 18.5 cm Conditions: very good consistent with age...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Italian Teak Wall Unit by Ico Parisi, 1960s
By Ico Parisi
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Italian Teak Wall Unit by Ico Parisi, 1960s
Teak
$13,184Sale Price|20% Off
Important Mid Century Executive Desk by Ico Parisi for MIM 1958
By Ico Parisi
Located in Rome, IT
This large Terni executive desk was designed by Ico Parisi in 1958 for MIM (Mobili Italiani Moderni) Rome, Italy, with a rectangular tabletop, The desk contains a three drawer block ...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Dry Bar by Ico Parisi in Mahogany, Glass, Brass - Italy
By Ico Parisi
Located in Girona, Girona
Dry bar, mahogany veneer, central glass flap door with two small drawers inside, two glass shelves on top, brass handles. Design: Ico Parisi Italy, 1948.
Brass
Ivo Parisi Magazine rack with wheels three compartments Brass wood glass 1950 Itali
By Ico Parisi
Located in Milano, IT
Rare trolley with wheels that if desired remove to three different compartments In brass glass and wood
Bentwood
$17,658
Console by Ico Parisi, 1958
By Brugnoli Mobili Cantú, Ico Parisi
Located in Berlin, DE
Console for wall, made of walnut with brass handles. Three drawers. Dimensions / H.16/30cm - W.150.5cm - D.41cm Design / Ico Parisi 1958 Manufacturer / Colombo e Clerci Como ...
Brass
ICO PARISI - coffee table magazine rack - 1950s
By Ico Parisi
Located in Milano, IT
ICO PARISI - A fine coffee table with magazine rack, designed byL architect ICO PARISI, in the 1950s, made of solid beech wood , with a glass top and brass magazine rack rods. Very n...
Brass
Mid-Century Design Wood Cart/Trolley with Removable Trays by Ico Parisi, Italy
By Angelo De Baggis, Ico Parisi
Located in North Miami, FL
Mid-20th century Modern wood serving cart/trolley with removable glass trays designed by Ico Parisi for Angelo De Baggis, Italy By: Ico Parisi, Angelo De Baggis Material: wood, bras...
Crystal, Metal, Brass, Copper, Zinc
Urio Wall System by Ico Parisi for Mim Roma, Italy, 1957
By MIM Roma, Ico Parisi
Located in Barcelona, ES
Urio wall system in hardwood designed in 1957 by Ico Parisi for MIM Roma, Italy. Different elements including shelves, desk, chest of drawers and cupb...
Metal, Aluminum
751 square coffee table by Ico Parisi for Cassina, 1960s
By Cassina, Ico Parisi
Located in Busnago, IT
A nr 751 square coffee table designed by Ico Parisi, manufactured by Cassina, it's labeled cassina and it has normal signs of use and age on the wood and the glass. This is a classic...
Glass, Wood
Ico Parisi Magazine Table Wood Brass, 1950, Italy
By Ico Parisi
Located in Milano, IT
Ico Parisi magazine table wood brass, 1950, Italy.
Wood
Ico Parisi sconces model 256 by Arteluce Italy 1964
By Ico Parisi
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Rare large sconces model 256 designed by Ico Parisi and manufactured by Arteluce in Italy in 1964. These elegant lamps have the original frosted glass shades inside, giving a lovely ...
Metal
Ico Parisi Oval Marble & Walnut Dining Table
By Fratelli Rizzi, Ico Parisi
Located in New York, NY
Known as model 1948.2 the table consists of a tapered border marble top with elegantly curved walnut base. This table was included in the display at La Ruota, Como, the studio of married designers Ico and Luisa Parisi. Calacatta Gold marble table...
Marble
Italian Mid-Century Modern Valet / Coat Stand by Ico Parisi
By Ico Parisi
Located in New York, NY
An Elegant Italian Mid-Century Modern Personal Valet or Coat Stand by Ico Parisi circa 1950 with storage for coat, shirt, tie, personal articles and shoes. The piece is exquisitely h...
Brass
large Ico Parisi 812 three seat sofa, prototype, executed by A. Colombo 1953
By Ico Parisi, Ariberto Colombo
Located in Rome, IT
Ico Parisi model n. 812 three seat sofa "a uovo" executed for a private residence in Como by Ariberto Colombo in 1953 re-upholstery in ivory and black velvet Wooden frame, black p...
Brass
Leather Sofa Model 919 by Ico Parisi for Cassina, Italy, 1960s
By Cassina, Ico Parisi
Located in Milan, IT
Scarce leather sofa model 919 by Ico Parisi for Cassina. The piece was manufactured by Cassina upon commission for interiors projects by Ico Parisi. Sold together with a certificate ...
Leather
Italian Dining Chairs by Ico Parisi and Luisa Parisi for Ariberto Colombo, 1950s
By Ico Parisi
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
Italian Dining Chairs by Ico Parisi and Luisa Parisi for Ariberto Colombo, 1950s. very good condition. I can sent more detail picture.please contact me. each price.
Walnut
Important Mid Century Executive Desk by Ico Parisi for MIM 1958
By Ico Parisi
Located in Rome, IT
This large Terni executive desk was designed by Ico Parisi in 1958 for MIM (Mobili Italiani Moderni) Rome, Italy, with a rectangular tabletop, The desk contains a three drawer block ...
Wood
Shaped wooden living room table with green Alps marble top
By Ico Parisi
Located in Milano, IT
Ico Parisi (1916-1996) Shaped wooden living room table with green Alps marble top. Coming from a private property in Como, around 1955.
Marble
Ico Parisi, Italian Midcentury Long Sideboard in Walnut, circa 1950
By Ico Parisi
Located in Milan, IT
Ico Parisi, Italian midcentury long sideboard in walnut with white top, circa 1950 Ico Parisi played a significant role in the mid-20th-cen...
Wood
Ico Parisi President Desk Chair for MIM Roma, Italy, 1964, Midcentury Modern
By MIM Roma, Ico Parisi
Located in Antwerp, BE
MIM Roma Mid-Century Modern executive swivel chair, Italy, 1963, Designed by Ico Parisi for M.I.M Roma. The chair is in height adjustable and offers a custom ergonomic experience. Th...
Wool, Upholstery, Walnut
Ico Parisi Mod 110, Italian Walnut and Leather Dining Chairs 1959
By Ico Parisi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian walnut and leather dining chairs by Ico Parisi for Brugnoli, 1959, set of four. Mod. 110
Leather, Walnut
Mid Century Side Chair by Ico Parisi, Italy 1980's
By Ico Parisi
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very cute side or desk chair by Ico Parisi, Italy. It has been fabricated in the early 80's. Very rare piece. Lovely design with gold colored metal base and a shiny black seat and b...
Metal
$6,886 / item
Ico Parisi trolley model 1101 Stildomus Italy 1959
By Ico Parisi, Stildomus
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Introducing a pair of tea trolleys, Model 1101, designed by the renowned Italian designer Ico Parisi and meticulously crafted by Stildomus in Rome, Italy, in 1959. These exquisite tr...
Metal
$3,019Sale Price|10% Off
Mid 20th Century Coffee table in Wood and Metal/Brass by Ico Parisi for Cassina
By Ico Parisi, Figli di Amadeo Cassina
Located in Milano, IT
Mid Century Italian Coffee Table - Ico Parisi Coffee Table - Wooden coffee table - Vintage Italian coffee table A coffee table from the "735" series manufactured by CASSINA, 1957....
Brass, Steel
Cabinet with Drawers, Black / Ico Parisi, 1970
By Brugnoli Mobili Cantú, Ico Parisi
Located in Berlin, DE
This extraordinary drawer cabinet in black lacquered wood was designed by architect and designer Ico Parisi around 1970. The nine drawers of different sizes are equipped with rectang...
Wood
Wooden service trolley model 65 design by Ico Parisi, 1950s, Italy
By Ico Parisi
Located in Milano, IT
Wooden service trolley model 65 design by Ico Parisi, 1950s, Italy Solid wood frame, brass details and two removable beveled glass tops with integrated handles (the last shelf is woo...
Glass, Wood
Ico Parisi Curved Back Sofa Manufactured by Ariberto Colombo
By Ico Parisi
Located in North Miami, FL
As documented by Phillips Auction House - Design Masters Sale on December 17, 2014. Very sculptural details and perfectly restored to its original glo...
Chenille, Wood
Sofa in Grey-Green, Model '875', Ico Parisi, 1960
By Ico Parisi, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
This minimalistic and elegant three-seater sofa has a matt chromed metal structure and new upholstery and cover. The cover is made of 100% wool in a cool grayish green. Excellent con...
Metal, Chrome
Wood and glass coffee table by Ico Parisi, model 751, for Cassina - 1962, Italy
By Ico Parisi
Located in Vicenza, VI
Low coffee table for living room, model 751, is designed by famous Italian architect Ico Parisi in 1962 and produced by Figli di Amedeo Cassina. The solid wooden structure is ingeni...
Glass, Wood
Ico Parisi, Bed and bedside tables from the 540 series, Prod. Fratelli Longhi, 1960s
By Ico Parisi, Fratelli Longhi
Located in Rivoli, IT
Rare set consisting of bed and bedside tables signed Ico Parisi and produced by Fratelli Longhi company since 1969. Good vintage condition. Lacquered wood frame and brass details. Bi...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern "Paraggi" Hanging Mirror by Ico Parisi for MIM, Italy, 1958
By Ico Parisi
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern "Paraggi" Hanging Mirror by Ico Parisi for MIM, Italy, 1958 With original label
Glass, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Ico Parisi Edited by Mim Pair of Italian Bedside Tables
By Ico Parisi
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of bedside tables designed by Ico Parisi edited by MIM. Composed of solid walnut wood structure and metal legs. Interior lighting “mod. 222" designed by Gino Sarfatti for Artel...
Metal
$5,650Sale Price|25% Off
Ico Parisi Wood and Laminate toilette desk with mirror, Hotel Lorena, 1960
By Ico Parisi, Bernini
Located in Rome, IT
Ico and Luisa Parisi vanity desk from Hotel Lorena, Grosseto manufacured by Ditta Bernini Italy, 1959-60 wood, mirrored glass and laminate Measures: H 75cm,110 x 45 cm ; total hei...
Mirror, Laminate, Wood
Italian modern black bedside tables by Ico Parisi for Poggi, 1970s
By Poggi, Ico Parisi
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black bedside tables by Ico Parisi for Poggi, 1970s Pair of bedside tables with wooden drawers. The top with rounded corners is in black leather. On the front there ar...
Leather, Wood
Italian mid-century modern floor ashtray Ariete 1401 Ico Parisi Stildomus, 1960s
By Ico Parisi, Stildomus
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern floor ashtray Ariete 1401 Ico Parisi Stildomus, 1960s Floor ashtray mod. Ariete 1401 with hexagonal base. The main structure is made of wood, with six vert...
Metal
Rare Lounge Chair by Ico Parisi for Mim Roma, 50s Italy
By MIM Roma, Ico Parisi
Located in Landgraaf, NL
Rare lounge chair by Ico Parisi for MIM Roma (Mobili Italiani Moderni), 50s Italy. Rosewood shell with Cognac leather upholstery and cast aluminum base. Leather has been reupholstere...
Leather, Rosewood
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table by Ico Parisi for Cassina, Italy, 1960s
By Ico Parisi
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern coffee table by Ico Parisi for Cassina, Italy, 1960s.
Glass, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Armchairs Model 856 by Ico Parisi, Italy, 1950s
By Ico Parisi
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern pair of armchairs Model 856 by Ico Parisi, Italy, 1950s. Chrome and original leather.
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Ico Parisi Sideboard, Double opening, Italy, 1960s
By Ico Parisi
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Ico Parisi Sideboard,Double opening, Italy, 1960s
Wood
Ico & Luisa Parisi Large Italian mid-century sofa model 869, walnut, cream white
By Ico Parisi
Located in Barcelona, ES
Ico Parisi (1916–1996). Sofa model "869." Manufactured by Figli di Amadeo de Cassina. Italy, 1960. Walnut wood and upholstery. Large Sofa 3/4 place designed with walnut wooden legs ...
Upholstery, Walnut