The Italian design giant Kartell transformed plastic from the stuff of humble household goods into a staple of luxury design in the 1960s. Founded in Milan by Italian chemical engineer Giulio Castelli (1920–2006) and his wife Anna Ferrieri (1918–2006), Kartell began as an industrial design firm, producing useful items like ski racks for automobiles and laboratory equipment designed to replace breakable glass with sturdy plastic. Even as companies like Olivetti and Vespa were making Italian design popular in the 1950s, typewriters and scooters were relatively costly, and Castelli and Ferrieri wanted to provide Italian consumers with affordable, stylish goods.
They launched a housewares division of Kartell in 1953, making lighting fixtures and kitchen tools and accessories from colorful molded plastic. Consumers in the postwar era were initially skeptical of plastic goods, but their affordability and infinite range of styles and hues eventually won devotees. Tupperware parties in the United States made plastic storage containers ubiquitous in postwar homes, and Kartell’s ingenious designs for juicers, dustpans, and dish racks conquered Europe. Kartell designer Gino Colombini was responsible for many of these early products, and his design for the KS 1146 Bucket won the Compasso d’Oro prize in 1955.
Buoyed by its success in the home goods market, Kartell introduced its Habitat division in 1963. Designers Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper created the K1340 (later called the K 4999) children’s chair that year, and families enjoyed their bright colors and light weight, which made them easy for kids to pick up and move. In 1965, Joe Colombo (1924–78) created one of Kartell’s few pieces of non-plastic furniture, the 4801 chair, which sits low to the ground and comprised of just three curved pieces of plywood. (In 2012, Kartell reissued the chair in plastic.) Colombo followed up on the success of the 4801 with the iconic 4867 Universal Chair in 1967, which, like Verner Panton’s S chair, is made from a single piece of plastic. The colorful, stackable injection-molded chair was an instant classic. That same year, Kartell introduced Colombo’s KD27 table lamp. Ferrierei’s cylindrical 4966 Componibili storage module debuted in 1969.
Kartell achieved international recognition for its innovative work in 1972, when a landmark exhibition curated by Emilio Ambasz called “Italy: The New Domestic Landscape” opened at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. That show introduced American audiences to the work of designers such as Gaetano Pesce; Ettore Sottsass, founder of the Memphis Group; and the firms Archizoom and Superstudio (both firms were among Italy's Radical design groups) — all of whom were using wit, humor and unorthodox materials to create a bracingly original interior aesthetic.
Castelli and Ferrieri sold Kartell to Claudio Luti, their son-in-law, in 1988, and since then, Luti has expanded the company’s roster of designers.
Kartell produced Ron Arad’s Bookworm wall shelf in 1994, and Philippe Starck’s La Marie chair in 1998. More recently, Kartell has collaborated with the Japanese collective Nendo, Spanish architect Patricia Urquiola and glass designer Tokujin Yoshioka, among many others. Kartell classics can be found in museums around the world, including MoMA, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. In 1999, Claudio Luti established the Museo Kartell to tell the company’s story, through key objects from its innovative and colorful history.
Find vintage Kartell tables, seating, table lamps and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Grey ABS 4663 Wall Ashtray/emptying trays by Centro Kappa for Kartell, 1980s
By Kartell, Kappa
Located in Varese, Lombardia
This wall ashtray is made up by 3 main parts with an additional removable tray. this sculptural item was designed as an ashtray but I think it should be more iteresting used as an em...
Plastic
Set of 4 Kartell Jellies Round Trays in Pink by Patricia Urquiola
By Kartell, Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A comprehensive line of trays made from colorful and transparent PMMA plastic. The line's individuality is down to the fact that each model presents a different organic pattern that ...
Resin, Plastic
Red 4630 Roto Ashtray by Joe Colombo for Kartell
By Kartell, Joe Colombo
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Originally designed in 1970 and produced by Kartell in 1973 two years after designer Joe Colombo's death, the Kartell 4630 Roto/Rotocenere ashtray is Colombo at his finest. Red plast...
Plastic
$233Sale Price / set|30% Off
Kartell Salad Spoon & Fork Casalinghi, 1958 Design, Gino Colombini, Milan, Italy
By Gino Colombini, Kartell
Located in Andernach, DE
Absolute rare collectors item by Kartell Samco, Italy: this very set of salad cutlery comes in a cream with pistachio green handles! Designed in 1958 amongst other household items by...
Plastic
White 4630 Roto Ashtray by Joe Colombo for Kartell
By Kartell, Joe Colombo
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Originally designed in 1970 and produced by Kartell in 1973 two years after designer Joe Colombo's death, the Kartell 4630 Roto/Rotocenere ashtray is Colombo at his finest. White pla...
Plastic
Gino Colombini Midcentury Black Umbrella Stands or Ashtray for Kartell, 1970
By Kartell, Gino Colombini
Located in Roma, IT
Amazing free standing ashtray or usable as an umbrella stand in mid-century black plastic with chromed metal rings. This fantastic piece was designed by Gino Colombini...
Metal, Chrome
Set of 4 Kartell Jellies Round Trays in Light Blue by Patricia Urquiola
By Kartell, Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A comprehensive line of trays made from colorful and transparent PMMA plastic. The line's individuality is down to the fact that each model presents a different organic pattern that ...
Resin, Plastic
Set of 4 Kartell Small Dune Trays in Chrome by Mario Bellini
By Mario Bellini, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The semi-transparent material of these trays with internal sculpting varies in chromatic intensity and luminosity and projects a magical three-dimensional illusion onto the surface holding glasses and cups. Images fluctuate and flow in these trays. Like mountain streams, rivers of lava, fiery flames. Animated images of the caprices of wind and light. Like the waves on the sea, desert dunes or the shimmering reflections of silk. These rainbow-colored trays...
Plastic
1970s Space Age Rotating Bottle Holder in White Plastic Made in Holland
By Kartell
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
This Space Age rotating bottle holder is a playful and sculptural piece of Dutch design, made in Holland in the 1970s. With its bold circular geometry and smooth rotating base, it ex...
Plastic
Set of 4 Kartell Jellies Round Trays in Smoke by Patricia Urquiola
By Patricia Urquiola, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A comprehensive line of trays made from colorful and transparent PMMA plastic. The line's individuality is down to the fact that each model presents a different organic pattern that ...
Resin, Plastic
Set of 4 Kartell Jellies Round Trays in Green by Patricia Urquiola
By Patricia Urquiola, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A comprehensive line of trays made from colorful and transparent PMMA plastic. The line's individuality is down to the fact that each model presents a different organic pattern that ...
Resin, Plastic
Three New 1970's Bakelite Ashtrays by Kartell, Italy
By Kartell
Located in Weesp, NL
Three N.O.S. ( new old stock ) bakelite ashtrays produced by Kartell, Italy in the 1970's. Bakelite , “phenol formaldehyde” , was invented in 1906 by the belgian Leo Baekeland (18...
Bakelite
Sergio Asti, Mod.4635 Black Ashtray / Catchall, Kartell Italy 1967
By Sergio Asti, Kartell
Located in Firenze, IT
Mod. 4635 black ashtray / catchall. Sergio Asti for Kartell, Italy 1967 Metal, plastic. H 4,8 cm Diam. 25,5 cm Conditions: excellent, no d...
Metal
Sergio Asti, mod.4635 red ashtray / catchall, Kartell Italy 1967
By Sergio Asti, Kartell
Located in Firenze, IT
Mod. 4635 red ashtray / catchall. Sergio Asti for Kartell, Italy 1967 Metal, plastic. H 4.8 cm Diam. 25,5 cm Conditions: excellent, no defects
Metal
Set of 4 Kartell Jellies Round Trays in Crystal by Patricia Urquiola
By Kartell, Patricia Urquiola
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A comprehensive line of trays made from colorful and transparent PMMA plastic. The line's individuality is down to the fact that each model presents a different organic pattern that ...
Resin, Plastic
Set of 4 Kartell Large Dune Trays in Chrome by Mario Bellini
By Mario Bellini, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The semi-transparent material of these trays with internal sculpting varies in chromatic intensity and luminosity and projects a magical three-dimensional illusion onto the surface holding glasses and cups. Images fluctuate and flow in these trays. Like mountain streams, rivers of lava, fiery flames. Animated images of the caprices of wind and light. Like the waves on the sea, desert dunes or the shimmering reflections of silk. These rainbow-colored trays...
Plastic
Large Vintage Porcelain Cigar Ashtray, Yellow & Black Check, 1980s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Large vintage square ceramic porcelain cigar ashtray. Large collectible cigar ashtray in yellow and black and white check with gilt borders that break at cigar rests at either side. Gold lettering in the center reads “Cigar”. and there is a knight on horse...
Porcelain
Danish Vintage Teak Serving Trays 1960s Set of 4
By Wiggers, Silva
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish vintage teak serving trays 1960s set of 4. Danish Mid-Century Modern teak trays. This set consists of: A large oval tray by Silva, ...
Glass, Teak
$584
H 1.58 in W 6.3 in D 7.88 in
Limoges Midcentury Hand-Painted by Cevoli White Porcelain French Ashtray, 1980s
By Limoges
Located in Roma, IT
Amazing midcentury Limoges hand-painted white porcelain ashtray. This fantastic piece was hand-painted by Giulia Lucente Cevoli in Italy during the...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Allan Adler Sterling Silver Serving Fork, Mid-Century, 1958
By Allan Adler
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Allan Adler Town and Country serving fork. Measures 9.25" tall. Good overall condition, shows fine scratches to sterling. Stamped on backside. Rivet ...
Sterling Silver
Ashtray Hagenauer for Steyr
By Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien
Located in Wien, AT
Ashtray Hagenauer for Steyr. Original condition.
Brass
Midcentury Austrian Umbrella Stand circa 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Midcentury Austrian Umbrella Stand circa 1950s Brass polished Metal blackened
Metal, Brass
$650 / set
H 3 in W 4 in D 3.5 in
Set of Three Brutalist Brass Decorative Serving Pieces - Ladle, Spoon, and Fork
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Brutalist-style brass serving pieces including ladle, spoon, and fork (ca. 1970s, likely Austrian). Intriguing sinuous form handles with hand-forged and hammered details. Intended fo...
Brass
New Modern Serving Tray in Marble Creator Matteo Cibic
By Matteo Cibic
Located in Milan, IT
Serving tray in black Marquinia, red Levanto and white Michelangelo marble. Size: 40 x 19 x 4 cm, 15.7 x 7.5 x 1.6 in, smooth finishing. Commercial name: Romeo, Homage Collection by...
Marble
Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray - Pink Crab
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Bring coastal charm to your space with our hand-painted iron tray, featuring a beautifully detailed blue crab design on a soft dusty pink background. Perfect for adding a playful yet...
Iron
Hand-Painted Iron Trays - Zodiac Set of 2
By Bertrando Di Renzo
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Celebrate the cosmos with our set of hand-painted iron trays, each intricately featuring the Zodiac signs. Perfect for decorative use, these trays bring astrological charm and artist...
Iron
Set of 4 Kartell Large Dune Trays in Chrome by Mario Bellini
By Mario Bellini, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The semi-transparent material of these trays with internal sculpting varies in chromatic intensity and luminosity and projects a magical three-dimensional illusion onto the surface holding glasses and cups. Images fluctuate and flow in these trays. Like mountain streams, rivers of lava, fiery flames. Animated images of the caprices of wind and light. Like the waves on the sea, desert dunes or the shimmering reflections of silk. These rainbow-colored trays...
Plastic
$543
H 0.79 in W 11.62 in D 15.75 in
Tray Hand Carved from Solid Block of White Marble, Rectangular, Made in Italy
By Barberini & Gunnell
Located in Ancona, Marche
Tray or serving plates carved by hand from a solid block of white Calacatta marble. Tray dimensions: L 40, W 29.5, H 2 cm, available in different marbles and onyx. Marble is a natur...
Marble
Sold
H 11.03 in W 7.88 in D 11.42 in
Rare Kartell Vintage Bottle Holder in Orange Plastic Made in Italy, 1960s
By Kartell
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
Introducing an extraordinary vintage decorative object: the Kartell Mod 1/8760 bottle holder from the late 60s to 70s. This rare piece of Italian design, crafted from polished orange...
Plastic
1970s Red 8420 Ice Bucket by Giotto Stoppino for Kartell
By Kartell, Giotto Stoppino
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A fantastic Italian Modern model 8420 red ice bucket by Giotto Stoppino for Kartell, likely from the 1970s. Designed for a line of barware tools that included stacking containers an...
Plastic
Sold
H 2.17 in Dm 4.53 in
Italian mid-century colored plastic cups and saucers by Kartell Samco, 1960s
By Kartell
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century colored plastic cups and saucers by Kartell Samco, 1960s Set of six cups and saucers with round base in colored plastic. The cups have a curved handle, the outsid...
Plastic
Sold
H 7.88 in W 7.49 in D 5.91 in
Italian mid-century modern orange plastic ice cube tray by Kartell Samco, 1960s
By Kartell
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern orange plastic ice cube tray by Kartell Samco, 1960s Square ice bucket in orange and yellow plastic. It has a cap with a rounded handle and two external ha...
Plastic
Sold
H 1.97 in Dm 7.29 in
Italian modern metal and plastic ashtray by Gino Colombini for Kartell, 1970s
By Kartell, Gino Colombini
Located in MIlano, IT
Round ashtray with chromed metal plate for collecting butts and with cantilevered profile and external container in beige plastic. Can also be used as a pocket emptier. Produced by K...
Metal
Sold
H 1.97 in Dm 7.29 in
Italian modern Green plastic metal Ashtray by Gino Colombini for Kartell, 1970s
By Kartell, Gino Colombini
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Green plastic and metal Ashtray by Gino Colombini for Kartell, 1970s Round ashtray with black painted metal plate and with cantilevered chromed metal profile. Round ba...
Metal
Vintage Set of 4 Red Domed Containers by Anna Castelli for Kartell
By Anna Castelli Ferrieri, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A fantastic and rare set of four 1970s nesting domed containers by Anna Castelli Ferrieri for Kartell in red. The series was originally sold with cylindrical bases and domed lids as...
Plastic
Sold
H 1.78 in Dm 7.21 in
Gino Colombini for Kartell, c.1970, Ashtray / Dish in the Style of Joe Colombo
By Gino Colombini, Kartell
Located in London, GB
Gino Colombini for Kartell, c. 1968 Ashtray / dish ABS plastic with chrome and black painted metal insert Good condition, with some light scratches to the black paint. Design...
Chrome
Sold
H 1.19 in Dm 8.47 in
Italian Mid-Century Ashtray 4640 Cendrier by Castelli Ferrieri for Kartell, 1980
By Anna Castelli Ferrieri, Kartell
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century ashtray 4640 Cendrier by Castelli Ferrieri for Kartell, 1980s Round table ashtray model 4640 Cendrier in red and black plastic. The structure has several concentr...
Plastic
Italian Red Plastic Ashtray Mod 4632 \ 4636 by Isao Hosoe for Kartell, 1971
By Kartell, Isao Hosoe
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian red plastic ashtray mod 4632 \ 4636 by Isao Hosoe for Kartell, 1971 Red plastic ashtray mod. mod 4632 \ 4636 by Isao Hosoe for Kartell designed in 1971. Good conditions ...
Plastic
Set of 4 Large Kartell Jelly Bowls in Crystal by Patricia Urquiola
By Patricia Urquiola, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Jelly bowls are part of a new series of design items through which Kartell, in its continuous search for new tactile and aesthetic effects, once again demonstrates its technologi...
Crystal
1972 Anna Castelli Ferrieri Cutting Board for Kartell
By Kartell, Anna Castelli Ferrieri
Located in Miami, FL
Designed in 1972, by Anna Castelli Ferrieri, co-founder of Kartell with her husband Guilio , in 1949, the Kartell 7003 is an ABS Plastic Cutting Board or Tagliere with one side grooved with a drain and the other side flat for bread, etc. Quite rare, this one in vibrant Yellow. The flat side a tone lighter from age or light. Marked in the plastic Kartell...
Plastic