Rare Gio Ponti Writing Desk in Walnut and Grissinato Mahogany

Gio Ponti, writing desk, walnut, mahogany, glass, Italy, 1940s

This writing table, a rare find designed by Gio Ponti, originates from the 1940s. The design is truly magnificent, featuring a crescent-shaped framework executed with a defined arrangement of geometrical elements. Made from grissinato mahogany, the front of this piece is marked by a striking layout of horizontal carved lines. Two compartments, each with three drawers, are added on both sides. The top is of considerable size paired with a transparent glass top through which one can admire the squared lining. Of particular note are the niches observable along the sides, aligning with the overall architectural appearance of the table.

We would like to inform you that this table has been officially authenticated by the Gio Ponti archives. Through archival research and iconographic approach, they have confirmed this piece as an original design by Gio Ponti. The certificate of authenticity suggests that this desk may have been produced in a limited edition of just two copies. A certificate of authenticity is available.

Giovanni (Gio) Ponti (1891 – 1979) is one of the most influential Italian designers of the twentieth century. His contribution to architecture, furniture design and the arts has been substantial. Born in Milan in 1891, he attended the Polytechnic University of Milan, where he graduated in Architecture in 1921 after serving the military during WWI. He opened his first studio in 1927 in Milan with architect Emilio Lancia. Soon after, he founded Domus magazine in 1928 with Gianni Mazzocchi, which became one of the most prominent European magazines in architecture and design. Ponti participated during the Triennale exhibitions of the 1930's, and later he became a member of the Triennial committee. A significant shift can be distinguished in his designs between the two World Wars. During the early years, Ponti's style positioned between rationalism and Lombard Classicism that came forward in his use of decorative elements in his furniture and objects. Functionality and a pragmatic approach started to play a bigger role in his later designs. His work as a designer fully took off after WWII, and he became an important figure in Italian industrial aesthetics that conquered the international markets in the 1950s. Gio Ponti worked together with many designers, such as Antonio Fornaroli and Alberto Rosselli, and his work has been of great inspiration for even more. A few amongst Ponti's followers are Paolo Buffa, Paco Muñoz and Lina Bo Bardi, as with the latter Ponti worked together on a series of projects during the early period of Bo Bardi's career.

VAT within the EU: When buying or delivering an item within the EU, VAT usually applies and will be added.