Gaetano Pesce was of a generation of Italian architects who in the early 1960s rebelled against the industrial perfection of modernism by conceiving new furniture and objects that were at once expressive and eccentric in form; or you might say they were more like art than functionalist design.
Born in the picturesque coastal Italian city of La Spezia in 1939, Pesce was a precocious talent who could have forged a career as an artist but opted instead to go to Venice to study architecture because, as he has said, it was “the most complex of all the arts.” Rather than having new worlds opened to him at design school, however, Pesce found the rationalist curriculum oppressive in its insistence on standardization and prescribed materials and technologies.
Pesce wanted to explore the latest of both materials and technologies to create objects and buildings never before imagined, with what he called “personalities” that spoke to the issues of the day. He was keen to examine ways to diversify mass production so that each manufactured work could be distinct.
In 1964, Pesce met Cesare Cassina, of the forward-looking furniture company C&B Italia in Milan (now known as B&B Italia), for whom he would create many important designs, beginning with a collection of what he called “transformational furniture” — two chairs and a loveseat — made entirely out of high-density polyurethane foam. To make the pieces easy to ship and cost-efficient, he proposed that after being covered in a stretch jersey, they be put in a vacuum, then heat-sealed flat between vinyl sheets. Once the foam was removed from its packaging, the piece returned to its original shape — hence, the name Up for the series, which debuted in 1969.
In addition to these pieces, Pesce proposed for the collection something he referred to as an “anti-armchair,” which took the shape of a reclining fertility goddess, the iconic Donna.
Producing the piece's complex form turned out to be a technical challenge. Bayer, the foam’s manufacturer, deemed it impossible to accomplish. Pesce persisted and came up with a new procedure, demonstrating not only the designer’s key role in researching the nature and potential of new materials but also his vital importance in “doubting rules.” The Up chair and accompanying ottoman were born, and they were revolutionary in more ways than one.
In the early 1970s, Pesce began exploring one of his key concepts, the idea of the industrial originals. Employing a mold without air holes, and adding a blood-red dye to the polyurethane, he cast a bookcase that resembled a demolished wall, the rough edges of the shelves and posts resulting from fissures in the material made by trapped air.
Through his research into polyurethane, Pesce figured out a way to make a loveseat and armchair using only a simple wood frame and strong canvas covering as a mold. Since the fabric developed random folds during the injection process, the pieces were similar but not identical. Cassina named the suite of furnishings Sit Down and introduced it in 1975. By experimenting with felt soaked in polyurethane and resin, Pesce conceived I Feltri, another collection of armchairs introduced by Cassina in 1987.
Pesce went on to live a life that defied expectation and convention and along the way became one of the most seminal figures in art and design.
Find vintage Gaetano Pesce chairs, sofas, vases and more on 1stDibs.
Fish Design Gaetano Pesce Big Collina Vase M Clear Lilac Terracotta Mint
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Big Collina Vase Extra Colour - Clear Lilac, Terracotta, Mint Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design 1995 collection. Measures: M - ø 30cm x H 20cm Colours: Cl...
Resin
Fish Design Gaetano Pesce Big Collina Vase L Dark Ruby, Aqua, Emerald, Mauve
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Big Collina Vase Extra Colour - Clear Dark Ruby, Aqua, Emerald, Mauve Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design 1995 collection. Measures: L - ø 40cm x H 24cm Col...
Resin
$1,015 / item
Rock Red Large Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Milan, IT
A strikingly singular addition to a personal art collection, this gorgeous vase is a veritable work of art of bold visual impact. Entirely crafted of soft resin, it boasts a magnific...
Resin
$1,015 / item
Rock Black and White Large Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Milan, IT
A strikingly singular addition to a personal art collection, this gorgeous vase is a veritable work of art of bold visual impact. Entirely crafted of soft resin, it boasts a magnific...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Flower Vase Large Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With Flower Vase by Gaetano Pesce, transparent resin is mixed with colored resin, creating shiny and delicate petals. Available in “small” and “large” sizes, this vase enters Edizion...
Resin
Amazonia Vase (Large), Matte Navy, Red and Yellow by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Large "Amazonia" Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Matte Navy, Red and Yellow. *All the pieces are hand-made and therefore unique. Va...
Resin
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Clear Special Vase L Resin Yellow, Lime, Turquoise
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Clear special extra color vase - Clear yellow, matt lime, matt turquoise. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - Ø 22cm x H 3...
Resin
Clear Special Extracolor Large Red Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Milan, IT
A strikingly singular addition to a personal art collection, this gorgeous vase is a veritable work of art of bold visual impact. Entirely crafted of soft resin, it boasts a magnific...
Resin
Contemporary Moss Vase Fish Design by Gaetano Pesce Resin Apple Green Gold
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Moss Vase - Apple Green, Gold Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design 1995 collection. Measures: L - ø 26cm x H 38cm Colours: Apple Green, Gold Material: RESIN ...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Senzafine Oval Vase in Blue by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Senzafine series by Gaetano Pesce is composed by lively vases available in oval, square or round shapes. These very particular objects are formed by the continuous extrusion of a...
Resin
Twins C Vase (Large), Matte Pastel Pink and Coral Red by Gaetano Pesce
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Large 'Twins C' Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Matte Pastel Pink and Coral Red. *All the pieces are hand-made and therefore unique...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Senzafine Round Large Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Senzafine series by Gaetano Pesce is composed by lively vases available in oval, square or round shapes. These very particular objects are formed by the continuous extrusion of a...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Pompitu II Vase M Resin Blue Acid Green
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Pompitu II vase, blue, acid green. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: M ø 16cm x H 26cm Colours: Blue, acid green. Material: ...
Resin
'Special Colour' Vase, Large / Emerald, Clear Ruby & Salmon by Gaetano Pesce
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Large Clear Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. 'Special Colour', Emerald, Clear Ruby & Matte Salmon. *Due to the handmade nature of th...
Resin
Contemporary Fish Design Gaetano Pesce Spaghetti L Vase Soft Resin Blue Lime
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Spaghetti special vase, clear blue and matt lime. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Clear Blue...
Resin
Rock Vase (Large), Black and Matte White by Gaetano Pesce
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Large "Rock" Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. *All the pieces are handmade and therefore unique. Variations in the dimensions, hues a...
Resin
Meritalia Big Surprise 1, Small / Green and Yellow by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Toronto, ON
Each vase by Edizioni del Pesce embodies a singular and unrepeatable identity, telling a different story through innovative shapes, intricate details and a varied chromatic range. Th...
Resin
Meritalia Big Surprise 1, Small / Red and Orange by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Toronto, ON
Each vase by Edizioni del Pesce embodies a singular and unrepeatable identity, telling a different story through innovative shapes, intricate details and a varied chromatic range. Th...
Resin
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Indian Summer L Vase Soft Resin Fuchsia Ocean Blue
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Indian Summer vase, clear light fuchsia and matt ocean blue. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L ...
Resin
$368Sale Price / item|20% Off
Gaetano Pesce Pompitu II Vase L Resin Blue Acid Green
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Pompitu II vase, blue, acid green. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Blue, acid green. Material: ...
Resin
Meritalia Half Ball, Small / Orange, Blue and Red by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Each vase by Edizioni del Pesce embodies a singular and unrepeatable identity, telling a different story through innovative shapes, intricate details and a varied chromatic range. Th...
Resin
Meritalia Half Ball, Small / Green, Light Blue and Pink by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Each vase by Edizioni del Pesce embodies a singular and unrepeatable identity, telling a different story through innovative shapes, intricate details and a varied chromatic range. Th...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Senzafine Oval Vase in Red by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Senzafine series by Gaetano Pesce is composed by lively vases available in oval, square or round shapes. These very particular objects are formed by the continuous extrusion of a...
Resin
Meritalia Papavero Vase / Black and Yellow by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Each vase by Edizioni del Pesce embodies a singular and unrepeatable identity, telling a different story through innovative shapes, intricate details and a varied chromatic range. Th...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Big Surprise 2 Large Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Big Surprise is a vase by Gaetano Pesce that can present various color combinations, always exalting the suggestive transparency of resin. This material makes it possible to create B...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Senzafine Round Medium Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Senzafine series by Gaetano Pesce is composed by lively vases available in oval, square or round shapes. These very particular objects are formed by the continuous extrusion of a...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Senzafine Oval Vase in Green by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Senzafine series by Gaetano Pesce is composed by lively vases available in oval, square or round shapes. These very particular objects are formed by the continuous extrusion of a...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Big Surprise 2 Small Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Big Surprise is a vase by Gaetano Pesce that can present various color combinations, always exalting the suggestive transparency of resin. This material makes it possible to create B...
Resin
Meritalia Big Surprise 1, Large/ Blue, Green and Clear by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Toronto, ON
Each vase by Edizioni del Pesce embodies a singular and unrepeatable identity, telling a different story through innovative shapes, intricate details and a varied chromatic range. Th...
Resin
20th Century, Gaetano Pesce Resin Vase mod. Lava
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Gaetano Pesce's works are generally eccentric, modern and carry a concept of "happening," which is the transformation of the object. Experimenter of different forms and materials, hi...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce Pompitu II Vase L Resin Blue Brown Bronze
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Pompitu II vase, clear blue, brown and matt bronze Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Clear blue...
Resin
Meritalia Big Surprise 2, Small / Light Blue and Green by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Toronto, ON
Each vase by Edizioni del Pesce embodies a singular and unrepeatable identity, telling a different story through innovative shapes, intricate details and a varied chromatic range. Th...
Resin
Fish Design Gaetano Pesce Big Collina Vase M Resin Yellow Lime Turquoise
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Big Collina Vase Extra Colour - clear yellow, matt lime, matt turquoise. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Colours: clear yellow, mat...
Resin
Early Production Gaetano Pesce Amazonia Vase
By Fish Design, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
First edition Amazonia Vase, designed by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design. Exuberant form with an anthropomorphic quality. Molded in the designer's signatur...
Resin
Fish Design Gaetano Pesce Big Collina Vase L Resin Yellow Lime Turquoise
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Big Collina Vase Extra Colour - clear yellow, matt lime, matt turquoise. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Colours: clear yellow, mat...
Resin
Rock Vase (Large), Black and Matte White by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Toronto, CA
Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. *All the pieces are handmade and therefore unique. Variations in the dimensions, hues and colours’ d...
Resin
Amazonia Vase Extra Colour (Large), Dark Salmon, Pink, Bronze, Red, Aubergine
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Large "Amazonia" Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Dark Salmon, Pink, Bronze, Red, Aubergine *All the pieces are hand-made and theref...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Flower Vase Large Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With Flower Vase by Gaetano Pesce, transparent resin is mixed with colored resin, creating shiny and delicate petals. Available in “small” and “large” sizes, this vase enters Edizion...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Senzafine Square Large Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Senzafine series by Gaetano Pesce is composed by lively vases available in oval, square or round shapes. These very particular objects are formed by the continuous extrusion of a...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Senzafine Oval Vase in Yellow by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Senzafine series by Gaetano Pesce is composed by lively vases available in oval, square or round shapes. These very particular objects are formed by the continuous extrusion of a...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Half Ball Small Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Big Surprise is a vase by Gaetano Pesce that can present various color combinations, always exalting the suggestive transparency of resin. This material makes it possible to create B...
Resin
Meritalia Papavero Vase / Black and Blue by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Each vase by Edizioni del Pesce embodies a singular and unrepeatable identity, telling a different story through innovative shapes, intricate details and a varied chromatic range. Th...
Resin
Indian Summer Vase (Large), Clear Pink and Matte Lime by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Toronto, CA
Indian Summer Vase, size Large, in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. * All the pieces are hand-made and therefore unique. Variations in the hu...
Resin
Meritalia Big Surprise 2, Small / Yellow and Pink by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, ON
Each vase by Edizioni del Pesce embodies a singular and unrepeatable identity, telling a different story through innovative shapes, intricate details and a varied chromatic range. Th...
Resin
Medusa Vase (Large), Matte White by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Toronto, CA
Matte White 'Medusa' Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. *All the pieces are handmade and therefore unique. Variations in the dimensions...
Resin
Gaetano Pesce, Amazonia L, Vase in Flexible Blue Resin, Italy, 2013
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in New York, NY
From the eclectic architect and designer Gaetano Pesce's humorously eponymous Fish Design series, Amazonia L is a cheeky blue vase on feet. To create the works in this series intens...
Resin
Resin vase Prototipo Fioca by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design, 2000s
By Gaetano Pesce, Fish Design
Located in MIlano, IT
Resin vase Prototipo Fioca by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design, 2000s Vase in resin model Prototipo Fioca, unique piece as it is a prototype of the vase later put into production. The v...
Resin
Amazonia Vase (Lrg), Clear Orange & Blue with Pastel Blue Feet by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Toronto, CA
Amazonia Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Clear Orange and Blue with Pastel Blue Feet. *All the pieces are handmade and therefore uni...
Resin
Large Gaetano Pesce Amazonia Vase, Early Production
By Fish Design, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
First edition Amazonia vase, designed by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design. An impressive example for its large scale and striking colors. Molded in the desi...
Resin
Indian Summer Vase (Large), Clear Orange and Pastel Pink by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Toronto, CA
"Indian Summer" Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Handmade in Italy by Corsi Design. *Due to the handmade nature of the piece, variati...
Resin
$2,600Sale Price|31% Off
'Babel' Resin Wine Bucket by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design Italy, 1990s, Signed
By Fish Design, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Limited edition 1990s flexible resin wine bucket by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design, Italy. Numbered 182/1000. Works great as an ice bucket, wine bucket, catch-all, vase, vessel, sculpture, planter, pot or jardinière. If you use it as a planter, we suggest an interior lining to protect the piece. ABOUT THE ARTIST: Gaetano Pesce, born on November 8, 1939, in La Spezia, Italy, is renowned as a leading figure in contemporary Italian design and architecture. Fearlessly experimental with materials and color, Pesce has collaborated with Italy’s foremost design companies, including Artemide, Vitra, Cassina, and B&B Italia. Pesce began his journey into design at the University of Venice, where he pursued architecture and graduated in 1965. Influenced by prominent figures such as Ernesto Nathan Rogers and Mario Bellini at the Venice College of Industrial Design, Pesce embraced a commitment to novelty and avant-garde principles. He co-founded the avant-garde architectural collective "Gruppo N," inspired by the Bauhaus aesthetic, during his formative years. Pesce’s portfolio encompasses a wide range of designs, from iconic furniture pieces to monumental architectural projects. His creations reflect a profound contemplation of modernity, exemplified by the La Mamma chair (1969), which evokes a prehistoric fertility figure, and the Organic Building in Osaka (1993), celebrated for its innovative hanging garden motif. Among his most celebrated furniture designs are the Up series for B&B Italia, including the Up5 armchair (La Donna) and Up6 ottoman (La Mamma), which challenge traditional notions of form and function with their bold, anthropomorphic shapes. Other notable designs include the 357 Feltri chair...
Resin
Amazonia Vase (Large), Silver and Matte Orange, Turquoise Feet by Gaetano Pesce
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, CA
Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Sparkling silver, Opaque Orange and Clear Blue with Turquoise 'Feet'. * All the pieces are hand-mad...
Resin
Spaghetti Vase (Large), Clear Blue and Matte Lime by Gaetano Pesce
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Toronto, CA
Clear Blue and Matte Lime 'Spaghetti' Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. *All the pieces are handmade and therefore unique. Variations...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Big Surprise 1 Small Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Big Surprise is a vase by Gaetano Pesce that can present various color combinations, always exalting the suggestive transparency of resin. This material makes it possible to create B...
Resin
Fish Design Gaetano Pesce Big Collina Vase L - Pink Red Ocean
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Big Collina Vase Extra Colour - Clear Antique Pink, Clear Red And Matt Ocean Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design 1995 collection. Measures: L - ø 40cm x H 2...
Resin
Lava" vase L by Gaetano Pesce
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Rivoli, IT
Beautiful and rare vase from Gaetano Pesce's "Lava" series made since 1995 for Fish Design. The salmon-pink color goes well with the ocean blue interior. Branded. Accompanied by cert...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Half Ball Large Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Big Surprise is a vase by Gaetano Pesce that can present various color combinations, always exalting the suggestive transparency of resin. This material makes it possible to create B...
Resin
Fish Design Gaetano Pesce Big Collina Vase L Clear Aqua, Grey, Pastel Pink
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Big Collina Vase Extra Colour - Clear Aqua, Grey, Pastel Pink Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design 1995 collection. Measures: L - ø 40cm x H 24cm Colours: Cl...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Big Surprise 1 Large Vase by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Big Surprise is a vase by Gaetano Pesce that can present various color combinations, always exalting the suggestive transparency of resin. This material makes it possible to create B...
Resin
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Spaghetti M Vase Soft Resin Orange Dark Lavender
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Spaghetti vase, clear orange, matt dark lavender. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: M...
Resin