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.
Contemporary Moss Vase Fish Design by Gaetano Pesce Resin Pastel Yellow Blue
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in barasso, IT
Moss Vase - Matt Pastel Yellow, Blue Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design 1995 collection. Measures: L - ø 26cm x H 38cm Colours: ...
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 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 Edizioni del Pesce Flower Vase Small 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
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Senzafine Round Large 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
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Clear Special L Vase Resin Orange Green
By Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Clear special vase - Clear orange, matt dusty green. Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. Measures: L - Ø 22cm x H 36cm Colours: Clear o...
Resin
Indian Summer Large Vase by Gaetano Pesce, Cobalt Blue and Red
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Montréal, CA
Indian Summer vase designed by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design, originally designed in 1995 and handcrafted in Italy by Corsi Design Factory. Accompanied by a Fish Design certificate o...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Big Surprise 2 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
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
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Half Ball 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 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 Half Ball 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 Big Surprise 2 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
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
Flower Vase L - Fish Design by Gaetano Pesce Pastel Orange, Clear Aqua, Ochre
By Corsi Design Factory, Gaetano Pesce
Located in barasso, IT
Flower Vase - Pastel Orange, Clear Aqua, Ochre Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design 1995 collection. Measures: L - c.a ø 22 x h36cm Colours: Pastel Orange, C...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Senzafine Oval Vase in Black 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 Tall Vase in Yellow and Violet by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tall Vase seems to challenge the forces of gravity, inverting them: the flowing of resin, slender and superb, does not descend downwards, but rises upwards. Available in various colo...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Tall Vase in Black and Orange by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tall Vase seems to challenge the forces of gravity, inverting them: the flowing of resin, slender and superb, does not descend downwards, but rises upwards. Available in various colo...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Tall Vase in Blue and Red by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tall Vase seems to challenge the forces of gravity, inverting them: the flowing of resin, slender and superb, does not descend downwards, but rises upwards. Available in various colo...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Papavero Vase in Black and Red by Gaetano Pesce
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With its superb shiny petals, Papavero Vase by Gaetano Pesce strikes for its vitality and originality. Black resin, mixed with colored resin, sinuously creates curves, contours and s...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Papavero Vase in Black and Yellow by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With its superb shiny petals, Papavero Vase by Gaetano Pesce strikes for its vitality and originality. Black resin, mixed with colored resin, sinuously creates curves, contours and s...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Papavero Vase in Black and Blue by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With its superb shiny petals, Papavero Vase by Gaetano Pesce strikes for its vitality and originality. Black resin, mixed with colored resin, sinuously creates curves, contours and s...
Resin
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Flower Vase Small 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 Flower Vase Small 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
Meritalia Edizioni del Pesce Big Surprise 2 Small 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
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 Edizioni del Pesce Big Surprise 1 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 Big Surprise 1 Small 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
Edizioni del Pesce Meritalia Tall Vase by Gaetano Pesce Limited Edition - Orange
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, MB
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Tall Vase seems to defy the forces of gravity by reversing them: the flow of resin that forms its slender, proud structure does not descend, ...
Other
Rock Vase (Large), Clear Blue and Matte Sorbet 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. * All the pieces are hand-made and therefore unique. Variations in the hues, colour distribution and...
Resin
Indian Summer Vase (Large), Clear Fume and Matte Turquoise by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Toronto, CA
Clear Fume and Turquoise "Indian Summer" Vase in soft resin designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. * All the pieces are hand-made and therefore unique. Variat...
Resin
Nugget Vase (Large), Clear Green and Matte Pink by Gaetano Pesce
By Gaetano Pesce, Corsi Design Factory
Located in Toronto, CA
Clear Green and Matte Pink "Nugget" Vase, size Large in soft resin, designed by Gaetano Pesce in 1995 for Fish Design collection. *All the pieces are handmade and therefore unique. ...
Resin
Edizioni del Pesce Meritalia Papavero Vase Sculpture by Gaetano Pesce Yellow
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Varedo, MB
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Papavero Vase strikes with its vitality and originality, characterized by its proud, glossy petals. The deep black resin blends fluidly with ...
Other
Edizioni del Pesce Meritalia Papavero Vase Sculpture by Gaetano Pesce Black/Red
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Varedo, MB
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Papavero Vase captivates with its vitality and originality, its glossy, superb petals catching the light from every angle. Black resin, blend...
Other
Edizioni del Pesce Meritalia Papavero Vase Sculpture by Gaetano Pesce Black/Blue
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Varedo, MB
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Papavero Vase strikes with its vitality and originality, characterized by its proud, glossy petals. The deep black resin blends fluidly with ...
Other
Edizioni del Pesce Meritalia Tall Vase by Gaetano Pesce Limited Edition - Yellow
By Gaetano Pesce, Meritalia
Located in Varedo, MB
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Tall Vase seems to defy the forces of gravity by reversing them: the flow of resin that forms its slender, proud structure does not descend, ...
Other
Edizioni del Pesce Meritalia Tall Vase by Gaetano Pesce Limited Edition Blue/Red
By Meritalia, Gaetano Pesce
Located in Varedo, MB
Designed by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Tall Vase seems to defy the forces of gravity by reversing them: the flow of resin that forms its slender, proud structure does not descend, ...
Other
Amazonia Vase (Large), Clear Blue and Matte White, Green Feet 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