Nerone and Patuzzi furniture is a shining example of the experimental side of mid-century modern design. While the style is known mainly for its clean lines and simple forms, this Italian duo showcased how artistic it could be. Together, they designed beautiful abstract and figurative sculptures, as well as sculptural coffee tables and wall lights.
Gianni Patuzzi (1932–2022) and Giovanni Ceccarelli (1937–1996), who went by the name Nerone, worked together under the NP2 Group. They met while they were both students at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia and were acquainted again in Turin in 1959. The two struck up a fruitful partnership, and in 1962, they started the NP2 Group out of a studio in the Borgaro Torinese northwest of the city.
The idea behind the NP2 group was to integrate art with architecture and furniture making, bringing it out of museums and making it more accessible. The studio of the two young designers quickly became an exciting hub of innovation, attracting talented designers and artists like Marcel Breuer and Emilio Vedova.
In 1964, Nerone’s younger brother, Piercarlo Ceccarelli, joined the NP2 Group as a manager and administrator. Ceccarelli was instrumental in creating relationships with galleries, showrooms and architects throughout Europe and the United States. The group began receiving both public and private commissions.
By the late 1960s, the work of Nerone and Patuzzi was being exhibited around the world, earning recognition and awards. Their designs included everything from furniture and fittings to monumental sculptures. They utilized a wide range of techniques, including woodworking, metalworking and marble engraving.
Around this time, Nerone and Patuzzi began working on individual side projects, but they continued collaborating as the NP2 Group until 1974.
In an interview with the European Parliamentary Research Service in 2016, Patuzzi reflected fondly on his time collaborating with Nerone, remembering that they worked hard but with great enthusiasm.
On 1stDibs, find Nerone and Patuzzi decorative objects, tables, lighting and more.
Max Ingrand centerpiece bowl Fontana Arte Italy 1960
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
A refined and highly sculptural vide poche or centerpiece designed by Max Ingrand and manufactured by Fontana Arte, Italy, circa 1960. This elegant piece exemplifies the refined sens...
Brass
Angelo Mangiarotti Danese Philippines Vase, Italy, 1964
By Angelo Mangiarotti, Danese Milano
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Decorative and rare ceramic vase model 4028A designed by Angelo Mangiarotti amdn manufactured by Danese, Milano Italy 1964. This rare vase is from the Philippines series designed by ...
Ceramic
Max Ingrand bowl model 1639 Fontana Arte Italy 1960 brown
By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Behold the exquisite Glass Bowl Model 1639, a testament to the visionary design of Max Ingrand and the meticulous craftsmanship of Fontana Arte, Italy, in 1960. Crafted from thick br...
Glass
Nerone Patuzzi NP2 wall panel made in Italy 1974
By Nerone and Patuzzi
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Stunning abstract square wall panel designed by Nerone Patuzzi, crafted from etched aluminum with a wooden backing, created by Forme e Superfici and belongs to a limited edition, wit...
Aluminum
Giacomo Onestini ceramic sculpture Italy 1970
By Giacomo Onestini
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Beautiful ceramic sculpture designed by Giacomo Onestini made in his own atelier in Italy in 1970. It has a combination of matte and shiny glazed surfaces. The back and sides of the sculpture have a textured surface with shades of gray, green, and sometimes turquoise. On the front, there's a carved-out section that's smooth and glazed with red and gold hues. It's a very appealing and intriguing piece. You can find the artist's signature, "Onestini," on the side of the sculpture. This piece was created in the artist's personal studio. Very nice large sized, heavy piece and in excellent condition. After graduating as a master ceramist, Onestini moved to San Marino where he found employment at the "Marmaca" ceramics factory. Around the end of the 1950s, he moved to Salerno and began working with the "Ernestine...
Ceramic
Giuseppe Rivadossi Arca sculpture Italy 1975
By Giuseppe Rivadossi
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Rare 'Arca' sculptural object designed by Giuseppe Rivadossi manufactured by Officina Rivadossi, Italy 1975. Rivadossi often creates artwork that reflects his thoughts and favourite ...
Cherry
Paper Darkened Brass Bowl I by Gentner Design
By Christopher Gentner
Located in Geneve, CH
Paper darkened brass bowl I by Gentner Design Dimensions: D 25.4 x W 25.4 x H 12.7 cm Materials: darkened brass Available in tarnished brass and darkened brass. The Paper Series emb...
Brass
Candara Bowl by Lino Sabattini, Silver Plate, Italy, 1970
By Sabattini Argenteria, Lino Sabattini
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
A bowl with the name Candara with a simplistic and iconic design by renowned italian designer Lino Sabattini from circa 1970. The condition is good albeit with some wear (see picture...
Silver Plate
Mid-Century Modernist 'Candara' Centerpiece Bowl signed Sabattini
By Lino Sabattini
Located in New York, NY
This striking mid-century modernist 'Candara' centerpiece bowl, circa 1970, is signed by the renowned Italian designer Sabattini. It stands as a testament to the era's commitment to ...
Silver Plate
Dish Designed by Verner Panton for Georg Jensen, Denmark, 1990s
By Verner Panton
Located in Stockholm, SE
Silver dish designed by Verner Panton for Georg Jensen, Denmark. 1990’s. Sterling silver. Dimensions: H: 9,5 cm/ 3 3/4'' L: 56 cm/ 22'' W: 46 cm/ 18'' Among the giants of Danish...
Silver
Set of 8 Italian Silver Decorative Bowls 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Set of 8 Italian Silver Decorative Bowls from the 1980s is a versatile and visually appealing collection. Crafted with silver, these decorative bowls showcase a stylish design th...
Silver
Mid-Century Modernist 'Candara' Centerpiece Bowl signed Sabattini
By Lino Sabattini
Located in New York, NY
This striking mid-century modernist 'Candara' centerpiece bowl, circa 1970, is signed by the renowned Italian designer Sabattini. It stands as a testament to the era's commitment to ...
Silver Plate
