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| Antiques |
Italian Renaissance
Marisa Bartolucci
07/01/2004
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Available Artifacts
While some prices are skyrocketing, other Ponti
creations have, so far, remained in the mid-market range. According to New York
dealer John Beckmann, it is possible to acquire Ponti’s more widely produced
designs for Richard Ginori starting at $1,000. His own online design resource,
Muse XX, offers an architectural 1956 silver candelabra Ponti conceived for
Christofle for $3,000. Pegaso International has for sale a pair of custom-made
egg chairs that Ponti designed in the 1950s for $7,500. Pieces from his
“diffusion” lines continue to be widely available. A small, circular walnut
table with brass feet designed by Ponti for Singer & Sons in 1958 sold for
$2,140 at Wright’s auction in March.
Ponti’s vintage textiles remain easily
obtainable, as well. While unique commissioned fabrics sell for $6,000 to $8,000
a yard, mass-produced textiles can be purchased for as little as $250 a yard.
Yet another way of enjoying Ponti is through his architectural drawings, which
may be had for between $4,000 and $6,000. Higher prices are commanded by
significant drawings, such as the initial sketch of Ponti’s architectural
masterwork, the Pirelli Tower in Milan, for which Kish is currently asking
$8,000. In Milan, it is also possible to find drawings for his theater designs
for a few thousand dollars each.
Some of Ponti’s contemporaries are also
attracting the interest of collectors. There are excellent examples of
furnishings by Franco Albini, Ico Parisi and Carlo di Carli on the market. And
these continue to be attractively priced. A lounge chair designed by Parisi for
Cassina, which won the Compasso d’Oro prize in 1955, sold for $2,700 at Wright’s
spring auction. Montale is selling a small desk of rosewood and mahogany with a
parchment top by di Carli for $3,800 and a stylish rosewood bar by Parisi
for $4,500.
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