Pair Of Framed Ceramic Tiles By Gio Ponti For Richard Ginori Circa 1930

A charming pair of 1930s tiles designed by renowned architect and designer Gio Ponti (1891-1979) for the prestigious Italian ceramics house Richard Ginori. One entitled 'IL TRASPORTO' (The transport) the other 'LA PIGIATURA' (The pressing). These tiles were part of a series depicting various stages of wine production, showcasing vibrant polychrome on ceramic. They are nicely mounted in classic ebonised pine frames. Tiles measure 14.5cm square.

Giovanni "Gio" Ponti (18 November 1891 – 16 September 1979) was a versatile Italian architect, designer, artist, teacher, writer, and publisher. Over his six-decade career, he built over a hundred buildings globally and designed numerous decorative art pieces and furniture. Ponti founded the influential magazine Domus in 1928 and was pivotal in the post-WWII renewal of Italian design, actively participating in the Milan Triennial and other exhibitions. From 1936 to 1961, he taught at the Milan Polytechnic School, shaping future generations of designers. In 1954, he helped establish the prestigious Compasso d'Oro design award.

In 1923, as the artistic director of Richard Ginori, Ponti revolutionised the company’s porcelain production by incorporating classical traditions and modernising production. His designs won the grand prize for ceramics at the 1925 Paris International Exhibition. Throughout the 1920s, he collaborated with notable firms like Christofle, Venini, and Fontana Arte and founded the Labirinto group, producing luxurious unique furniture pieces. Ponti also designed the Domus Nova furniture line, known for its simplicity, for La Rinascente.