pen holder by Sergio Asti

Glazed ceramic pen holder.
Designed by Sergio Asti in the 1970s for Interior Gabbianelli.

Insider Brand:

Gabbianelli Ceramiche, founded in 1939 in Milan, is an Italian company specializing in artistic ceramics and tiles for walls and floors. Known for its innovative style and colorful designs, Gabbianelli gained prominence from the 1960s onwards through collaborations with renowned designers such as Gio Ponti and Enzo Mari. Gabbianelli ceramics are characterized by geometric shapes, bold colors, and meticulous attention to detail, making them a symbol of Italian design. The company has made a significant impact in the world of interior design, offering products that blend functionality with art.

Insider Designer:

Sergio Asti (1926-2021) was a renowned Italian architect and designer, considered one of the leading figures of post-war Italian design. He graduated in Architecture from the Politecnico di Milano and founded his own studio in 1953, gaining recognition for his versatile approach that ranged from interior to industrial design. Asti collaborated with prominent companies such as Zanotta, Salviati, Gabbianelli, and Artemide, creating iconic pieces like the “Daruma” lamp and the “Samas” vase.

Known for his elegant and innovative style that combined functionality with beauty, Asti received numerous awards, including the prestigious Compasso d’Oro. His work left a significant mark on the design world, helping to shape the modern language of made-in-Italy design.