Catene e Labirinto by Ginori, design Gio Ponti
Catene e Labirinto by Ginori, design Gio Ponti

Gio Ponti (1891–1979) did not only significantly shape modern architecture and industrial design, but also the very material itself. As an architect, designer, and artist, he pioneered a forward-thinking approach to design with great modernity. Ginori 1735 knows this well, as it appointed him artistic director from 1923 to 1933, during which time he brought Italian craftsmanship to international fame, initiating a true transformation of the brand.

Now, the brand pays tribute to the master and his brilliant vision that first linked art to industrial production with two new colors for the historical Catene and Labirinto decorations. Developed by the architect between 1926 and 1927 with playful iconography and symbolism, these designs immediately burst into the traditional company catalog of the time and gained global recognition, laying the groundwork for a valuable legacy at Ginori.

Classic motifs mix with contemporary design in Labirinto, originally called Labirintesca and designed in gold and various colors: a design inspired by Greek mazes intricately repeated on small decorative objects (bowls, smoking accessories). Meanwhile, Catene draws inspiration from the geometry of interlocking rings, a delicate symbol of strength and continuity.

These bold patterns with distinctive features belong to Ginori 1735’s 2025 collections in the new shades of Ebony — a deep, earthy tone — and Cashmere — a soft, refined beige. Created after careful research into Ponti’s color palettes, these are the result of a softer yet equally sophisticated interpretation. Colors crafted to enhance the straight yet sinuous lines that traverse the porcelain, generating a striking graphic movement.

A blend of ancient and modern that recurs across various types: from plates to cups, trays, and pocket emptiers, to small decorative boxes. Collectible pieces in the Arte series include the bowl with Chains of Keys, the perforated discs Exorcism and Love of Angels. Reissued in a numbered edition, the dreamlike figures, true to Ponti’s vision, have been recreated by master artisans after thorough research to replicate the original painting techniques and intricate details. Hand-painted in gold, each element required more than 20 hours to complete.