Ico Parisi for Cassina '751' Coffee Table in Dark Wood and Glass

Ico Parisi for Figli di Amedeo Cassina, coffee table, model '751', stained wood, glass, Italy, 1962

This coffee table, designed in 1962 by Ico Parisi for Figli di Amedeo Cassina (model 751), is built from a simple yet refined assembly of wooden components with identical cross-sections. Its frame consists of four paired legs joined together with longitudinal and transverse struts, connected through half-wood joints. The legs are slightly elevated so the glass top rests securely within the frame. By positioning two of the legs inward from the tabletop’s edge, Parisi introduced an unusual asymmetry to the design. The clear glass top highlights the intricate geometric structure beneath, making the construction itself a central feature.

Ico Parisi (1916-1996) stands as one of the pioneers who significantly influenced postwar Italian design. Admired for his graceful, curved, and elegantly simplified modern designs, Parisi played a pivotal role in shaping the design landscape. Unlike the Bauhaus movement, which established a new institute, Italy's design evolution unfolded in the refined confines of upper-class private spaces. It was within these sophisticated realms that the paths of influential figures like Gio Ponti, Massimo Campigli, Fausto Melotti, Ico, and his wife Luisa intersected. Parisi's journey began when, at the age of twenty, he earned his degree as an Industrial Head Technician from the Istituto Tecnico G. Castellini. It was during this period that he crafted his first designs, starting his prolific career. Prior to his mandatory wartime service, Parisi also delved into the realms of painting and photography. However, it was in the postwar era that Parisi's life truly unfolded. His encounter with Luisa Aiani sparked a transformative chapter. Subsequently, his designs garnered recognition and found a place in prestigious exhibitions. In 1958, Parisi started a collaboration with MIM Roma, followed by another significant partnership with Stildomus in 1959. This marked the beginning of a period where his innovative designs left an enduring mark on the world of Italian design.