Mid-century modern Lavabo (2) - Ideal Standard - Ceramic - Gio Ponti Bathroom Set






Holds a bachelor's degree in history of art and architecture, with 12 years of experience in decorative arts.
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A rare, coordinated pair of white ceramic bathroom sanitaryware designed by Gio Ponti for Ideal Standard in the Pontlav series, circa 1953, comprising a trapezoidal basin with the original sculptural column and vintage three-hole faucet group and a matching oval bidet, both in good condition with age-related marks, dimensions H 80 cm x W 70 cm x D 57 cm.
Description from the seller
Splendid and rare paired set of historic designer sanitaryware in white ceramic, Pontlav series (also known as Oneline / Zeta series), designed by master Gio Ponti for Ideal Standard in 1953 [intOndo Lavabo Pontlav Gio Ponti 1953]. An absolute icon of mid-century modern and Italian industrial design.
The lot comprises:
1. Trapezoidal basin with the unmistakable smooth interior designed by Ponti to suit the natural movement of the arms, complete with its original flared sculptural column and the period three-hole faucet group.
2. Coordinated oval bidet from the same series. The bidet is currently fitted with a modern mixer via chrome caps that cover the original three-hole provision (easily restorable).
Details of authenticity and historical marks (documented in photos):
The set features a rare and extraordinary mapping of factory-original marks that certify its authenticity:
• Historic pale-blue fire-mark "Standard" in vintage italic on the side (dating from before the company changed its name to Ideal Standard).
• Raw-engraved elongated cursive "Z" mark, identifying the authorial production of the Z Series signed by Gio Ponti.
• Casting codes and mold traceability marks ("Z3") impressed in the ceramic before firing.
Conditions:
The sanitaryware is intact, structurally sound, and free of deep cracks or nap/pilling of the ceramic. They show the usual patina from time and limescale consistent with age and use, easily removable with a thorough cleaning. Original basin faucet included.
Splendid and rare paired set of historic designer sanitaryware in white ceramic, Pontlav series (also known as Oneline / Zeta series), designed by master Gio Ponti for Ideal Standard in 1953 [intOndo Lavabo Pontlav Gio Ponti 1953]. An absolute icon of mid-century modern and Italian industrial design.
The lot comprises:
1. Trapezoidal basin with the unmistakable smooth interior designed by Ponti to suit the natural movement of the arms, complete with its original flared sculptural column and the period three-hole faucet group.
2. Coordinated oval bidet from the same series. The bidet is currently fitted with a modern mixer via chrome caps that cover the original three-hole provision (easily restorable).
Details of authenticity and historical marks (documented in photos):
The set features a rare and extraordinary mapping of factory-original marks that certify its authenticity:
• Historic pale-blue fire-mark "Standard" in vintage italic on the side (dating from before the company changed its name to Ideal Standard).
• Raw-engraved elongated cursive "Z" mark, identifying the authorial production of the Z Series signed by Gio Ponti.
• Casting codes and mold traceability marks ("Z3") impressed in the ceramic before firing.
Conditions:
The sanitaryware is intact, structurally sound, and free of deep cracks or nap/pilling of the ceramic. They show the usual patina from time and limescale consistent with age and use, easily removable with a thorough cleaning. Original basin faucet included.
