Born in 1891 in Modena, he emigrated to Brazil where he established himself as a painter, ceramist, sculptor and furniture designer in the early 1950s. Immediately recognisable, his design is characterised by soft, sinuous lines, extreme attention to detail and the use of precious Amazonian woods. At the peak of his career, he opened a furniture factory, the Fábrica de Móveis Giesse, and a carpet factory. Long forgotten, the designer is now among the most influential personalities of 20th century Brazilian design.