On show are more than 50 pieces, including chairs, desks, lamps and cabinets, signature pieces in his oeuvre, as well as manuscripts, images and documents, to lead viewers into the whimsical world Pesce has constructed.

The exhibition was unveiled in November at the Sea World Culture and Arts Center in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, jointly presented by Design Society and the Gaetano Pesce Office, before traveling to Beijing. It will run at the Today Art Museum until June 30.

These days, Pesce lives and works in New York City, but he shares with his audience in China insights on design and how he works in the studio in several videos presented at the exhibition.

Zhang Ran, the museum director, says Pesce's works evoke discussions on imperfections and differences which reveal the true diversity of the world, in which people will find love and be touched.

Among the iconic designs on show are the Up 5-6 chairs, including an armchair, resembling a female silhouette, and a globe footrest. The items, unveiled in 1969, are considered among the most famous artistic furnishings of the 20th century.