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Piero Fornasetti Bowls and Baskets

Italian, 1913-1988

The Italian artist and designer Piero Fornasetti was one of the wittiest and most imaginative talents of the 20th century. He crafted an inimitable decorative style from a personal vocabulary of images that included birds, butterflies, hot-air balloons, architecture and — most frequently, and in some 500 variations — an enigmatic woman’s face based on that of Cavalieri. Fornasetti used transfer prints of these images, rendered in the style of engravings, to decorate an endless variety of furnishings and housewares that ranged from chairs, tables and decorative objects to dinner plates, table lamps and umbrella stands. His work is archly clever, often Surrealist and always fun.

Fornasetti was born in Milan, the son of an accountant, and he lived his entire life in the city. He showed artistic talent as a child and enrolled at Milan’s Brera Academy of Fine Art in 1930, but was expelled after two years for consistently failing to follow his professors’ orders.

A group of Fornasetti's hand-painted silk scarves, displayed in the 1933 Triennale di Milano, caught the eye of the architect and designer Gio Ponti, who, in the 1940s, became the artist's collaborator and patron. Beginning in the early 1950s, they created a striking series of desks, bureaus and secretaries that pair Ponti’s signature angular forms with Fornasetti’s decorative motifs — lighthearted arrangements of flowers and birds on some pieces, austere architectural imagery on others. The two worked together on numerous commissions for interiors, though their greatest project has been lost: the first-class lounges and restaurants of the luxury ocean liner Andrea Doria, which sank in 1956.

Fornasetti furnishings occupy an unusual and compelling niche in the decorative arts: they are odd yet pack a serious punch. They act, essentially, as functional sculpture. A large Fornasetti piece such as a cabinet or a desk can change the character of an entire room; his smaller works have the aesthetic power of a vase of flowers, providing a bright and alluring decorative note. The chimerical, fish-nor-fowl nature of Fornasetti’s work may be its greatest strength. It stands on its own. Bringing the Fornasetti look into the future is Barnaba Fornasetti, who took the reins of the company after his father's death.

Find vintage Piero Fornasetti dinner plates, chairs, tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Creator: Piero Fornasetti
Piero Fornasetti House of Cards Surrealist Porcelain Tray or Dish Vintage
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in North Miami, FL
This dream like hallmarked Mid-Century Modern original Piero Fornasetti small tray, dish or desk accessory is lithographically hand painted porcelain. It is called the House of Cards...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Piero Fornasetti Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Porcelain

Set of 6 Decorative Plates "Specialità Torinesi" by P. Fornasetti for Fiat
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in Varese, Lombardia
Rare set of six decorated and gilded ceramic plates designed by Piero Fornasetti. This collection was specially created by the Fornasetti Atelier...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Piero Fornasetti Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Gold Plate

Piero Fornsasetti box, Fornasetti Milan. 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in Rivoli, IT
Small and rare box signed Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti Milan, 1960s Classic screen-printed decoration. Useful as a pocket emptier
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Wood

Set of P. Fornasetti Decorative Porcelain Plates for Martini & Rossi, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Piero Fornasetti complete collection of twelve decorated and enamelled porcelain plates. Limited edition for Martini & Rossi of Turin, inspired by the main pieces of the Casa Martini...
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1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Piero Fornasetti Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Porcelain

Bookender by Piero Fornasetti, 1950s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Bookenders is a decorative object realized by Piero Fornasetti, in 1950s.  Metal structure with velvet parts, some parts damaged. 20 x 15 x 13 cm. Good conditions, some yellowing ...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Metal

Bookender by Piero Fornasetti, 1950s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Bookenders is a decorative object realized by Piero Fornasetti, in 1950s.  Metal structure with velvet parts, some parts damaged. 20 x 15 x 13 cm. Good conditions, some yellowing ...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Metal

Italian Fornasetti Ceramic Change Tray
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A ceramic change tray signed by Fornasetti and designed by Piero Fornasetti. The piece is a compliment to any setting. On a coffee table, bedside...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Piero Fornasetti Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Piero Fornasetti Plates from the " Tema E Variazioni" Series
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Piero Fornasetti plates from the " Tema e Variazioni" series depicting the fictional character, Giulia, in a variety of creative ways. Sold individually-price per plate. C...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Piero Fornasetti Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Ceramic

Fornasetti Greco Roman Black and Gold Catchall Vide-Poche Jewelry Dish Tray
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in New York, NY
An Italian porcelain jewelry tray or dish with Greco-Roman design by designer by Piero Fornasetti, circa mid-20th century, 1960s, Italy. Tray is black and gold with a Greco-Roman sce...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Greco Roman Piero Fornasetti Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Porcelain

Piatto Piero Fornasetti Serie Tema E Variazioni, Italia Anni '60
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
Piatto in porcellana serie "tema e variazioni". Al verso marchio della manifattura.
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Piero Fornasetti Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Porcelain

Piero Fornasetti, Mod. Re Sole Tray, Atelier Fornasetti, circa 1955
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Firenze, IT
Piero Fornasetti, 'Re Sole' tray Prod. Fornasetti, Milan, Italy, circa 1955 Serigraphed metal. H 3.5 cm x Diameter 41 cm Bibliography: Mariuccia Ca...
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1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Piero Fornasetti Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage Piero Fornasetti "Caduceus" Lithograph Gilt Porcelain Green Ashtray
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage celadon/mint green ceramic ashtray/trinket dish with cigarette slots by Piero Fornasetti, (circa 1950s, Italy). Features lithographic tra...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Piero Fornasetti Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Porcelain

Serving Tray with Birds by Piero Fornasetti, 1950s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Serving Tray with Birds is a vintage decorative object realized by Piero Fornasetti in 1950s. Metal varnished and decorated with Silkscreen....
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Metal

Vintage Piero Fornasetti Plates from the "Istrumenti Musicali" Series
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 1950s hand painted Piero Fornasetti plates from the " Instrumenti Musicali" series depicting string musical instruments. Sold individua...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Piero Fornasetti Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Porcelain

Piero Fornasetti Rosone Charger, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Miami, FL
A vintage decorative Rosone N.6 large plate or charger designed and manufactured by the Italian master of playful and surreal self-expression Piero Fo...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Piero Fornasetti Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Porcelain

Set of Piero Fornasetti Medaglioni Crescent Catchall Trays, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Miami, FL
A set of six (6) vintage catch all crescent shaped decorative dishes designed and manufactured by the Italian master of playful and surreal self-expr...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Piero Fornasetti Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Porcelain

1970s Rare Porcelain Ashtray or Vide Poche by Piero Fornasetti
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Rare Porcelain Ashtray/Vide Poche by Piero Fornasetti for Winston accessories. Signed at the bottom. The item is in very good condition. Dimensions: W 7,28 in. x D 7,28 in. x...
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Piero Fornasetti Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Porcelain

1970s Rare Porcelain Ashtray or Vide Poche by Piero Fornasetti
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Rare Porcelain Ashtray/Vide Poche by Piero Fornasetti for Winston accessories. Signed at the bottom. The item is in very good condition. Dimensions: W 7,28 in. x D 7,28 in. x...
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Piero Fornasetti Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Porcelain

Earth Signs, Set of 3 Plates from Zodiac Plate Series by P. Fornasetti, 1965
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Earth signs- Zodiac Plate Series is a set of elegant porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Perugia in 1965. Good conditions except for the plate depicting Taurus that ...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Porcelain

Porron Plate for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Porron is a silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s. Excellent conditions: as good as new. This is a b/w ceramic Fornasetti wall plate, representing the Spanish amphora called "porron", realized to drink wine gracefully. With a very detailed golden caption and title on the front of the plate. Marked on the back with the description of the series, the title of the plate, and the Fornasetti logo: "Serie di piatti creata da Piero Fornasetti per la Martini and Rossi...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Porcelain

1980s Plates, Set of 8 Vintage Plates by Piero Fornasetti, 1980s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
1980s Plate, Calendar series is a set of 8 silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti during the 1980s from the Calendario series, the Happy New Year dishes series. Good conditions. Black and white ceramic Fornasetti wall plate...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Porcelain

1970s Set of Vintage Porcelain Plates, by Piero Fornasetti
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
1970s plate, Calendar series is a set of 9 silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti during the 1970s from the Calendario series, the Happy New Year dishes series. It includes all the years except 1977. Good conditions. Black and white ceramic Fornasetti wall plate...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Porcelain

Set of Two Plates "Grandi Maestri" by P. Fornasetti, 1967
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Set of two plates "Grandi Maestri" is an original decorative object realized by the Italian artist and designer Piero Fornasetti (Milan, 1909-1988) in 1967. Made by Fornasetti, Mi...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Porcelain

Il Primo Tino Plate for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Il Primo Tino, for Martini & Rossi is a silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s. Excellent conditions: as good as new. This is a black and white ceramic Fornasetti wall plate, representing the first Martini, Sola & C.gnia Pessio's vat for the vermouth production, described with a golden caption and titled on the front. Marked on the back with the description of the series, the title of the plate, and the Fornasetti logo: Serie di piatti creata da Piero Fornasetti per la Martini and Rossi...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Porcelain

Trozzella Plate for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Trozzella Leccese - for Martini & Rossi is a silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s. Excellent conditions: as good as new. Black and white ceramic Fornasetti wall plate, finely decorated with the illustration of the Apulian Leccese "Trozzella" vase, with the golden explicative text and the title on the front. Marked on the back with the description of the series, the title of the plate, and the Fornasetti's logo. "Serie di piatti creata da Piero Fornasetti per la Martini and Rossi...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Porcelain

Alambicco Plate for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Alambicco per la distillazione dell'alcool is an elegant silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s. Original title: Alambicco per la...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Porcelain

Grande Mortaio Bronzeo Plate for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Grande Mortaio Bronzeo, for Martini & Rossi (Large Bronze Mortar - for Martini & Rossi) is a silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Porcelain

Kantaros Plate for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Kantaros - for Martini & Rossi is a silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s. Excellent conditions: As good as new.  Black and white ceramic Fornasetti wall plate, finely decorated with the illustration of the Apulian "Kantharos" vase. Golden explicative text and the title on the front. Marked on the back with the description of the series, the title of the plate, and the Fornasetti's logo. "Serie di piatti creata da Piero Fornasetti per la Martini and Rossi...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Porcelain

Oinochoe Plate for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
This Oinochoe is an elegant silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s. In excellent conditions: as good as new. Black and white ceramic Fornasetti wall plate, superbly decorated with the bacchante motive take from a Greek "Oinochoe" jar. Golden caption and the title on the front. Marked on the back with the description of the series, the title of the plate, and the Fornasetti logo. "Serie di piatti creata da Piero Fornasetti per la Martini and Rossi...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Porcelain

Rhyton Plate for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Rhyton is a silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s. Excellent conditions: as good as new. This is a black and white ceramic Fornasetti wall plate, representing the oldest drinking vessel ever found, the Apulian rhyton. With a very detailed golden caption and title on the front of the plate. Marked on the back with the description of the series, the title of the plate, and the Fornasetti logo: "Serie di piatti creata da Piero Fornasetti per la Martini and Rossi...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Porcelain

Servizio Per Porto Plate for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Servizio per Porto in Argento is a silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s. Original title: Servizio per Porto in Argento (Silver Set) In excellent conditions: as good as new. Black and white ceramic Fornasetti wall plate, representing a silver set, held in the Pessione Museum, with a golden caption and the title on the front. Marked on the back with the description of the series, the title of the plate, and the Fornasetti logo. "Serie di piatti creata da Piero Fornasetti per la Martini and Rossi...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Porcelain

Skyphos Plate for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Skyphos is an elegant silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s. In excellent conditions: as good as new. Black and white ceramic Fornasetti wall plate, finely decorated with the representation of the greek model "Skyphos" vase. Golden explicative text and the title on the front. Marked on the back with the description of the series, the title of the plate, and the Fornasetti logo: "Serie di piatti creata da Piero Fornasetti per la Martini and...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Porcelain

Carro Vinario Plate for Martini & Rossi, by P. Fornasetti, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Carro Vinario is a silk-screened porcelain plate, designed by Piero Fornasetti for Martini & Rossi in 1960s. In excellent conditions: as good as new. Black and white ceramic Fornasetti wall plate, representing wine-carriage, an ancient means of transportation, a real cart preserved in the Pessione Museum. With a golden caption and title on the front. Marked on the back with the description of the series, the title of the plate, and the Fornasetti logo. "Serie di piatti creata da Piero Fornasetti per la Martini and Rossi...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Piero Fornasetti Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Porcelain

Complete Set of Eight 'Soli e Lune' Drinks Coasters by Fornasetti, Italy
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in London, GB
A complete set of 1960s ceramic drinks coasters designed by Piero Fornasetti, Italy, circa 1960. This design, titled 'Soli e Lune' or Sun and Moon is one of Piero's most popular and ...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Piero Fornasetti Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Ceramic

Piero Fornasetti 1950s Black and Gold Stencilled Key Design Paper Waste Basket
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in London, GB
Rare and original 1950s black key design pattern Piero Fornasetti gold stencilled paper waste basket. signed.
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Piero Fornasetti Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Brass

Piero Fornasetti bowls and baskets for sale on 1stDibs.

Piero Fornasetti bowls and baskets are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of ceramic and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Piero Fornasetti bowls and baskets, although beige editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original bowls and baskets by Piero Fornasetti were created in the mid-century modern style in italy during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider bowls and baskets by Bitossi, Aldo Londi, and Ercole Barovier. Prices for Piero Fornasetti bowls and baskets can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $373 and can go as high as $4,024, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $944.
Questions About Piero Fornasetti Bowls and Baskets
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Piero Fornasetti was an Italian artist and designer born in Milan, Italy, in 1913. In 1950, he founded an atelier in the city, creating furniture and home decorations. Fornasetti died on October 9, 1988. His company, Fornasetti, continues to produce hand-decorated decor under the guidance of his son Barnaba Fornasetti. Find a collection of Fornasetti on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Whether or not Piero Fornasetti images are in the public domain depends on the image. The artist produced more than 11,000 works during his lifetime. Only some no longer carry a copyright and are in the public domain. Shop a range of Fornasetti on 1stDibs.

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