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Modern Serving Pieces

MODERN STYLE

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”

Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.

Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chaircrafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.

It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.

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Style: Modern
New Modern Tray in Black Marquina Marble, Creator Colominas Stock
Located in Milan, IT
An essential, Minimalist tray that easily lends itself to multiple uses. At the table, in the kitchen, in the dining room. In simlicity is beauty. Size: 40 x 2.2 cm, smooth finishin...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Marble

Ghidini 1961 Perished Large Bowl in Gold-Plated Stainless Steel by Studio Job
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Large bowl in openwork steel. After having visited the Museum of Natural History in New York, Studio Job created a neo-gothic pattern of dancing human and animal skeletons...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Stainless Steel

Two-sided Maple Wood Cutting Board and Serving Plate, Quadrato, Made in Italy
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beauty meets function. This two-sided cutting board is made with European maple butcher block and carved at the corners with an ergonomic shape for easy lifting and handling. It’s a dinner party staple accommodating your laborious food preparation on the broad, flat side of the board while your appetizer compositions can take shape on the distinctly scalloped side. Designed in Brooklyn by Italian-born architect Ale Preda for Miduny, this artisanal product is made in Italy by master craftsmen. This board design comes in two versions. Quadrato, the square version featured in this listing, measures 15.75" x 15.75" x 1.6" thick. It feels large, heavy and professional. Food safe finish. Maple from an FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified mill. You’ll be confident to show off those German knife...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Maple

Seletti "Hybrid-Armilla" Porcelain Spoon, Three Pieces
Located in Doral, FL
From its very first year in 1964, Seletti in Cicognara, Mantova, has followed its principle of professionality service and constant research to strive for betterness innovation and o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

Seletti "Hybrid-Diomira" Tray in Porcel
Located in Doral, FL
From its very first year in 1964, Seletti in Cicognara, Mantova, has followed its principle of professionality service and constant research to strive for betterness innovation and o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

Lava Bed Serving Plate by Kajsa Melchior
Located in Geneve, CH
Lava bed serving plate by Kajsa Melchior. Fictive Erosion collection Dimensions: H: Approx. 4 cm Ø: Approx. 40 cm Materials: Sculpted in sand by pressau...
Category

2010s Swedish Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Sandstone

Cake Stand by Sema Topaloglu
Located in Istanbul, 34
Cake Stand by Sema Topaloglu This product which a part of many piece cake stand collection with different colors, is handcrafted. Therefore each production is unique and might not ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Glass

Cake Stand by Sema Topaloglu
Located in Istanbul, 34
cake stand by Sema Topaloglu This product which a part of many piece cake stand collection with different colors, is handcrafted. Therefore each production is unique and might not b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Glass, Art Glass

Cake Stand by Sema Topaloglu
Located in Istanbul, 34
cake stand by Sema Topaloglu This product which a part of many piece cake stand collection with different colors, is handcrafted. Therefore each production is unique and might not b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Art Glass, Glass

Cake Stand by Sema Topaloglu
Located in Istanbul, 34
cake stand by Sema Topaloglu This product which a part of many piece cake stand collection with different colors, is handcrafted. Therefore each production is unique and might not ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Glass

8 Neiman Marcus Vintage Half Round Capiz Shell Decorative Placemats Serving Mats
Located in Miami, FL
Charming half round serving or decorative placemats made out of Capiz shells over cork. Mother of Pearl Color and in the Shape of a seashell found at the beach. The placemats are in ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Cork, Shell

Brown West-Germany ceramic plate with vivid red (1970s)
Located in Oostende, BE
Brown West-Germany ceramic plate with vivid red (1970s)
Category

1970s German Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Ceramic

Suite of 12 Silver-Plated Dog-Shaped Knife Rests, 1980.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Suite of 12 silver-plated dog-shaped knife rests, 1980. Suite of 12 silver-plated dog-shaped knife rests from the 1980s, in their boxes. Box: H: 3cm, W: 7cm, D: 1.5cm
Category

20th Century French Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver Plate

Set of 12 Dessert Forks by Christofle Goldsmith in Paris, 1960-1970.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Set of 12 dessert forks by Christofle Goldsmith in Paris, 1960-1970. Set of 12 silver plated dessert forks in the original box by Christofle Goldsmith in Paris, 1960-1970. Box: H: 4...
Category

20th Century French Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver Plate

Fish Service with 12 Forks and 12 Fish Knives by the Silversmith Christofle.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Fish service with 12 forks and 12 fish knives by the silversmith Christofle in Paris, 1960-1970. Fish service with 12 silver plated forks and 12 fish knives in the original box by C...
Category

20th Century French Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver Plate

Set of 9 Christofle Dessert Knives, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Set of 9 Christofle dessert knives, 20th century. Set of 9 silver-plated dessert knives by the Maison Christofle, 1980-1990. h: 2cm, w: 20cm, d: 1.5cm
Category

20th Century French Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver Plate

Set of 6 Snail Forks, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Set of 6 snail forks, 20th century. Set of 6 snail forks, 1980-1990. h: 13.5cm, w: 1cm, d: 1cm
Category

20th Century French Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Metal

Contemporary Cutlery Silver Plated Set Handcrafted in Italy by Natalia Criado
Located in Milan, IT
Elevate your dining experience with our Artefacto cutlery set. A fork, spoon, and knife – meticulously crafted from plated brass. Inspired by geometric forms and ornamental symbolism...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Brass

Beautiful German Cutlery for 12 People 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Beautiful German Cutlery for 12 People 20th Century golden metal services in their cases perfect conditions Highest height: 23cm
Category

20th Century German Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Metal

Fig Leaf Shaped Rainforest Marble Serving Platter by Kunaal Kyhaan
Located in Pune, IN
The Fig Leaf Shaped Rainforest Marble Serving Platter by Kunaal Kyhaan dates its origins in Hindu Mythology. Lord Krishna played his flute under the Fig tree to attract beautiful tem...
Category

2010s Indian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Marble

1970 "Ely" Creazioni Metallo Argentato Agata Italia Vassoio
Located in Brescia, IT
Vassoio argentato con Agata Creazioni "Ely" Italy, 1970 Creazione Artistica anni 70 Eccellenti condizioni, lievi graffiature superficiali. Nessuna incisione.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Metal

Set of 3 Trays. From The Tempera series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Set of 3 Trays, 2023 From The Tempera series Material: Duck egg yolk, binder Overall size: 19.5 Diameter x 15 H (cm) Individual Dimensions: 19.5 Diameter x 5 H (cm) Weight: avg. 1kg...
Category

2010s North Korean Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Shell

Luxurious Hand-Made Serving Set with Hand-Blown Food-Safe Glass Bowls
Located in Cairo, EG
Luxurious Hand-Made Serving Set with Hand-Blown Food-Safe Glass Bowls. This is how feasts are made! Hosting is not just about the food, but the joy, warmth, scents, colors and overal...
Category

2010s Egyptian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Acrylic

Exotic Wood Breakfast Serving Tray Macassar and Ebony
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents Serving Tray Exotic Zebra Wood Macassar and Ebony Breakfast in Bed Tray 2.5 h x 24.5 w x 14 d Original unrestored vintage condi...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Ebony, Macassar

Contemporary Silver Plated Teapot Stone Handles Handcrafted Italy Natalia Criado
Located in Milan, IT
Part of the duality objects collection, OHO, is a harmonious blend of contemporary design's expressive freedom and the profound expertise of silverware workshops. This piece serves a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass

Contemporary Silver Plated Perla Cup White Handcrafted Italy by Natalia Criado
Located in Milan, IT
Elevate your daily tea or coffee ritual with our exquisite Perla cup. Handcrafted with plated brass, its geometric silhouette narrows at the base for a sleek and minimal aesthetic. T...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Gold Plate, Brass

Italian modern metal irregular bowl or container cup by La Rinascente, 1990s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern metal irregular bowl or container cup by La Rinascente, 1990s. Bowl or container cup, small in size, made of metal and with an irregular shape, with a pointed end and ...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Metal

Italian modern metal oval serving bowl or container by La Rinascente, 1990s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern metal oval serving bowl or container by La Rinascente, 1990s. Oval-shaped metal serving bowl or container, ideal for serving appetizers and aperitifs. Produced by La R...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Metal

Contemporary Silver Plated Ice Bucket Sculptural Feet Carved by Natalia Criado
Located in Milan, IT
Designed as part of a collection for the Venice Biennale, the Ice Cooler epitomizes Natalia Criado’s fusion of Colombian symbolism and Italian artistry. The "exotic" three feet that ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Brass, Silver Plate

Chrome "Top Hat" Toothpick Holder / Shot Glass Chase Co.
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool chrome "top hat" toothpick Holder / shot glass by Chase Co., circa 1940s. The piece is in good condition and measures 2.625"D x 2"H. It is marked "Chase" with company log...
Category

20th Century American Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Chrome

Red Zebra Handpainted Iron Tray
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Handpainted red Zebra iron tray this product is unique and handmade and can be used as a serving tray of just as a decorative item
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Iron

Straia Tray
Located in Dubai, AE
The Straia tray is the first element of our Articles Collection. These articles are intended to enhance daily routines by beautifying the most mundane activities. The tray is an extension of the Intersekt line, approached in small scale. Following our craftsmanship standards, it is hand-crafted in solid oak wood to provide longevity and allow it to age gracefully with use. It has been treated with a clear, matte sealant to easily maintain a clean surface. The millimetrical grooves around the double legs remain as a signature statement from the Intersekt collection. The tray can be used for daily tea, coffee, or as part of a matcha set...
Category

2010s Emirian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Wood, Oak

Giraffe Handpainted Iron Tray
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Handpainted Giraffe iron tray this product is unique and handmade and can be used as a serving tray of just as a decorative item
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Iron

Zebra Handpainted Iron Tray
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Handpainted Zebra iron tray this product is unique and handmade and can be used as a serving tray of just as a decorative item
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Iron

Pair of Modernist Chrome and Cobalt Candle Holders by Chase Co
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice pair of modernist chrome and cobalt candle holders by Chase & Co., circa 1940s. The chrome design features a 2.5" round cup on a coba...
Category

20th Century American Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Chrome

Elephant Pink Handpainted Iron Tray
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Handpainted Elephant iron tray this product is unique and handmade and can be used as a serving tray of just as a decorative item
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Iron

Pink Crab Handpainted Iron Tray
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Handpainted iron tray Pink Crab design perfect as a serving tray or as an amazing vide poche.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Iron

Cheetah Handpainted Iron Tray
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Handpainted cheetah iron tray this product is unique and handmade and can be used as a serving tray of just as a decorative item
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Iron

Palm Tree Handpainted Iron Tray
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Handpainted iron tray Palm Tree design perfect as a serving tray or as an amazing vide poche.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Iron

Yellow Palm Handpainted Iron Tray
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Handpainted iron tray yellow Palm Tree design perfect as a serving tray or as an amazing vide poche.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Iron

1960s White Fenton Olde Virginia Glass Pedestal Candy Dish with Lid
Located in East Quogue, NY
Gorgeous White Vintage Fenton Embossed Olde Virginia Milk Glass Candy / Compote Dish with Lid circa 1960-1979. Size: 8 1/2" inches tall (with lid) x 5 ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Milk Glass

Seletti "Hybrid-Leandra" Porcelain Cake-Stand
Located in Doral, FL
From its very first year in 1964, Seletti in Cicognara, Mantova, has followed its principle of professionality service and constant research to strive for betterness innovation and o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

Three 1980s Modernist Silver Plated and Glass Serving Pieces by Lino Sabattini
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This silver-plated set designed by Lino Sabattini is composed of a cruet for oil and vinegar with crystal glass ampoules, one cheese bowl, and a salt and pepper shaker. The dimensio...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver Plate

Set of Four Andy Warhol Marilyn Monroe Bone China Plates By Block
Located in North Miami, FL
This set of 4 bone china appetizer, desert or salad plates or serving pieces are Andy Warhol' s Marilyn Monroe for Block and by Block Manufacturing all labeled on the back side and authorized by the Marilyn Monroe estate...
Category

1990s American Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Christofle Coasters.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of Christofle coasters. Pair of silver plated coasters from Christofle, 1980, in their original boxes.   h: 1cm , d: 13cm
Category

20th Century French Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver Plate

New Modern Serving Tray in Marble Creator Matteo Cibic, stock
Located in Milan, IT
Serving tray in black Marquinia, red Levanto and white Michelangelo marble. Size: 40 x 29 x 4 cm, 15.7 x 11.4 x 1.6 in, smooth finishing. Commercial name: Romeo, Homage Collection b...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Marble

Tray Hand Carved from Solid Block of White Marble, Rectangular, Made in Italy
Located in Ancona, Marche
Tray or serving plates carved by hand from a solid block of white Calacatta marble. Tray dimensions: L 40, W 29.5, H 2 cm, available in different marbles and onyx. Marble is a natur...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Marble

Fish Service in Bakelite and Stainless Steel, Maison Guy Degrenne, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Fish service in Bakelite and stainless steel, Maison Guy Degrenne, XXth Century. Fish service in Bakelite and intox, perfect condition, 1980, from the House of Guy Degrenne, Goldsmi...
Category

20th Century French Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Milano Large Espresso Coffee Maker Grosche Italy
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Large Stovetop Milano Espresso Coffee Maker Grosche Italy 10.75 h x 8.5 d x 5 w Unrestored preowned vintage original condition not new condition....
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Metal

Silver Plated Trivet by Christofle, 1980.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Silver plated trivet by Christofle, 1980. Silver plated trivet from the Maison Christofle in its original case and box, very good condition, 1980....
Category

20th Century French Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver Plate

Mies Acrylic Tray
Located in New York, NY
Unique Craftsmanship. Discover Michael's Mies Trays Today Available in Polished Stainless or Polished Stainless + Acrylic! Various Sizes Available + Custom
Category

2010s American Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Knives and Forks for Service, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Knives and Forks for Service, 20th Century. Knives and Forks by Letang&Remy, Paris, stainless steel, 1980, new condition, in box.   H: 2,5cm, W: 35,5cm, D: 7cm
Category

20th Century French Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Stainless Steel

Metal carrying tray and details recalling the marine atmosphere
Located in Spilimbergo, IT
Elegant rectangular serving tray, essential design and suggestive details recalling the marine atmosphere. Conceived by designer Nino Basso, the tray has the plan mirror-polishe...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Brass

Swid Powell for Calvin Klein Silver Plate and Crystal Caviar Bowl Dish Chiller
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stylish modernist caviar set was designed in the 1980s by Swid Powell and distributed by Calvin Klein Home Collection. The serving set includes ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Crystal, Metal, Silver Plate

BOTELLA, White Marble Bottle Holder, Studio Mohs
Located in Istanbul , Istanbul
Elegant and useful Botella is designed to keep your liquor bottles chilled with the coldness of marble and serve them in a stylish way. Since marble is a natural material, the color...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Marble

1980s Memphis Teapot Kettle designer Michael Graves
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Style Alessi Vintage Memphis Tea Pot designer Michael Graves stainless steel made Taiwan signed 10.5 h x 9 w 11.75 d Original vintage unrestored used c...
Category

Late 20th Century Taiwanese Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Stainless Steel

Oval Teak Tray by Jens Quistgaard, circa 1950
Located in New York City, NY
Oval Teak Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Beautifully shaped and finished teak serving tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk.
Category

20th Century American Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Teak

Copper and Brass Fish Poacher Stainless Rack with Decorative Brass Fish Handle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Copper fish Poacher with Stainless interior removable Rack for your favorite Fish! The tops removable lid, has a decorative 3-d Fish handle. A compliment to the kitchen as a prac...
Category

20th Century Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Modern serving pieces for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern serving pieces for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage serving pieces created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, stone and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern serving pieces made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original serving pieces, popular names associated with this style include Ghidini 1961, Ivan Colominas, Kartell, and Patricia Urquiola. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for serving pieces differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $40 and tops out at $30,579 while the average work can sell for $428.

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