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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chair — crafted 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
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
Masai XL Tray in Polished Metal by Aldo Cibic
By Aldo Cibic
Located in Milan, IT
Masai is a family of rectangular polished metal trays designed by Aldo Cibic, available in two different sizes: small and large. The high edges and the rounded corner make this tray ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Metal
Seletti "Hybrid-Armilla" Porcelain Spoon, Three Pieces
By Seletti
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
By Seletti
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
Set of 9 Christofle Dessert Knives, 20th Century.
By Christofle
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
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
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
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
Rectangular Silverplated Tray
Located in Brescia, IT
This modern and timeless tray is perfect to serve coffee or tea. It is very elegant to show a crystal glasses collection or the barware pieces.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Silver Plate
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
Set of 3 Trays. From The Tempera series
By WKND Lab
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
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
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 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 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 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
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
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
Straia Tray
By Monochrome
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 exte...
Category
2010s Emirian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Wood, Oak
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
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
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
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
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
New modern Chopping Board in White Carrara Marble creator Studioformart Stock
Located in Milan, IT
The history of marble carving is lost in time; in one breath, it takes us back to the IV century BC, to ancient Greece where decorations and sculptures were created from the shimmering stone. Andrea and Simone Dell’Amico, the souls of Studioformat, are young designers from Carrara who live and breathe marble in the nearby quarries, challenging the material’s strength. Total Marble is a collection that introduces curved and rectangular trays, place mats and mise en place that suggest fleetingness in a material, the divine aspects of which, have been transformed into objects for everyday use.
A little bit board and a little bit tray...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Marble
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
New Modern Serving Tray in Marble Creator Matteo Cibic, stock
By Matteo Cibic
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
New Modern Serving Tray in Marble Creator Matteo Cibic
By Matteo Cibic
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
Pair of Christofle Coasters.
By Christofle
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
Glass and Metal Silver Plate Water Carafe
Located in Brescia, IT
This water carafe is an elegant and useful piece of tableware, perfect for the Christmas tables.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Silver Plate
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
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
Colony Small Aluminium Tray by Aldo Cibic
By Aldo Cibic
Located in Milan, IT
Colony is a polished aluminium tray designed by Aldo Cibic. The square Silhouette is Minimalist, but the rounded corners and the sinuous handles give to the object a warm and refined...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Aluminum
Seletti "Hybrid-Leandra" Porcelain Cake-Stand
By Seletti
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
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
Michael Aram Silver Plate Serving Pieces I LOVE YOU Valentines Day Gift
By Michael Aram
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cleaver design by Michael Aram - serving pieces in silver plate that say I 'LOVE' U.
Perfect for your Chef "mate' or as a wedding serving set! Gifts for any bride, groom, or chef!...
Category
20th Century Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Silver Plate
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
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
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
Vintage Milano Large Espresso Coffee Maker Grosche Italy
By Alessi
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
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
Small Grey Ripple Cup Set
Located in Richmond, VA
Wavy glass drinking cup set of four in grey. Perfect size for water, wine, juice or spirits. Designed by Sophie Lou Jacobsen in New York.
Made of lightweight and durable borosilicat...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Glass
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
BOTELLA, White Marble Bottle Holder, Studio Mohs
By Zeynep Saz
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
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
Modernist Sterling Silver Sauce Boat with Ebony Handle by Allan Adler
By Allan Adler
Located in New York, NY
This beautifully designed hand wrought Modernist Sterling Silver Sauce Boat with Ebony Handle is made by Allan Adler and originates from the United States circa 1950. Well scaled and...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Sterling Silver
Kaviar/Shrimp/Choco Dip Bowl by Carsten Jorgen.
By Carsten Jorgensen
Located in New Orleans, LA
Incredible design on this rare piece by Carsten
Jorgensen for Bodum, circa 1980s, stainless steel and glass with blue plastic feet and brass accents, double glass. Classic Memphis er...
Category
1980s Swiss Vintage Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Brass, Stainless Steel
Handmade Rock Ceramic Cheese Board - Black & White Splatterware
By OWO Ceramics
Located in Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, AR
One-of-a-kind handmade ceramic cheese board. Inspired by everyday needs, this ceramic charcuterie board is specially designed to increase and enhance the lovely experience of sharing a dinner with friends or your loved one.
Beautiful to look at and highly functional, this cheese board will give your table setting and daily routine a fun and unique artsy touch.
Each piece is entirely made by hand and glazed in a matte glaze with hand-painted black splatters that resemble Pollock’s artistic work. Due to the handcrafted nature, each ceramic cheese platter...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Serving Pieces
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery, Clay
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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