Italian Mid Century Modern Crystal Glass Head Sculpture by Piero Fornasetti 1960
About the Item
- Creator:Piero Fornasetti (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 9.85 in (25 cm)Diameter: 9.06 in (23 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Byron Bay, AU
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU4258236758582
Piero Fornasetti
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Byron Bay, Australia
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- Mid-Century Modern Italian Dolphin Sculpture in Green Black Murano Glass, 1960sLocated in Byron Bay, NSWMurano dolphin in gray/green/black In perfect condition in style mid century modern.Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
MaterialsMurano Glass
- Mid-Century Modern Italian Elephant Sculpture Silver Plated and Marble, 1960sLocated in Byron Bay, NSWSculpture of elephant silver plated and marble base, also can be used as holder for things like jewellery or keys, perfect for a sideboard or as decora...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
MaterialsMarble, Silver Plate
- Mid-Century Modern Italian Animals Sculpture in Walnut Timber, 1960sLocated in Byron Bay, NSWSpectacular sculpture of two monkeys in Italian walnut timber, circa 1960s. Good condition.Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Art Deco Animal Sculptures
MaterialsWalnut
- Italian Mid Century Modern Hand Painted SculptureLocated in Byron Bay, NSWItalian Mid Century Modern hand painted women sculpture. Place of Origin: Italy Date of Manufacture: 1950s In style: Mid Century Modern Materials & Techniques: Ceramic Condition: ...Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
MaterialsCeramic
- Mid-Century Alabaster Horses Sculpture by Boldrini from Italy, 1960sLocated in Byron Bay, NSWStunning Alabaster Horses sculture from Volterra Italy 1960s With signature and in really good shape considering the age.Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
MaterialsAlabaster
- Mid-Century Modern Italian Animal Sculpture in Green Resin of a Deer, 1960sLocated in Byron Bay, NSWDeer sculpture in green resin from Italy, 1960s. Really good condition very beautiful decorative piece.Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
MaterialsResin
- Piero Fornasetti “ Cupole D’ Italia “ Porcelain Gold, 1960, ItalyBy Piero FornasettiLocated in Milano, ITN. 7 plate series Cupole s ‘ Italia N.6 diameter 25 cm.. N 1 diameter 30 cm .Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Other Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsPorcelain
- 1960s Piero Fornasetti Roman Foot Italian Design Blue PotteryBy Piero FornasettiLocated in Brescia, ITBlue pottery by Piero Fornasetti Italy, 1960 Perfect condiction.Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery
MaterialsPottery
- Vintage Moro Head Vase by Piero Fornasetti, Italy, 1960sBy Piero FornasettiLocated in Roma, ITMagnificent enameled gold ceramic vase by Piero Fornasetti (Milan 1913-1988), considered among the most original and creative talents of the 21st century. A rare piece depicting the ...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Vases
MaterialsCeramic
- 'Cesto di Dalie' Umbrella Stand by Piero Fornasetti, 1950s Italy, SignedBy Piero FornasettiLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis rare and highly sought-after collectors item is the 'Cesto di Dalie' umbrella stand by Piero Fornasetti, circa 1950s, signed underneath with a Fornasetti medallion label. This h...Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Umbrella Stands
MaterialsMetal
- Pair of Mid Century Modern Mannequin Glass Heads, Italy 1960sLocated in Beograd, RSIn this listing you will find a pair of Mid Century Modern mannequin glass heads, renowned Italian designer. One head is done in clear and the other i...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Busts
MaterialsGlass
- Mid Century Modern Ram's Head SculptureLocated in West Hollywood, CAThis mid-century Rams head figurine serves as an ideal decorative accent, doubling as a functional bookend. Crafted with meticulous hand-carved embellishments, it boasts a charming n...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
MaterialsResin
