Piero Fornasetti Book End
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Toronto, ON
This is a charming one half of a rare Fornastti bookend. It is nonetheless a wonderful collectible and highly decorative accent piece for a desk, or bookshelf display. Who knows may...
Metal
Fornasetti: The Complete Universe edited by Barnaba Fornasetti (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
Large hardback book in slipcase, 685 pages lavishly illustrated throughout with color and black and white photographs.
Other
Vintage Piero Fornasetti Porcelain Serving Bowls, Mid Century Modern, Italy
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in North Miami, FL
They are called appetizer bowls from the Fornasetti book and there were 2 other variations made of which we have never seen or do not have.
Porcelain
$3,000Sale Price|36% Off
'Greca' Greek Key Round Mirror by Piero Fornasetti, Signed, circa 1970s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The 'Greca' aka Greek Key motif is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe" and offered in Fornasetti's full range of designs including an umbrella bin, trash bin, ...
Mirror, Wood
Piero Fornasetti paraventi screen Italy 1954
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Similar models published in the Fornasetti book. Piero Fornasetti was renowned for his talents in painting, sculpture, decoration, and craftsmanship.
Brass
Piero Fornasetti Fleming Joffe Porcelain Recipe Plate, Snake a la Cleopatra
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
As noted in Barnaba Fornasetti's book Fornasetti: The Complete Universe, the recipes depicted on the plates were "decidedly improbable," subverting the traditional function of a reci...
Porcelain
$1,700 / set
Three Vintage Fornasetti Leaf “Foglie” Plates
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
These plates are featured (without gilt) in the Fornasetti “Complete Universe” book on p. 609.
Ceramic
$960Sale Price|43% Off
Vintage Enameled Metal / Wood Drawer Piero Fornasetti Box
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Doraville, GA
The box was designed by Piero Fornasetti in the 1950's / 1960's and is listed in the book Fornasetti - The Complete Universe.
Metal
$875Sale Price / set|30% Off
Pair of Fornasetti 1950s Beer Steins with Nautical Motifs
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Crest/rope/nautical/seafaring motifs. Pictured in Fornasetti’s Complete Universe book, the closest thing this designer has to a raisonne, on p. 579.
Ceramic
Piero Fornasetti Attributed Gravure Italian Mid Century Modern Magazine Stand
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
This magazine stand is also featured in the book, "Fornasetti: The Complete Universe" Pictured on page 479, figure 137.
Aluminum, Brass, Wrought Iron
$3,150Sale Price|34% Off
'Cammei Marbalia' Round Mirror by Piero Fornasetti, circa 1970s, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The 'Cammei' aka 'Cameo Motif' and 'Marbalia' aka 'Marbled Motif' is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe" and offered in Fornasetti's full range of designs incl...
Mirror, Wood
Piero Fornasetti Fleming Joffe Porcelain Recipe Plate, Snake a la Cleopatra
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Improbable Palate: Fornasetti's Surreal Snake Recipe for Fleming Joffe Artist: Piero Fornasetti (Italian, 1913-1988) Design Period: 1960s-1974 Commissioned By: Fleming Joffe Ltd.
Porcelain
Fornasetti: Designer of Dreams by Patrick Mauries (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
Fornasetti worked in many different mediums, this book presents his work under six headings: drawings, graphics, architecture, trompe l'oeil, themes and variations, and nature.
Paper
Fornasetti Designer of Dreams by P. Mauries (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
Piero Fornasetti lived and worked in Milan from 1935 until his death in 1988. during this long career he established an enduring reputation as a designer with a style that was all hi...
Paper
$25,400Sale Price|27% Off
'Pompeiana' Corner Cabinet by Piero Fornasetti, Italy, 2 of 2 in 1988, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The 'Pompeiana' aka Pompeian Motif is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe". This rare piece is sought after by interior designers and collectors alike.
Brass
Piero Fornasetti Table Lamp "Cameo", Italy, circa 1960
By Fornasetti
Located in Munich, DE
Height without the shade is 40 cm, diameter of the base 12 cm Shade is included, this lamp is newly electrified Similar model/Fornasetti/Patrick Mauries/ book p. ).
Brass, Metal
Tray by Piero Fornasetti, Original 1950s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in JM Haarlem, NL
I have never seen this tray before and I only know it from the book: Fornasetti 'The Complete Universe' edited by Rizzoli New York, page: 520.
Metal
Piero Fornasetti Book Ends
By Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Piero Fornasetti book ends. Decoration black and white, circa 1970.
Fornasetti Table
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in San Francisco, CA
The 'Farfalle' aka 'Butterflies' motif is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe". This rare piece is sought after by interior designers and collectors alike.
Brass
Piero Fornasetti Giostra di Frutta Mug
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Piero Fornasetti (from Fornasetti's Secret, an introduction to the book Fornasetti: Conversation with Philippe Stark, See below) A singular designer, craftsman, poet and marvelou...
Set of Nine Piero Fornasetti Zodiac Plates
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Fornasetti Milano/Made in Italy for Perugia-Special edition Serie Zodiaci- plates icluding: Libra (1972), Socrpio (1973), Capricorn (1963), Sagittarius (1974), Aquarius (1964), Ar...
Remarkable Set of Piero Fornasetti Recipe Plates
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
(there are, in fact twelve different subjects. Piero Fornasetti (from Fornasetti's Secret, an introduction to the book Fornasetti: Conversation with Philippe Stark, See below) ...
Fornasetti Style Metal Book Table
Located in North Miami, FL
Rare Italian Fornasetti style painted metal book table, c.1950s
Piero Fornasetti Porcelain Fleming Joffe Recipe Plate, Cobra a L'Indienne
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Piero Fornasetti (from Fornasetti's Secret, an introduction to the book Fornasetti: Conversation with Philippe Stark, See below) A singular designer, craftsman, poet and marvelou...
Porcelain
Vintage Set of Piero Fornasetti Optical Illusion Face Coasters and Box
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Additionally, they reflect the influence of classical elements of art and design as well as trick-of-the-eye on many of Fornasetti's creations. Original box included. Piero Forna...
Spectacular Set of Six Large Piero Fornasetti and Giostra di Frutta Plates
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Piero Fornasetti (from Fornasetti's Secret, an introduction to the book Fornasetti: Conversation with Philippe Stark, See below) A singular designer, craftsman, poet and marvelou...
Piero Fornasetti coffee table book design
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great Piero Fornasetti coffee table with transfer print and brass legs.
Brass
Piero Fornasetti Umbrella Stand, Metal, Trompe L'oeil Design, 1950s
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Stamford, CT
The 'Cesto di Dalie' motif is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe". Perfect piece to add some color and the unexected to the foyer or entryway of your house or ...
Metal
Sold
H 2 in Dm 31 in L 2 in
'Butterflies'' Large 31" Diameter Round Mirror by Piero Fornasetti, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The 'Farfalle' aka 'Butterflies' motif is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe" and offered in Fornasetti's full range of designs including an umbrella bin, tras...
Mirror, Wood
Sold
H 28.25 in W 16 in D 7 in
'Cesto di Dalie' Umbrella Stand by Piero Fornasetti, 1950s Italy, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The 'Cesto di Dalie' (which translates to Basket of Dahlias in Italian) motif is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe". This rare piece is sought after by interi...
Metal
Piero Fornasetti Green and Gold 'Cammei' Side Table, circa 1970s, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The 'Cammei' motif and similar side tables with the same brass base design are documented in book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe", this rare piece is sought after by interior des...
Brass
Soli E Lune Sun and Moon Pattern Ceramic Coasters by Piero Fornasetti
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Patrick Mauries' book Fornasetti: Designer of Dreams features illustrations of a "Soli e Lune" coaster set dating back to 1955 (pages 226-228).
Ceramic
Single Mid Century Lamp by Fornasetti w/ "Book" Pattern
Located in Astoria, NY
An original table lamp by Fornasetti with a cylindrical body decorated in a black and white books motif.
Brass
Piero FornasettIi Bowl in the Giostra di Frutta Pattern
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
The pattern Giostra di Frutta translates as a Merry-go-round of fruit. Piero Fornasetti (from Fornasetti's Secret, an introduction to the book Fornasetti: Conversation with Phili...
Fornasetti Magazine Rack
By Fornasetti
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Fornasetti Magazine Rack Fogile (Leaves) painted and lithograhed decoration Print example in the "Fornasetti,The Complete Universe" book Page 487
1950's Fornasetti Signed Shell Tray
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
While a variant of this tray is pictured in the Fornasetti: Complete Universe book on p. 526, my favorite thing about this tray is that it has an identical variant inside the storied...
Metal
Fornasetti 1950's Madripora Coral Red Tray
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
While a variant of this tray is pictured in the blue colorway in the Fornasetti: Complete Universe book on p. 526, my favorite thing about this tray is that it has a likeness in the ...
Metal
'Butterflies'' Round Mirror by Piero Fornasetti, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The 'Farfalle' aka 'Butterflies' motif is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe" and offered in Fornasetti's full range of designs including an umbrella bin, tras...
Mirror, Wood
'Cammei'' Round Mirror by Piero Fornasetti, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The 'Cammei' aka 'Cameo' motif is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe" and offered in Fornasetti's full range of designs including an umbrella bin, trash bin, s...
Mirror, Wood
'Butterflies'' Round Mirror by Piero Fornasetti, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The 'Farfalle' aka 'Butterflies' motif is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe" and offered in Fornasetti's full range of designs including an umbrella bin, tras...
Mirror, Wood
Piero Fornasetti Enameled Metal and Mahogany Box, 1950
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Paris, IDF
This box, originally a cigar box, was designed by Piero Fornasetti in the 1950s and is listed in the book Fornasetti The Complete Universe.
Metal
Red 'Butterflies'' Round Mirror by Piero Fornasetti, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The 'Farfalle' aka 'Butterflies' motif is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe" and offered in Fornasetti's full range of designs including an umbrella bin, tras...
Mirror, Wood
Piero Fornasetti 'Architettura' Side Table, circa 1970s, Signed
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This intriguing end table by Piero Fornasetti would work excellent as a small table to place a book or a drink on top of, and placed next to your bed, reading chair, TV chair or livi...
Brass
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.