Fornasetti Umbrella Stands

The Italian artist, illustrator and furniture maker Piero Fornasetti was one of the wittiest and most imaginative design 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 the 19th-century opera singer Lina 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 desks to dinner plates, lamps and umbrella stands. His work is archly clever, often surreal 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 his 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 Fornasetti’s collaborator and patron. Beginning in the early 1950s, they created a striking a 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.

Designer: Fornasetti

FORNASETTI Italian Enameled Metal Hot Air Balloon Umbrella Stand, 1950's

$1,900

FORNASETTI Italian Enameled Metal Hot Air Balloon Umbrella Stand, 1950's

By Fornasetti

Located in Atlanta, GA

From the creative mind of Piero Fornasetti ... a whimsical 1950's enameled metal umbrella stand with a colorful lithographed hot air balloon motif. The heavy metal design is capped ...

Category

1950s Italian Fornasetti Umbrella Stands

Hermès Golf Print Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold

$1,772

H 1.58 in W 6.5 in L 7.88 in

Hermès Golf Print Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Gold

By Hermès

Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique

Rare and Beautiful Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: golf ball, clubs and tees Made in France Vintage item Made of porcelain, edges and notches hand painted with fine gold No leat...

Category

20th Century French Fornasetti Umbrella Stands

Hermès Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Le Fleuve Sacre Gange Ganga India

$2,953

H 1.5 in W 5.71 in L 7.76 in

Hermès Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Le Fleuve Sacre Gange Ganga India

By Hermès

Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique

Extremely Rare and Absoultely Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: "Le Fleuve Sacré" (The Sacred River) Designed by Catherine Baschet in 2005 Theme: India, Gange, Ganga Mata, ...

Category

Early 2000s French Fornasetti Umbrella Stands

Exceptional Hermès Smoking Pipe Wood Leather

$1,472

H 1.97 in L 6.07 in

Exceptional Hermès Smoking Pipe Wood Leather

By Hermès

Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique

Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Pipe Stummel made of heather wood, fully covered in brown leather with saddle stitching / Stem made of resin Vintage item Colorways: brown, black ...

Category

Late 20th Century French Fornasetti Umbrella Stands

DIOR X DANIEL ARSHAM FUTURE RELIC Limited Edition Eroded Clock XX/100 NEW

$26,450

DIOR X DANIEL ARSHAM FUTURE RELIC Limited Edition Eroded Clock XX/100 NEW

By Christian Dior

Located in New York, NY

Summer 2020 Men’s show, Daniel Arsham has transformed Christian Dior’s atelier clock into a functional sculpture. Eroded in several places as if ravaged by time, this veritable work of art emblazoned with the Dior signature reveals cracks pierced with quartz crystals. Each Future Relic is housed in a custom DIOR...

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21st Century and Contemporary Fornasetti Umbrella Stands

Hermès Saddles Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Horse Riding Rodeo Texas

$1,772

H 1.15 in W 6.38 in L 7.8 in

Hermès Saddles Cigar Ashtray Change Tray Porcelain Horse Riding Rodeo Texas

By Hermès

Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique

Rare and Gorgeous Authentic Hermès Ashtray Print: Saddles Equestrian Riding Horse Texas Themes "Amazone / Dressage / Course / Chasse / Randonnée / Jumping" (Amazon / Training / R...

Category

20th Century French Fornasetti Umbrella Stands

Hermès Horse Sculpture

$4,122

H 4.53 in W 5.12 in L 5.71 in

Hermès Horse Sculpture

By Hermès

Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique

Exceptional and Magnificent Sculpture In shape of a horse's head Back signed "HERMES PARIS FRANCE" This sculpture was not made by Hermès, but for Hermès. It was intended either to...

Category

20th Century French Fornasetti Umbrella Stands

Hermès Golf Ball Bottle Opener

$1,772

L 3.75 in

Hermès Golf Ball Bottle Opener

By Hermès

Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique

Rare Authentic Hermès Bottle Opener In shape of a golf ball Made in France Made of inox (stainless steel) and silver-tone metal "HERMÈS" engraved on one side of the opener / "INO...

Category

Late 20th Century French Fornasetti Umbrella Stands

CHANEL 2002 "Surf Line" Red White Blue CC Wave Large Parasol Umbrella w/ Cover

$3,294

CHANEL 2002 "Surf Line" Red White Blue CC Wave Large Parasol Umbrella w/ Cover

By Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel

Located in Thiensville, WI

CHANEL 2002 "Surf Line" Red White Blue CC Wave Large Parasol Umbrella w/ Cover RARE Brand / Manufacturer: CHANEL Collection: 2002 "Surf Line" Label(s): CHANEL Designer: Karl Lagerfe...

Category

Early 2000s French Fornasetti Umbrella Stands

Hermes Nestor Epopee Dog Plush Toy Bleu Nattier H Canvas

$785

Size: One Size

Hermes Nestor Epopee Dog Plush Toy Bleu Nattier H Canvas

By Hermès

Located in Miami, FL

Mightychic offers an Hermes Nestor Epopee Dog Plush Toy featured in Blue Nattier. H canvas cotton. Delightful! Designed by Jan Bajtlik. A charming gift idea. Fabric is 100% cotton wi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Fornasetti Umbrella Stands

Hermès Gold Porcelain 4 Mini Ashtrays Change Trays Wild Animals Africa

$1,766

H 0.6 in W 2.33 in L 3.08 in

Hermès Gold Porcelain 4 Mini Ashtrays Change Trays Wild Animals Africa

By Hermès

Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique

Authentic Set of 4 Hermès Mini Ashtrays Also called "guest ashtrays", intended to be placed near plates Can be used as ashtray, change tray, tray Prints: camel, zebra, giraffe, hi...

Category

20th Century French Fornasetti Umbrella Stands

Exceptional Hermès Box Tennis Racquet Balls Print Ravinet d'Enfert

$3,533

H 0.99 in W 4.73 in L 7.23 in

Exceptional Hermès Box Tennis Racquet Balls Print Ravinet d'Enfert

By Hermès

Located in Corcoué Sur Logne, Loire-Atlantique

Extremely Rare Authentic Hermès Box Lid engraved with Tennis racquets and balls This is a vintage item, originally created to store cigarettes, but can be used for anything else M...

Category

20th Century Unknown Fornasetti Umbrella Stands

Japanese Early 20th Century Set of 3 Hand Fans with Lacquered Handles

$441

H 13.78 in W 7.88 in D 2.76 in Dm 7.88 in

Japanese Early 20th Century Set of 3 Hand Fans with Lacquered Handles

Located in VALLADOLID, ES

An exceptional set of three Japanese hand fans (pai pai or paipai) from the early 20th century. The three fans, of different shapes and sizes, have black lacquered wooden handles. A...

Category

1930s Japanese Fornasetti Umbrella Stands

Previously Available Items

Vintage Piero Fornasetti Trompe L'oeil 'Cappelli' Hats Umbrella

Sold

H 37 in Dm 43 in

Vintage Piero Fornasetti Trompe L'oeil 'Cappelli' Hats Umbrella

By Fornasetti

Located in Atlanta, GA

From the creative mind of Piero Fornasetti ... a dapper and dashing brown umbrella decorated with trompe l'oeil images of hats in shades of orange, red, green, blue and golden yello...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Fornasetti Umbrella Stands

Fornasetti umbrella stands for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic Fornasetti umbrella stands available on 1stDibs. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer Fornasetti umbrella stands from top boutiques around the world. Fornasetti umbrella stands prices can differ depending upon time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,900 and tops out at $1,900, while the average work can sell for $1,900.

Questions About Fornasetti Umbrella Stands

What is Fornasetti?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Fornasetti is an art design company that produces furniture and home accessories decorated by hand. Piero Fornasetti established the company in Milan, Italy, during the 1950s as his atelier. As of December 2021, his son, Barnaba Fornasetti, heads the company. You'll find a selection of Fornasetti on 1stDibs.
Where can I buy Fornasetti?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
You can buy Fornasetti directly from the brand's online store. In addition, numerous brick-and-mortar retailers around the world carry Fornasetti pieces. You can also shop for the brand's furniture and home décor on multiple online platforms. You'll find a collection of Fornasetti on 1stDibs.
Who is Piero Fornasetti?
1 Answer
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.
What style is Fornasetti?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
The style of Fornasetti is mid-century modern. The Italian artist and designer crafted an inimitable decorative style from a personal library of images rendered in transfer print engravings, including birds, butterflies, hot-air balloons, architecture and an enigmatic woman's face, to decorate an endless variety of furnishings and housewares that range from chairs, tables and decorative objects to dinner plates, table lamps and umbrella stands. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Piero Fornasetti art, furniture and decorative objects.
How can I hang Fornasetti plates?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
To hang Fornasetti plates, thread a length of string through the two small holes found on the tops of their backs. Tie the string in a secure knot and then hang from a nail, screw or hook. Avoid using plate hanger hardware, as it could crack or damage the plates. You'll find a collection of Fornasetti plates on 1stDibs.
What is Piero Fornasetti famous for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024
Piero Fornasetti is famous for his work as a designer. The Italian artist was one of the wittiest and most imaginative talents of the 20th century. Fornasetti 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 opera singer Lina 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. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Piero Fornasetti pieces.
Where are Fornasetti plates made?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Fornasetti plates are hand-made in Italy. They continue a tradition of excellent craftsmanship that goes back to founder Piero Fornasetti, who established the atelier during the 1950s. Shop antique and modern Fornasetti plates from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What style of art is Fornasetti?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
The style of art by Fornasetti varied. His use of whimsical motifs has often led his artwork to be associated with Surrealism, while his use of repetitive imagery, like in his many prints featuring opera singer Lina Cavalieri, skewed toward Pop art. As a designer, his works reflected mid-century modern sensibilities with a playful twist. Explore a collection of Piero Fornasetti art and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
Is Fornasetti hand painted?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yes, each and every Fornasetti design is hand made and hand painted. The colors are expertly applied by painters, ensuring no two items are alike. You’ll find a variety of Fornasetti designs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
Who is the woman on the Fornasetti plates?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Opera singer Natalina ‘Lina’ Cavalieri is the face that inspired Piero Fornasetti throughout his artistic career, from his plates to wallpaper and more. Lina Cavalieri was known as the most beautiful woman in the world during her lifetime from 1874-1944. It was eight years after Cavalieri’s death that Fornasetti came across her image in a magazine and was thereby inspired to replicate it repetitively. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic Fornasetti plates from some of the world’s top sellers.
How do I display Fornasetti plates?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
How you display Fornasetti plates is largely a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer to rest them flat on a low table or shelf, while others position them upright on plate stands. You can also thread string or twine through the two holes found on the back of every piece and display it as wall art. Find a collection of Fornasetti plates on 1stDibs.
How do I burn a Fornasetti candle?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
To burn a Fornasetti candle, first trim the wick to remove any soot. Then, light the candle and allow it to burn for up to three hours. Use a snuffer to extinguish the candle, as blowing out the flame can disturb the wax. Find a collection of Fornasetti on 1stDibs.
Are Piero Fornasetti images public domain?
1 Answer
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.
Can a Fornasetti porcelain figurine be factory-made?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
No, every Fornasetti porcelain figurine is handmade. In fact, the brand produces all of their home decorative items by hand at their workshop in Milan, Italy. If you see indications that a figurine came from a factory, it is likely not an authentic Fornasetti. Shop a collection of expertly vetted Fornasetti on 1stDibs.