Skip to main content

Fornasetti Furniture

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.

to
6
155
90
163
68
15
115
55
2
1
1
162
83
98
48
25
21
6
8
11
89
62
62
51
44
212
170
36
30
30
246
197
202
125
12,887
3,760
3,586
2,643
Creator: Fornasetti
Four 1970s 26 cm Porcelain Wall Plates Temi e Variazioni by Piero Fornasetti
Four 1970s 26 cm Porcelain Wall Plates Temi e Variazioni by Piero Fornasetti

Four 1970s 26 cm Porcelain Wall Plates Temi e Variazioni by Piero Fornasetti

By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti

Located in Aci Castello, IT

An exquisite and rare set of four vintage Tema e Variazioni black and white porcelain wall plates designed by Piero Fornasetti during the 1960s to 1970s. Each plate measures 26 cm in...

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Piero Fornasetti 'Kisses' Table Lamp, Mid-Century Design, 1990s
Piero Fornasetti 'Kisses' Table Lamp, Mid-Century Design, 1990s

Piero Fornasetti 'Kisses' Table Lamp, Mid-Century Design, 1990s

By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti

Located in Milano, IT

A striking example of Italian Mid-Century inspired surrealism, this rare "Kisses" table lamp was designed by the iconic Piero Fornasetti and produced by Antonangeli Illuminazione in ...

Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Plastic

1990s Gorgeous "Commedia dell'Arte" table Lamp by Piero Fornasetti for Antonange
1990s Gorgeous "Commedia dell'Arte" table Lamp by Piero Fornasetti for Antonange

1990s Gorgeous "Commedia dell'Arte" table Lamp by Piero Fornasetti for Antonange

By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti

Located in Milano, IT

This exceptional "La Commedia dell'Arte" table lamp represents a prestigious collaboration between the Piero Fornasetti and the avant-garde Milanese lighting house Antonangeli Illumi...

Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Plastic

1990s Rare "Aquarium" Floor Lamp by Piero Fornasetti for Antonangeli
1990s Rare "Aquarium" Floor Lamp by Piero Fornasetti for Antonangeli

1990s Rare "Aquarium" Floor Lamp by Piero Fornasetti for Antonangeli

By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti

Located in Milano, IT

1990s Gorgeous "Aquarium" Floor Lamp by Piero Fornasetti for Antonangeli in polypropylene. The lamp features a continuous, brilliantly silk-screened polypropylene shade adorned with ...

Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Plastic

Piero Fornasetti Walnut Playing Card Box with Dal Negro Cards, 1980s
Piero Fornasetti Walnut Playing Card Box with Dal Negro Cards, 1980s

Piero Fornasetti Walnut Playing Card Box with Dal Negro Cards, 1980s

By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti

Located in Milano, IT

More payment options Adding product to your cart 1980s original playing card box by the legendary Italian designer Piero Fornasetti. Masterfully crafted in Italy, this rare collector...

Category

1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Wood, Walnut

FORNASETTI Vintage Table Lamp
FORNASETTI Vintage Table Lamp

FORNASETTI Vintage Table Lamp

By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage Italian table lamp with painted metal decorated with cameos on red background (lithographical and transfer-printed) and brass / made in Milan Italy in the 1980s Original labe...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Metal

FORNASETTI Malachite Box
FORNASETTI Malachite Box

FORNASETTI Malachite Box

By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage decorative rectangular lacquered walnut wood box with motif golden guns on green malachite / designed by Piero Fornasetti, made in Italy in the 1970s Original mark at the fel...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Wood

1993 Fornasetti Portfolio 6 Surrealist Black/Gold Prints France
1993 Fornasetti Portfolio 6 Surrealist Black/Gold Prints France

1993 Fornasetti Portfolio 6 Surrealist Black/Gold Prints France

By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti

Located in Miami, FL

The complete portfolio from the series Sole e Lune containing 6 Fine Art Silkscreen by Piero Fornasetti published in France by Graphique de France in 1993. This portfolio was exclusively created for Pier One...

Category

1990s French Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Paper

Fornasetti Enamel Metal Butterflies Box
Fornasetti Enamel Metal Butterflies Box

Fornasetti Enamel Metal Butterflies Box

By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage decorative matches box with enamel metal portraying a butterflies on red background, and mahogany wood insert / made by Fornasetti in Milan Italy in the 1960s Length: 8 inche...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Metal

Set of 6 Astronomici Tea Cups
Set of 6 Astronomici Tea Cups

Set of 6 Astronomici Tea Cups

By Fornasetti

Located in Milan, IT

This set of hand-decorated porcelain tea cups with gold accents is adorned with exquisite zodiac designs, making this ensemble a true collector's item. Any minor discrepancies betwee...

Category

2010s Italian Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Fornasetti Porcelain Paperweight with Butterflies, Made in Italy
Fornasetti Porcelain Paperweight with Butterflies, Made in Italy

Fornasetti Porcelain Paperweight with Butterflies, Made in Italy

By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti

Located in Milano, IT

1950s Astonishing rare porcelain paperweight designed by Piero Fornasetti with butterflies. Handmade.Made in Italy. Heavy ceramic construction for use as beautiful desk accessories. ...

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Piero Fornasetti “Il Minestrone” Plate, Specialità Milanesi, Italy Mid Century
Piero Fornasetti “Il Minestrone” Plate, Specialità Milanesi, Italy Mid Century

Piero Fornasetti “Il Minestrone” Plate, Specialità Milanesi, Italy Mid Century

By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti

Located in Bad Säckingen, DE

Iconic vintage porcelain plate designed by Piero Fornasetti as part of the celebrated "Specialità Milanesi" series. This plate features the whimsical and highly detailed black-and-wh...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

FORNASETTI Rare Ceramic Snail Table Lamp
FORNASETTI Rare Ceramic Snail Table Lamp

FORNASETTI Rare Ceramic Snail Table Lamp

By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage original white ceramic giant snail lamp / made in Milan Italy by Fornasetti, 1970s Original label underside Measures: length 13.8 inches, width 9.8 inches, height 19.3 inches...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

FORNASETTI Butterfly Square Side Table
FORNASETTI Butterfly Square Side Table

FORNASETTI Butterfly Square Side Table

By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage original square table with transfer-printed wooden top in the design of butterflies, it can be used as a side table or center table / made in Milan Italy by Fornasetti, 1970s...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Wood

cc-tapis - Fornasetti Collection - FARFALLE E LOSANGHE handmade rug in Wool
cc-tapis - Fornasetti Collection - FARFALLE E LOSANGHE handmade rug in Wool

cc-tapis - Fornasetti Collection - FARFALLE E LOSANGHE handmade rug in Wool

By Fornasetti, cc-tapis

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The lightness of these colorful butterflies is made even more striking by their contrast with the rigorous black-and-white geometry of the diamond pattern. Both motifs have long been...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Wool

FORNASETTI Puffer Fish Oval Metal Tray
FORNASETTI Puffer Fish Oval Metal Tray

FORNASETTI Puffer Fish Oval Metal Tray

By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage Italian oval enameled metal tray depicting orange puffer fish / made in Milan Italy in the 1950s Original Fornasetti label on the base Measures: width 20.5 inches, depth 13.5...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Metal

20th Century, Piero Fornasetti Umbrella Stand mod. Micione
20th Century, Piero Fornasetti Umbrella Stand mod. Micione

20th Century, Piero Fornasetti Umbrella Stand mod. Micione

By Fornasetti

Located in Torino, Piemonte

Piero Fornasetti was an Italian painter, sculptor, decorator, and craftsman who used ornamental and pictorial motifs to decorate silk scarves, furniture, plates, vessels, and similar...

Category

1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Metal

FORNASETTI Fruits Side Table
FORNASETTI Fruits Side Table

FORNASETTI Fruits Side Table

By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage original round side table with transfer-printed wooden top depicting circles of various fruits / made in Milan Italy by Fornasetti, 1970s Original label underside Measures: d...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Metal

cc-tapis - Fornasetti Collection - NUVOLETTE handmade rug in Wool
cc-tapis - Fornasetti Collection - NUVOLETTE handmade rug in Wool

cc-tapis - Fornasetti Collection - NUVOLETTE handmade rug in Wool

By cc-tapis, Fornasetti

Located in Brooklyn, NY

In this design, the storm becomes graphic poetry. The clouds, rich in detail and subtle shading, represent one of the Atelier’s most beloved themes. Originally created to accompany a...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Wool

20th Century, Piero Fornasetti Rare Trumeau mod. Gran Coromandel
20th Century, Piero Fornasetti Rare Trumeau mod. Gran Coromandel

20th Century, Piero Fornasetti Rare Trumeau mod. Gran Coromandel

By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti

Located in Torino, Piemonte

Piero Fornasetti was an Italian painter, sculptor, decorator, and craftsman who used ornamental and pictorial motifs to decorate silk scarves, furniture, plates, vessels, and similar...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood, Harewood

Full Set of 6 Vintage Piero Fornasetti Ceramic Gilded Small Bowls, Italy 1950s.
Full Set of 6 Vintage Piero Fornasetti Ceramic Gilded Small Bowls, Italy 1950s.

Full Set of 6 Vintage Piero Fornasetti Ceramic Gilded Small Bowls, Italy 1950s.

By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti

Located in Malmö, SE

A complete set of 6 beautiful bowls / barware appetizer bowls with amazing decor and hand-painted gold details. Designed and produced by Piero Fornasetti in Milano, Italy. Early prod...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Two 1960s Mid-Century Modern Musical Instruments Plates by Piero Fornasetti
Two 1960s Mid-Century Modern Musical Instruments Plates by Piero Fornasetti

Two 1960s Mid-Century Modern Musical Instruments Plates by Piero Fornasetti

By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti

Located in Aci Castello, IT

These two 1960s Mid-Century Modern decorative plates by Piero Fornasetti typically exemplify his whimsical and artistic approach to design.The plates depict intricate surreal illustr...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

cc-tapis - Fornasetti Collection - ROVINE CLASSICHE handmade rug in Wool
cc-tapis - Fornasetti Collection - ROVINE CLASSICHE handmade rug in Wool

cc-tapis - Fornasetti Collection - ROVINE CLASSICHE handmade rug in Wool

By cc-tapis, Fornasetti

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The rigor of perspective meets the playful irony of Fornasetti’s trompe-l’œil in a rug of striking theatrical impact. Designed as a dialogue between art and architecture, this piece ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Nepalese Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Wool

FORNASETTI Rare Large Chess and Dominoes Board Game Set Box
FORNASETTI Rare Large Chess and Dominoes Board Game Set Box

FORNASETTI Rare Large Chess and Dominoes Board Game Set Box

By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage board game set box for Dal Negro by Piero Fornasetti, made in Italy in the 1970s. The box is made in walnut wood, and it includes chess game, dominoes, checkers game, card ga...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Wood

FORNASETTI Pair of L'Immaginario Table Lamps
FORNASETTI Pair of L'Immaginario Table Lamps

FORNASETTI Pair of L'Immaginario Table Lamps

By Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage "L'Immaginario" table lamp composed of a flat plexiglass sheet photostatic printed with newspaper motif, assembled by folding the sheet into a cylindrical form / designed by ...

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Plexiglass

cc-tapis -Fornasetti Collection- MUSCIARABIA Large handmade rug in Gold Finish
cc-tapis -Fornasetti Collection- MUSCIARABIA Large handmade rug in Gold Finish

cc-tapis -Fornasetti Collection- MUSCIARABIA Large handmade rug in Gold Finish

By cc-tapis, Fornasetti

Located in Brooklyn, NY

An intricate labyrinth captivates and seduces the eye: the Musciarabia rug transforms geometric precision into a hypnotic experience. The design traces its roots to Piero Fornasetti’...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Nepalese Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Wool

FORNASETTI Playing Cards Box
FORNASETTI Playing Cards Box

FORNASETTI Playing Cards Box

By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage poker playing cards box in walnut wood and metal case, it holds two packs of cards / designed by Piero Fornasetti, made in Italy in the 1970s Length: 5.5 inches / Width: 4 in...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Metal

FORNASETTI Set of 2 "Città Di Carte" Panels
FORNASETTI Set of 2 "Città Di Carte" Panels

FORNASETTI Set of 2 "Città Di Carte" Panels

By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Rare original vintage set of 2 "Città di Carta" screen print on wood panels, designed by Piero Fornasetti / made in Milan Italy by Fornasetti Original label on the back Each panel ha...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Wood

Astronomici n.1 Decorative Plate by Fornasetti
Astronomici n.1 Decorative Plate by Fornasetti

Astronomici n.1 Decorative Plate by Fornasetti

By Fornasetti

Located in Milan, IT

This hand-decorated porcelain plate is adorned with exquisite zodiac designs, making this a true collector's item. Any minor discrepancies are the result of craftsmanship and attest ...

Category

2010s Italian Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

FORNASETTI Shells Side Table
FORNASETTI Shells Side Table

FORNASETTI Shells Side Table

By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage original round side table with transfer-printed wooden top depicting sea shells / made in Milan Italy by Fornasetti, 1970s Original label underside Measures: diameter 20 inch...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Metal

FORNASETTI Hot Air Balloon Poker Card Game Set Box
FORNASETTI Hot Air Balloon Poker Card Game Set Box

FORNASETTI Hot Air Balloon Poker Card Game Set Box

By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage hot air balloon poker card game set box, screen print on wood, with two decks of playing cards, eight dices and chips / Designed by PIe...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Wood

cc-tapis -Fornasetti Collection- RE SOLE handmade rug in Gold Finish
cc-tapis -Fornasetti Collection- RE SOLE handmade rug in Gold Finish

cc-tapis -Fornasetti Collection- RE SOLE handmade rug in Gold Finish

By Fornasetti, cc-tapis

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The sun holds a place of honor in Fornasetti’s iconic pantheon, and in this version it achieves unprecedented grandeur. The design sheds its usual simplicity to become dazzling and b...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Nepalese Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Wool

Astronomici Teapot

Astronomici Teapot

By Fornasetti

Located in Milan, IT

Refined zodiac motifs cover this elegant hand-decorated porcelain teapot with gold accents, turning an everyday object into a true collector's item. Any minor discrepancies between s...

Category

2010s Italian Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

FORNASETTI Tema E Variazioni Porcelain Plate #281
FORNASETTI Tema E Variazioni Porcelain Plate #281

FORNASETTI Tema E Variazioni Porcelain Plate #281

By Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage Piero Fornasetti "Tema e Variazioni" porcelain plate depicting the face of the famous opera singer Lina Cavalieri on a nude female torso, no.281 / made in Milano Italy circa ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

FORNASETTI City of Cards Playing Cards Box
FORNASETTI City of Cards Playing Cards Box

FORNASETTI City of Cards Playing Cards Box

By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage poker playing cards box in walnut wood and "City of Cards" enameled metal case cover, it holds two packs of cards / designed by Piero Fornasetti, made in Italy in the 1970s L...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Metal

cc-tapis - Fornasetti Collection - MANO handmade rug in Wool, Black Finish
cc-tapis - Fornasetti Collection - MANO handmade rug in Wool, Black Finish

cc-tapis - Fornasetti Collection - MANO handmade rug in Wool, Black Finish

By Fornasetti, cc-tapis

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Born from Piero’s obsession with anatomical precision, one of the Atelier’s most iconic motifs takes shape: the hand. While hands often appear in Fornasetti’s imagery engaged in symb...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Wool

1960s Classical Set of Two Bookends " Porta di Venezia " by Piero Fornasetti
1960s Classical Set of Two Bookends " Porta di Venezia " by Piero Fornasetti

1960s Classical Set of Two Bookends " Porta di Venezia " by Piero Fornasetti

By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti

Located in Aci Castello, IT

This rare and visually captivating set of two bookends by Piero Fornasetti, dating from the 1960s, showcases the designer’s signature fusion of classical imagery and surrealist charm...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Iron

cc-tapis -Fornasetti Collection- RE SOLE handmade rug in Ice Finish
cc-tapis -Fornasetti Collection- RE SOLE handmade rug in Ice Finish

cc-tapis -Fornasetti Collection- RE SOLE handmade rug in Ice Finish

By cc-tapis, Fornasetti

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The sun holds a place of honor in Fornasetti’s iconic pantheon, and in this version it achieves unprecedented grandeur. The design sheds its usual simplicity to become dazzling and b...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Nepalese Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Wool

1960s Set of Six Fornasetti Tea Cups and Saucers White and Gold Ceramic Signed
1960s Set of Six Fornasetti Tea Cups and Saucers White and Gold Ceramic Signed

1960s Set of Six Fornasetti Tea Cups and Saucers White and Gold Ceramic Signed

By Fornasetti

Located in London, GB

A good vintage Set of six Fornasetti porcelain tea/coffee cups and saucers with geometrical gold decor. Each cup and saucer bearing the signature and logo. Made in Italy ca.1960s ...

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Piero Fornasetti “Moro” Chair
Piero Fornasetti “Moro” Chair

Piero Fornasetti “Moro” Chair

By Fornasetti

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

“Moro” chair by Piero Fornasetti— Milano, Italy c. 1958 / 2002 Screenprint transfer on wood and metal with hand-painted details Signed and dated to reverse 'Fornasetti Milano Made ...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Wood

FORNASETTI Fondale Marino Coffee Table
FORNASETTI Fondale Marino Coffee Table

FORNASETTI Fondale Marino Coffee Table

By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage original rectangular "Fondale Marino" (seabed) coffee table with transfer-printed wooden top / made in Milan Italy by Fornasetti, 1970s Original label underside Measures: wid...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Wood

FORNASETTI Gold Keys on Malachite Side Table
FORNASETTI Gold Keys on Malachite Side Table

FORNASETTI Gold Keys on Malachite Side Table

By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage original round cocktail side table with transfer-printed wooden top depicting gold keys on malachite / made in Milan Italy by Fornasetti, 1970s Original label underside Measu...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Wood

FORNASETTI Butterfly Box
FORNASETTI Butterfly Box

FORNASETTI Butterfly Box

By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage decorative rectangular lacquered walnut wood box with butterfly motif / designed by Piero Fornasetti, made in Italy in the 1970s Original mark at the felt base Length: 12 inc...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Wood

Fornasetti Set of 2 Silk Cushions Grande Pesce Fish
Fornasetti Set of 2 Silk Cushions Grande Pesce Fish

Fornasetti Set of 2 Silk Cushions Grande Pesce Fish

By Fornasetti

Located in MILANO, IT

The Fornasetti cushions will add to each room an unexpected detail thanks to the most iconic Italian atelier designs. It is a set of two cushion...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Silk

FORNASETTI Pair of Vintage Table Lamps
FORNASETTI Pair of Vintage Table Lamps

FORNASETTI Pair of Vintage Table Lamps

By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage Italian "Jerusalem" table lamp with painted metal (lithographical and transfer-printed) and brass / made in Milan Italy in the 1980s Original label on the base 1 light / E26 ...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Metal

FORNASETTI Watermelon Oval Metal Tray
FORNASETTI Watermelon Oval Metal Tray

FORNASETTI Watermelon Oval Metal Tray

By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage Italian oval metal tray depicting watermelon on orange surface / made in Milan Italy in the 1950s Original Fornasetti label on the base Measures: width 18 inches, depth 13.5 ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Metal

Set 12 Porcelain Plates Eva Black/White
Set 12 Porcelain Plates Eva Black/White

Set 12 Porcelain Plates Eva Black/White

By Fornasetti

Located in MILANO, IT

This set of twelve hand-decorated porcelain plates, as a whole, forms the figure of Eva. You can use the ensemble for ornamental purposes or...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

FORNASETTI Rare Larger Vintage Table Lamp
FORNASETTI Rare Larger Vintage Table Lamp

FORNASETTI Rare Larger Vintage Table Lamp

By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage Italian table lamp with painted metal in malachite design (lithographical and transfer-printed) and brass / made in Milan Italy in the 1980s Original label on the base 1 ligh...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Metal

FORNASETTI Rectangular Shells Tray with Stand
FORNASETTI Rectangular Shells Tray with Stand

FORNASETTI Rectangular Shells Tray with Stand

By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage original rectangular tray depicting sea shells with brown stand / made in Milan Italy by Fornasetti, 1970s Original label underside Measures: length 25 inches, width 20 inche...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Metal

Fornasetti Silk Cushion Peccato Originale Original Sin
Fornasetti Silk Cushion Peccato Originale Original Sin

Fornasetti Silk Cushion Peccato Originale Original Sin

By Fornasetti

Located in MILANO, IT

The Fornasetti cushions will add to each room an unexpected detail thanks to the most iconic Italian atelier designs. The decoration features a snake holding the forbidden fruit in its jaws, and surrounded by hand painted leaves. It is inspired by the biblical original sin...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Silk

Piero Fornasetti Tema E Variazioni Porcelain Plate #78
Piero Fornasetti Tema E Variazioni Porcelain Plate #78

Piero Fornasetti Tema E Variazioni Porcelain Plate #78

By Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage Piero Fornasetti "Tema e Variazioni" porcelain plate depicting the face of the famous opera singer Lina Cavalieri, no.78 / made in Milano Italy circa 1960. Original mark on t...

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

FORNASETTI Butterfly Box
FORNASETTI Butterfly Box

FORNASETTI Butterfly Box

By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage decorative rectangular lacquered walnut wood box with butterfly motif / designed by Piero Fornasetti, made in Italy in the 1970s Original mark at the felt base Length: 9.5 in...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Wood

FORNASETTI Set of 6 Ceramic Appetizer Bowls by Fornasetti
FORNASETTI Set of 6 Ceramic Appetizer Bowls by Fornasetti

FORNASETTI Set of 6 Ceramic Appetizer Bowls by Fornasetti

By Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage set of six bar snack or appetizer bowls, decorated in black and white with images and letters to form the contents and a wide gilt band to the foot and inner rim. The subject...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Fornasetti Milano 'Fiori' Pattern Porcelain Plates, Set of Twelve, circa 1965
Fornasetti Milano 'Fiori' Pattern Porcelain Plates, Set of Twelve, circa 1965

Fornasetti Milano 'Fiori' Pattern Porcelain Plates, Set of Twelve, circa 1965

By Fornasetti

Located in Kinderhook, NY

An incredibly rare set of 12 large porcelain dinner plates in the 'Fiori' pattern designed by Piero Fornasetti and produced by Fornasetti - Milano, circa 1965. There are two plates o...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Fornasetti Frame with Convex Mirror Farfalle Butterflies Color on White

Fornasetti Frame with Convex Mirror Farfalle Butterflies Color on White

By Fornasetti

Located in MILANO, IT

Like all Fornasetti accessories, the mirrors turn an everyday action into an aesthetic experience. Measures: Ø28 cm. This mirror frame is handcrafted using original artisan techni...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

FORNASETTI Tema E Variazioni Porcelain Plate Motiv 24
FORNASETTI Tema E Variazioni Porcelain Plate Motiv 24

FORNASETTI Tema E Variazioni Porcelain Plate Motiv 24

By Rosenthal, Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage Rosenthal Fornasetti "Temi e Variazioni" porcelain plate motiv 24, with gold rim and black and white printed center depicting the face of the famous opera singer Lina Cavalie...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Piero Fornasetti, Oranges Tray, Atelier Fornasetti, ca. 1955
Piero Fornasetti, Oranges Tray, Atelier Fornasetti, ca. 1955

Piero Fornasetti, Oranges Tray, Atelier Fornasetti, ca. 1955

By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti

Located in Firenze, IT

Rare oranges aluminum Tray Prod. Fornasetti, Milan, Italy, ca. 1955 Serigraphed metal. Label not present H 4.5 cm x 39 x 51 cm Bibliography: Mariuccia Casadio, Barnaba Fornasett...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Metal

Set of Eight Fornasetti Lina Cavalieri Porcelain Plates
Set of Eight Fornasetti Lina Cavalieri Porcelain Plates

Set of Eight Fornasetti Lina Cavalieri Porcelain Plates

By Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Exceptional set of eight iconic Fornasetti porcelain decorative plates featuring the celebrated Lina Cavalieri surrealist motifs in striking black and white designs. This curated col...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

FORNASETTI Backgammon Game Set Box
FORNASETTI Backgammon Game Set Box

FORNASETTI Backgammon Game Set Box

By Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage backgammon game set box by Piero Fornasetti, made in Italy in the 1980s. The box is made in walnut wood, and it includes four dices, tw...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture

Materials

Wood

Fornasetti furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Fornasetti furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of ceramic and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Fornasetti furniture, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 143 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 53 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Fornasetti were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Richard Ginori, Alfredo Barbini, and La Murrina. Prices for Fornasetti furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $274 and can go as high as $32,216, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,614.

Questions About Fornasetti Furniture

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Interiors Featuring Fornasetti

Explore the work of the world's best interior designers