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.
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Period: Late 20th Century
Creator: Fornasetti
Vintage Fornasetti 70s for Winston - Collectible Ceramic Ashtray, Variazione 212
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
Dive into the world of collectible ceramics with this vintage Fornasetti 70s ashtray from the iconic ‘Tema e Variazioni’ series, crafted in the Seventies for Winston brand. Adorned w...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Fornasetti Themes & Variation Porcelain Plate, Number 200
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Fornasetti Themes & Variation Porcelain Plate with Original White Box,
Number 200,
The Statue,
1990s
The Fornasetti porcelain plate is number 200 in the Themes & Variation series. ...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Fornasetti “Plate Calendar n24” Porcelain, 1991, Italy
By Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
Fornasetti “Plate Calendar n24” porcelain, 1991, Italy.
Category
1990s Italian Other Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Piero Fornasetti Boxer Umbrella Stand
By Fornasetti
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Piero Fornasetti Boxer Umbrella Stand
A whimsical example.
Late 1970s/80s example
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Metal
Piero Fornasetti, Mid-Century Modern, Exhibition Poster, Paper, Light Wood Frame
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern Piero Fornasetti Exhibition Poster, Deocrative Art, Framed
PIERO FORNASETTI (1913-1988)
'Fornasetti's Decorative Objects' poster
Italy, 1989
Provenance: Christie...
Category
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paper
"Architecture" Table Lamp by Piero Fornasetti (Original), Italy 1980s
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Argelato, BO
"Architecture" table lamp in brass and metal by Piero Fornasetti (Original), Italy, 1980s
Work of the great Italian graphic genius Piero Fornasetti, the "Architettura" lamp represen...
Category
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Fornasetti hand painted decorative plate, "Tema e Variazioni" 78, made in Italy
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
Have you ever wondered who's the woman that appears on the iconic Fornasetti plates? You might believe she's just an imaginary muse, dreamed by Piero Fornasetti. Turns out, she's way...
Category
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Fornasetti Themes & Variations Porcelain Plate, Number 9, Maori Tatoos
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Fornasetti Themes & Variations porcelain plate,
Pattern Number 9,
Atelier Fornasetti,
1990s
The Fornasetti porcelain plate in the Themes & Variation pattern depicts the face o...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Fornasetti Themes & Variations Gold Plate, Tema E Variazioni, Pattern Number 96
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Fornasetti Themes & Variations gold plate, butterfly,
Tema E Variazioni,
Pattern number 96,
Atelier Fornasetti.
A variation of Fornasetti's Tema E...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Fornasetti Themes & Variations Gold Plate, Tema E Variazioni, Pattern Number 34
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Fornasetti Themes & Variations Gold Plate,
Tema E Variazioni,
Pattern Number 34,
Atelier Fornasetti.
A variation of Fornasetti's Tema E Variazion...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Calendar Plate from 1977 by Piero Fornasetti
By Fornasetti
Located in London, London
Ceramic plate
By Piero Fornasetti
For Rosenthal
Piatto calendario of 1977.
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Saint Matthew Ceramic Plate by Fornasetti
By Fornasetti
Located in London, London
Ceramic plate
By Fornasetti
Gilt and monochrome printed
Italy 1970s.
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage Fornasetti Porcelain Themes & Variation Plate, #74
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Vintage Fornasetti Porcelain Themes & Variation Plate #74
The Clock,
Atelier Fornasetti
The Surreal Fornasetti porcelain plate in the Themes & Variation pattern depicts the face...
Category
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Sole Chair by Piero Fornasetti for Fornasetti Milano
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed in the 1950s, the Sole Chair by Piero Fornasetti features a repeating radiant sun motif (a transferred lithographic print). In this ...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Beech, Birch
Sun Floor Lamp by Fornasetti, Italy, 1990s
By Fornasetti
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Floor lamp sun face in soft stamped plastic by Fornasetti for the editor Antonangeli Illuminazione.
Category
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Plastic
Ceramic Plate with Vegetable Face Fornasetti
By Fornasetti
Located in Atlanta, GA
Fornasetti porcelain plate with face made with arranged vegetables. Stamped "2, Fornasetti-Milano, Made in Italy, Arcimboldesca'" to the underside.
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
20th Century Piero Fornasetti Set of 4 Chairs in Black Lacquered Wood '90s
By Fornasetti
Located in Turin, Turin
Set of 4 chairs (4 pieces in total) designed by Atelier Fornasetti in '50s and produced in '90s. The chairs have the structure entirely in lacquered wood, the 4 feet are linked to the seating through metal plates.
The chairs have been entirely restored so this set could be considered ready for use.
Very good condition, ready to be shipped. For shipping the legs can be dismantled and get a smaller...
Category
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Metal
Silk Furnishing Panel with Acrylic Glass
By Fornasetti
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Fornasetti silk printed panel between 2 sheets of plexiglass, like new, still with plastic protection.
Category
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Silk, Resin
Ceramic Julia Dinner Plate by Fornasetti for Rosenthal
By Fornasetti, Rosenthal
Located in Atlanta, GA
A "Julia" porcelain plate with surrealism designs by Piero Fornasetti for Rosenthal, an iconic series from 'Temi e variazioni' (“Themes and Va...
Category
Late 20th Century German Modern Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Fornasetti Wall Plate Porcelain Gold 1980 Italy
By Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
Fornasetti.
Category
1980s Italian Other Vintage Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Italian Fornasetti Musical Instrument Themed Plates
By Fornasetti
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Beautiful Italian musical instrument plates by Piero Fornasetti, an Italian versatile and eclectic artist, characterized by an unstoppable creative flair that made him one of the most prolific figures of the 20th century, and difficult to ascribe to a specific movement. Titled Strumenti Musicali Piccoli and made in Italy. Want to see more beautiful things? Scroll down below and click "View All From Seller" or favorite our shop to get your 1stDibs on our new inventory.
Photographed along with and also available within our shop-
Charles Hollis Jones Glass and Lucite Dining Table
Pair of Mastercraft Brass Bamboo Dining Chairs
Imperial Glass Bamboo...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Ceramic Julia Dinner Plate by Fornasetti for Rosenthal
By Rosenthal, Fornasetti
Located in Atlanta, GA
A "Julia" porcelain plate with surrealism designs by Piero Fornasetti for Rosenthal, an iconic series from 'Temi e variazioni' (“Themes and Va...
Category
Late 20th Century German Modern Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Pair of Table Lamps Model Julia by Fornasetti
By Fornasetti
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of table lamps model Julia by Fornasetti, sticker on the base, circa 1970.
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Metal
Ceramic Julia Dinner Plate by Fornasetti for Rosenthal
By Rosenthal, Fornasetti
Located in Atlanta, GA
A "Julia" porcelain plate with surrealism designs by Piero Fornasetti for Rosenthal, an iconic series from 'Temi e variazioni' (“Themes and Va...
Category
Late 20th Century German Modern Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Plate with Vegetable Face Fornasetti
By Fornasetti
Located in Atlanta, GA
Fornasetti Porcelain Plate with face made with arranged vegetables. Stamped "6, Fornasetti-Milano, Made in Italy, Arcimboldesca'" and "Arzberg Germany...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Plate with Vegetable Face Fornasetti
By Fornasetti
Located in Atlanta, GA
Fornasetti porcelain plate with face made with arranged vegetables. Stamped "4, Fornasetti-Milano, Made in Italy, Arcimboldesca'" and "Arzberg Germany...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Plate with Vegetable Face Fornasetti
By Fornasetti
Located in Atlanta, GA
Fornasetti Porcelain plate with face made with arranged vegetables. Stamped "1, Fornasetti-Milano, Made in Italy, Arcimboldesca'" and "Arzberg Germany...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Plate with Vegetable Face Fornasetti
By Fornasetti
Located in Atlanta, GA
Fornasetti porcelain plate with face made with arranged vegetables. Stamped 11, Fornasetti-Milano, Made in Italy, Arcimboldesca'" and "Arzberg Germany...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Fornasetti “N.22 Piatto Calendario” Happy 1989 Porcelain, Italy
By Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
Fornasetti “N 22 Piatto Calendario” happy 1989 porcelain, Italy.
Category
1980s Italian Other Vintage Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Fornasetti for Winston Ashtray or Tray, Ceramic Square, Italy, 1980s, Midcentury
By Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Signed (on the back) "Fornasetti for Winston", ceramic ashtray or tray.
Dimension:
18.5 X 18.5 cm
width 6.5 cm
diameter Fornasetti picture card: 6 cm.
Category
1980s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Fornasetti “Plate Calendar n 20” Porcelain, 1987, Italy
By Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
Fornasetti “Plate Calendar n 20” porcelain, 1987, Italy.
Category
1980s Italian Other Vintage Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Fornasetti “Plate n.16 Calendario “ Porcelain 1983 Italy
By Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
Fornasetti “Plate n.16 Calendario “ porcelain 1983 Italy.
Category
1980s Italian Other Vintage Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Plaid Cats on Books by Piero Fornasetti
By Fornasetti
Located in Brussels, BE
Plaid cats on books by Piero Fornasetti.
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Textile
Fornasetti “N18 Piatto Calendario” Porcelain, 1985, Italy
By Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
Fornasetti “N 18 Piatto Calendario“ porcelain, 1985, Italy.
Category
1980s Italian Other Vintage Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Fornasetti Umbrella Stand with Music Theme, Milano, circa 1980
By Fornasetti
Located in San Francisco, CA
A Piero Fornasetti painted metal umbrella stand of a musical theme with painted sheet music and musical instruments. Original label on the reverse.
Italy, circa 1980s.
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Other Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Metal
Piero Fornasetti Commedia Dell'arte Maschere Italiane Porcelain Plates
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Piero Fornasetti set of four Porcelain Commedia Dell'arte Maschere Italiane Porcelain lates,
Italian Masks,
circa 1970s
Each plate depicts a character from the Commedia Dell'ar...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Fornasetti “ N.22 Piatto Calendario “ Happy 1989 Porcelain Italy
By Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
Fornasetti “N 22 Piatto Calendario “ Happy 1989 Porcelain Italy.
Category
1980s Italian Other Vintage Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage Ceramic Ashtray Model 268 by Fornasetti for Winston Brand, 1970s
By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
Unobtainable piece from the collectible ceramics series realized by Fornasetti for Winston brand in the 70s. This piece is enriched by the drawing of the opera star Lina Cavalieri (1...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Fornasetti “Plate Calendar n 19” Porcelain, 1986, Italy
By Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
Fornasetti “Plate Calendar n 19” porcelain, 1986, Italy.
Category
1980s Italian Other Vintage Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Capitello Chair by Fornasetti, Italy, 1988
By Fornasetti
Located in Brussels, BE
Capitello Jonico Fornasetti chair.
Black lacquered metal frame and legs labeled and signed Fornasetti, 1988.
Category
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Metal
'Pistole et Chiavi' "Pistols and Keys" Desk by Gio Ponti and Piero Fornasetti
By Fornasetti
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
'Chiavi et Pistole' desk designed by Gio Ponti (1891-1979) and Piero Fornasetti (1913-1988). A stunning black lacquer four-drawer desk on brass sabots. Printed with pistol and key mo...
Category
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
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.
Creators Similar to Fornasetti
Questions About Fornasetti Furniture
- What is Fornasetti?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Fornasetti 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 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022You 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 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Piero 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 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024The 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.
- Is Fornasetti hand painted?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, 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, 2022To 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 ExpertApril 5, 2022Fornasetti 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 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024The 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 ExpertMarch 22, 2022To 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, 2022How 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 ExpertApril 5, 2022Opera 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, 2022No, 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Whether 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.