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Fornasetti Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

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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Item Ships From: USA
Creator: Fornasetti
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 Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Porcelain

Fornasetti Calender Plate 2009 Porcelain n. 42 Italy
By Fornasetti
Located in Long Island, NY
Fornasetti Calender Plate 2009 . Porcelain n.42 ,Made in Italy .
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Fornasetti Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Porcelain

Fornasetti Calender Plate 2010 porcelain n.43 Italy
By Fornasetti
Located in Long Island, NY
Fornasetti Calender Plate 2010 Porcelain n.43 . Made in Italy
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Fornasetti Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Porcelain

Fornasetti Calender Plate 2011 Porcelain n.44 Italy
By Fornasetti
Located in Long Island, NY
Fornasetti Calender Plate 2011 Porcelain n.44 Italy
Category

2010s Italian Modern Fornasetti Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Porcelain

Piero Fornasetti Italian Cocktail Drinks Coasters or Wall Art, Set of 6
By Fornasetti
Located in New York, NY
A set of six (6) Italian Piero Fornasetti cocktail drinks coasters 'Cavalieri', Classical Roman style, circa mid-20th century, 1960s, Italy. A set of six in black and white edged in ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Fornasetti Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Ceramic

Fornasetti "Gerusalemme Tray" in White/ Black, 100% Wood, Italy 21st Century
By Fornasetti
Located in New York, NY
The tray, the closest thing to a sheet of paper in terms of shape and surface, has always offered Fornasetti great expressive possibilities. This hand-silkscreened model catches the ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Fornasetti Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Wood, Paint

Piero Fornasetti Studio, Pistol Barware Metal Serving Tray, 1960s
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a great studio Fornasetti pistol tray from the 1960s. The design is attributed to Piero Fornasetti, Italy. The stylishly decorative enamel square metal tray features a quirky and cool print of...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Fornasetti Theme & Variations Porcelain Plate No. 218 with Original Box
By Fornasetti
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine designer porcelain plate. By Fornasetti. From the Theme & Variations series (Tema e Variazioni) Model no. 218. With a depiction of Lina Cavalliere's face behind fruit (inc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Fornasetti Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Porcelain

Fornasetti Milano Italy Serratura Black and White Keyhole Round Platter Tray
By Fornasetti
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Fornasetti Milano Italy Serratura Black and White "Keyhole" Round Platter Tray. Item features a metal construction, hand-silkscreened and painted, original label, hand numbered to fr...
Category

Early 2000s Modern Fornasetti Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Metal

Piero Fornasetti Astrolabe Porcelain Plate 1968
By Fornasetti
Located in Atlanta, GA
A porcelain plate designed by Piero Fornasetti as no.4 of the twelves-piece set of the Astrolabe series between 1965-1976. The series each depicts an Astrolabio, an elaborate inclino...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Porcelain

Fornasetti Dome Plate, Cupola Galleria Di Milano Number 7 in Series
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Fornasetti Dome Plate, Cupola Galleria di Milano Number 7 in Series, Dated 2018 Each plate in the series has a different dome of a named and numbered building on the reverse, seen from the inside and below. Dimensions: 9 1/4 inches x 1 inch high. (23.50cm diameter x 2.54cm) The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is Italy's oldest active shopping gallery and a major landmark of Milan in Italy. Housed within a four-story double arcade in the centre of town, the Galleria is named after Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of the Kingdom of Italy. . These plates were originally designed and executed for building contractor Andrea Brenta, Milan, as Christmas presents...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Fornasetti Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Porcelain

Fornasetti Porcelain Surrealist Themes & Variation Plate, #260
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Fornasetti porcelain Surrealist Themes & Variation plate #260, The Snail, Atelier Fornasetti The Fornasetti porcelain plate in the Themes & Variation pattern depicts a surreal depic...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Fornasetti Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

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 Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

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 Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Porcelain

Piero Fornasetti Astrolabe Porcelain Plate, 1967
By Fornasetti
Located in Atlanta, GA
A porcelain plate designed by Piero Fornasetti as no,3 of the twelves-piece set of the Astrolabe series between 1965-1976. The series each depicts an Astrolabio, an elaborate inclino...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

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 Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Porcelain

Fornasetti Tray-Juggler with Spinning Plates, Atelier Fornasetti
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Fornasetti Tray Juggler with Spinning Plates, Atelier Fornasetti, Dated 2017, N 16 The black circular tray is printed with a pattern of Themes & Variation numbered 193. It depi...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Metal

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 Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Porcelain

Editioned Italian Fornasetti Calendar Porcelain Plate, 2012
By Fornasetti
Located in Atlanta, GA
A vintage Italian decorative porcelain plate designed and made by Fornasetti. The commemorative plate is for the year of 2012 and features an angle blowing the calendar pieces. The p...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Fornasetti Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Porcelain

Editioned Italian Fornasetti Calendar Porcelain Plate, 2013
By Fornasetti
Located in Atlanta, GA
A vintage Italian decorative porcelain plate designed and made by Fornasetti. The commemorative plate is for the year of 2013. The plate was made in a limited edition of 92 out of 70...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Fornasetti Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Porcelain

Piero Fornasetti Tema e Variazioni Porcelain Black and White Large Dish Charger
By Fornasetti
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
The Italian artist and illustrator Piero Fornasetti was one of the wittiest, 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, an enigmatic woman’s face. Fornasetti used...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Porcelain

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 Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Ceramic

1960 Piero Fornasetti Porcelain Astronomici Plate, #7 in Series
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
1960 Piero Fornasetti porcelain plate with number 7 in the Astronomici series. Astronomici means "Astronomics". This is a rare pattern in black and ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Porcelain

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 Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Ceramic

Barnaba Fornasetti Calendar Plate for 2013 with Piero Fornasetti Self Portrait
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Barnaba Fornasetti Calendar Plate for 2013, with Piero Fornasetti Self Portrait, #518 of 700 The plate depicts an image of Piero Fornase...
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

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 Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Porcelain

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 Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Ceramic

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 Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

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 Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

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 Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

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 Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

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 Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Ceramic

Piero Fornasetti Porcelain "Recipe" Plates Mid-Century Modern Set of Three
By Fornasetti
Located in North Miami, FL
These delightful hallmarked set of three Italian Mid-Century Modern Piero Fornasetti recipe plates are amusing and unusual. One is for stuffed crown roast or frankfurters, the other ...
Category

1950s Italian Classical Roman Vintage Fornasetti Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Piero Fornasetti Black and White Ashtray of a Roman Chariot
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Vintage Piero Fornasetti black and white ashtray of a Roman chariot, 1950-1960s. The Piero Fornasetti Neoclassical ashtray depicts a Roman chariot in black and white.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Porcelain

Piero Fornasetti Porcelain Mesi and Soli Pair of Plates 12 Suns 12 Months, 1955
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Piero Fornasetti porcelain plates, 12 suns, 12 months, Pair of plates Mid to late 1950s. The rare Piero Fornasetti "12 Mesi 12 Soli" series plates show the sun as a woman's face and each one represents a different month- May and June. They are numbered five and six. Dimensions: 10 1/4 inches diameter x 1 inch high. Mark: Each with Piero Fornasetti printed...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Porcelain

Piero Fornasetti Porcelain Astrolabe Plate, Number Twelve in Astrolabio Series
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
The Piero Fornasetti porcelain plate depicts an astrolabe, it is number twelve of twelve in series. A ribbon above reads "Ad Habendum Horam Ineqvalem Et Qvatvor Angvlos Celi In Die"....
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Porcelain

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 Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Porcelain

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 Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Porcelain

Piero Fornasetti Astrological Zodiac Plate, Cancer, Gli Zodiaci Farmacope
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Vintage Piero Fornasetti Astrological Zodiac Porcelain Plate-for the Zodiac sign Cancer, Gli Zodiaci Farmacopei, No 8, Especially made for Crinos By...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Porcelain

Piero Fornasetti Recipe Plate, Vero-Pig Piccadilly, Made for Fleming Joffe
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Piero Fornasetti recipe plate, Vero-Pig piccadilly, Made for Fleming Joffe, Silkscreen and transfer, Early 1960s. This rare Piero Forna...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Porcelain

Piero Fornasetti Set of Six Strumenti Musicali Plates, 1950s-1960s
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Piero Fornasetti set of six strumenti musicali plates 1950s-1960s. The plates each depict a different selection of stringed instruments including guitars and lutes on a faux bois...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Piero Fornasetti "Nummus" Green Porcelain Plate Mid-Century Modern
By Fornasetti
Located in North Miami, FL
This vintage Fornasetti plate is numbered three and is from the collection of the Roman coin series. All hallmarked on the back. This is a ver...
Category

1950s Italian Classical Roman Vintage Fornasetti Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Porcelain

Fornasetti Rare Complete Set of 12 "Le Oceanidi" Plates, Italy, 1950s
By Fornasetti
Located in New York, NY
Rare and exceptional complete set of 12 'Le Oceanidi' (Oceanids) lithographically printed plates from the mid-1950s, Italy. Each plate tells a story depicting distant and fantastic ...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Ceramic

Set of 12 Custom Commissioned Plates by Piero Fornasetti for Fleming Joffe Ltd
By Fornasetti
Located in North Miami, FL
A rare collection of 12 custom commissioned plates made by Piero Fornasetti for New York small leather goods company, Fleming Joffe Ltd. in the 196...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Porcelain

Piero Fornasetti Rare Vintage Matador & Bull Porcelain Dinner Plates Set of Six
By Fornasetti
Located in North Miami, FL
These wonderful hard to find and hard to come by complete set of RARE wonderful bullfight black and white vintage Mid-Century Modern porcelain dinner plates are the genius work and i...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Porcelain

Piero Fornasetti Vintage "Botanica Pratica" Porcelain Botanical Serving Bowl
By Fornasetti
Located in North Miami, FL
This wonderful substantial sized porcelain square vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian Piero Fornasetti bowl or serving piece has all the elements of botanicals and flowers and is enti...
Category

1950s Italian Classical Roman Vintage Fornasetti Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass

Materials

Porcelain

Fornasetti serveware, ceramics, silver and glass for sale on 1stDibs.

Fornasetti serveware, ceramics, silver and glass 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 serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 69 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 10 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original serveware, ceramics, silver and glass 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 serveware, ceramics, silver and glass by Alfredo Barbini, Fontana Arte, and Flavio Poli. Prices for Fornasetti serveware, ceramics, silver and glass can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $274 and can go as high as $9,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $863.
Questions About Fornasetti Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
  • 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
    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 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 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
    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 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 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 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
    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 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
    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.
  • 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.

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