Skip to main content

Fornasetti Ashtrays

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
2
1
2
1
2
2
3
3
2
1
3
3
3
2
3
126
42
39
37
32
Creator: Fornasetti
Tema e Variazioni n.393 Round Ashtray
By Fornasetti
Located in Milan, IT
The face of opera singer Lina Cavalieri, reinterpreted by Piero Fornasetti, embellishes this hand-decorated porcelain ashtray, part of the iconic Tema e Variazioni series: an everyda...
Category

2010s Italian Fornasetti Ashtrays

Materials

Porcelain

Mid Century Catchall Arturo Toscanini in Porcelain by Piero Fornasetti
By Fornasetti
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Porcelain catchall/ashtray by Piero Fornasetti - Milano The 1950s-1960s The large ceramic tray or ashtray depicts the poster of Toscanini' Concert. "This is the poster of the inaugu...
Category

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

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 Ashtrays

Materials

Porcelain

Related Items
Piero Fornasetti Rectangular Porcelain Tray
By Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Piero Fornasetti porcelain plate or ashtray depicting the nose and mouth of the famous opera singer Lina Cavalieri / made in Milano Italy circa 1990s Original mark on the back / come...
Category

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

Materials

Porcelain

Piero Fornasetti Rectangular Porcelain Tray
Piero Fornasetti Rectangular Porcelain Tray
H 0.79 in W 5.91 in D 4.14 in
Piero Fornasetti Ashtray of a Bill of Sale from the Weikel & Smith, Philadelphia
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Piero Fornasetti ceramic bill of sale tray, Weikel & Smith Spice Company, Philadelphia The 1950s-1960s The large ceramic tray or ashtray depicts a bi...
Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

FORNASETTI Tema E Variazioni Porcelain Plate Motiv 24
By 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 Ashtrays

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Piero Fornasetti "Caduceus" Lithograph Gilt Porcelain Green Ashtray
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage celadon/mint green ceramic ashtray/trinket dish with cigarette slots by Piero Fornasetti, (circa 1950s, Italy). Features lithographic tra...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Ashtrays

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Piero Fornesetti "Equestrian" Ashtrays
By Bergdorf Goodman, Piero Fornasetti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of ashtrays with cigarette slots by Piero Fornasetti, (circa 1950s, Italy). These examples retailed at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City, as indicated on the reverse. Composed o...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Ashtrays

Materials

Porcelain

Mid-Century Onyx Catchall Ashtray or Vide Poche Square, 1970s
Located in Toronto, CA
This Mid-Century Onyx Catchall Ashtray from the 1970s is a beautifully versatile and functional decor piece. Handcrafted from natural onyx, its square shape highlights stunning green...
Category

Mid-20th Century Organic Modern Fornasetti Ashtrays

Materials

Onyx

Hermès Paris Ashtray with Podicep Bird Porcelain Dish Catchall
By Hermès
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Hermès Paris porcelain ashtray in a rectangular shape featuring a Podicep bird, made in France. It is marked "HERMÈS PARIS" on one side and "MADE IN FRANCE" on the opposite, with a g...
Category

Late 20th Century French Hollywood Regency Fornasetti Ashtrays

Materials

Porcelain

FORNASETTI Tema E Variazioni Porcelain Plate #81
By Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Piero Fornasetti "Tema e Variazioni" porcelain plate depicting the smoking face of the famous opera singer Lina Cavalieri, no.81 / made in Milano Italy circa 1960 Original ma...
Category

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

Materials

Porcelain

FORNASETTI Tema E Variazioni Porcelain Plate #14
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 through a keyhole, no.14 / made in Milano Italy circa 1960 O...
Category

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

Materials

Porcelain

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

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

Materials

Porcelain

Piero Fornasetti Ashtray Ceramic 1956 Italy
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
Piero Fornasetti.
Category

1950s Italian Other Vintage Fornasetti Ashtrays

Materials

Ceramic

1950s Fornasetti Vide Poche / Catchall by Piero Fornasetti, Made in Italy
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
1950s Fornasetti original astonishing porcelain vide poche/catchall "Sonate- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart" by Piero Fornasetti . Heavy porcelain construction for use as beautiful desk acc...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Ashtrays

Materials

Porcelain

Previously Available Items
Vintage Italian Fornasetti Alla Scala Porcelain Tray
By Fornasetti
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Vintage Piero Fornasetti Milano Italian ceramic dish from Fornasetti’s Poster Page Series from Teatro Alla Scala Norma Opera 1831. Could be used on ...
Category

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

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

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 Ashtrays

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Ceramic Ashtray Model 268 by Fornasetti for Winston Brand, 1970s
By Piero Fornasetti, 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 Ashtrays

Materials

Ceramic

Tema e Variazioni n.288 Round Ashtray
By Fornasetti
Located in Milan, IT
Fornasetti's reinterpretations of opera singer Lina Cavalieri's face are the basis of the iconic Tema e Variazioni series and make this hand-decorated porcelain ashtray a must-have f...
Category

2010s Italian Fornasetti Ashtrays

Materials

Porcelain

Tema e Variazioni n.288 Round Ashtray
Tema e Variazioni n.288 Round Ashtray
H 5.12 in W 5.12 in D 1.38 in
Fornasetti Owl Small Ceramic Tray, with Original Box, Atelier Fornasetti
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Fornasetti owl small ceramic tray, With Original Box, Atelier Fornasetti, The rectangular Fornasetti ceramic tray depicts an owl perched on a tree ...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Modern Fornasetti Ashtrays

Materials

Porcelain

Fornasetti, Ashtray, Centerpiece, Pocket Empitier Ceramic 1950 Italy
By Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
Fornasetti.
Category

1950s Italian Other Vintage Fornasetti Ashtrays

Materials

Ceramic

Italian Midcentury Fornasetti Ashtray
By Fornasetti
Located in Vilnius, LT
Fornasetti porcelain ashtray with the print of Pravda newspaper, circa 1970s.
Category

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

Materials

Porcelain

Italian Midcentury Fornasetti Ashtray
Italian Midcentury Fornasetti Ashtray
H 0.99 in W 6.3 in D 4.73 in
Italian Midcentury Painted Pin Tray by Fornasetti
By Fornasetti
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, painted porcelain, pin tray by Fornasetti, Milano, 1960s in black, white and gold.
Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

Piero Fornasetti Advertising Ashtray Made for Martini & Rossi, circa 1970
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A ceramic ashtray designed and made by Piero Fornasetti, the ashtray advertises a whisky distributed by Martini & Rossi. It's in perfect conditions and signed on the backside.
Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

Fornasetti Milano Trompe L'Oeil Ceramic
By Fornasetti
Located in Norwalk, CT
A beautiful accent piece to any table.
Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

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 Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Ashtrays

Materials

Ceramic

Fornasetti for Winston Ashtray or Tray, Ceramic, Italy, 1980s
By Fornasetti
Located in Roma, IT
Signed (on the back) "Fornasetti for Winston", ceramic ashtray or tray. Dimension: 20 x 20 cm width 6 cm diameter Fornasetti picture card 6 cm.
Category

1980s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Ashtrays

Materials

Ceramic

Fornasetti ashtrays for sale on 1stDibs.

Fornasetti ashtrays 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 ashtrays, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original ashtrays 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 ashtrays by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Ico Parisi, and Murano Glass Sommerso. Prices for Fornasetti ashtrays can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $375 and can go as high as $615, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $448.
Questions About Fornasetti Ashtrays
  • 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 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 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 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
    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 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 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.

Recently Viewed

View All