Fornasetti Dinner Plates
While you’ll find everything from animals to historic Italian architecture printed on original Fornasetti dinner plates, serveware and other dinnerware, the illustrator and furniture maker’s signature motif is the face of a mysterious woman, one loosely modeled after opera singer Lina Cavalieri, who became his fantastical muse.
Piero Fornasetti was, in a word, a rebel. While his mid-century design contemporaries focused on streamlined, architectural forms, Fornasetti was all about decorative whimsy, enchantment and Surrealism, adorning his vintage dinner plates and other works with dozens of eclectic motifs that he drew himself.
Born in Milan, Fornasetti was a 20th-century Renaissance man, mastering drawing and painting, graphic design and product design. He trained at the prestigious Brera Academy of Fine Art in Milan for two years before being thrown out for his rebellious nature. But Fornasetti was a tour de force, exhibiting hand-painted silk scarves at the Triennale di Milano just a year later — works that would draw the eye of acclaimed designer Gio Ponti. Ponti and Fornasetti would collaborate on furnishings and interiors for decades, and it was for a Ponti-organized exhibition in 1947 that Fornasetti would design his first set of plates.
Having never worked with ceramics before, Fornasetti vigorously studied the medium by visiting studios and factories, working with experts to learn all aspects of design and production. His efforts resulted in a vast assortment of collectible plates, including 350 variations on the Lina Cavalieri motif that comprised the “Tema e Variazioni” (“Theme and Variation”) series. But his dinner plates feature many other quintessential Fornasetti-style illustrations, from characters from Italian plays to hot-air balloons to dissected fruits.
Today, the Fornasetti empire is managed by the designer’s son, Barnaba, who continues his father’s idiosyncratic legacy. The famous dinner plates are not only found on the tables of design tastemakers across the globe, but also in the collections of such institutions as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Brooklyn Museum in New York.
Find a collection of authentic Fornasetti dinner plates on 1stDibs.
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Creator: Fornasetti
Fornasetti hand painted decorative plate, "Tema e Variazioni" 78, made in Italy
By Piero Fornasetti, 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 Dinner Plates
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Fornasetti Milano dish from the 70s
By Fornasetti
Located in Catania, IT
Fornasetti Milano dish from the 70s
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Fornasetti Dinner Plates
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 Variazioni series based on th...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Fornasetti Dinner Plates
Materials
Porcelain
Piero Fornasetti Porcelain Astrolabe Plates in a Complete Set of Twelve
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
The Piero Fornasetti plates each depict an astrolabe and are a complete set numbered from one to twelve. It is extremely rare to find a complete set and they look spectacular on the wall together.
Mark: Astrolabio in a banner over a green porcelain undermark above Fornasetti hand and brush.
ASTROLABE An astrolabe (Greek: astrolabon, "star-taker") is an elaborate inclinometer, historically used by astronomers, navigators and astrologers. Its many uses include locating and predicting the positions of the Sun, Moon...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Dinner Plates
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, ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Fornasetti Dinner Plates
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 Dinner Plates
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 Variazioni series based on the face of ...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Fornasetti Dinner Plates
Materials
Porcelain
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 Dinner Plates
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 Dinner Plates
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
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 Dinner Plates
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 Dinner Plates
Materials
Porcelain
Fornasetti Themes & Variations Porcelain Plate, # 182 with Original Box
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Fornasetti Themes & Variations Porcelain Plate, # 182,
Atelier Fornasetti
The Fornasetti porcelain plate in the Themes & Variation pattern depicts a surreal image of a naked Gree...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Fornasetti Dinner Plates
Materials
Ceramic, 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 Dinner Plates
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 Dinner Plates
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 Variations”). These plates were made for d...
Category
Late 20th Century German Modern Fornasetti Dinner Plates
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 Dinner Plates
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 Variations”). These plates were made for d...
Category
Late 20th Century German Modern Fornasetti Dinner Plates
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 Variations”). These plates were made for d...
Category
Late 20th Century German Modern Fornasetti Dinner Plates
Materials
Ceramic
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 Dinner Plates
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 Dinner Plates
Materials
Porcelain
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 Dinner Plates
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 Dinner Plates
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 Dinner Plates
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 Dinner Plates
Materials
Ceramic
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 Dinner Plates
Materials
Ceramic
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 Dinner Plates
Materials
Porcelain
Piero Fornasetti Porcelain Astronomici Plate, #7 in Series
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
Piero Fornasetti porcelain plate with number 7 in the Astronomici series.
Astronomici means Astronomics. This is a rare pattern in black and white...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Dinner Plates
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 Fornasetti
A Piero Fornasetti po...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Dinner Plates
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 Dinner Plates
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 Dinner Plates
Materials
Porcelain
Piero Fornasetti Porcelain Plate with Coats of Armour, the Armature Pattern
By Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
This rare Piero Fornasetti porcelain plate from the Armature pattern is number one in the series.
The black and white lithographically-decorated and hand painted porcelain plate i...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Dinner Plates
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 Dinner Plates
Materials
Porcelain
Set of Fornasetti Plates
By Fornasetti
Located in South Salem, NY
A set of eleven Piero Fornasetti plates. The plates are part of the Astrolabio series and each plate is stamped with the Fornasetti series mark. Forna...
Category
1960s Vintage Fornasetti Dinner Plates
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage Piero Fornasetti Green Faux Malachite Plate, circa 1950
By Fornasetti
Located in London, GB
A rare and highly collectable faux malachite plate by Piero Fornasetti. Manufactured in the 1950s, this hand-colored decorative plate is one in a serie...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti Dinner Plates
Materials
Ceramic
Fornasetti Dinner Plates for sale on 1stDibs.
Fornasetti dinner plates are available on 1stDibs for sale. These distinctive objects are often made of ceramics and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Fornasetti Dinner Plates, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original dinner plates by Fornasetti were created in Europe during the 20th century in the modern style of the mid-century. Many customers also consider Dinner Plates by Piero Fornasetti, Richard Ginori, and Gio Ponti Dinner Plates if you are looking for additional options. Fornasetti dinner plates can vary in price depending on size, time period and other attributes. The price for these items starts at $500 and tops out at $10,000, while pieces like these can sell for $933 on average.
Questions About Fornasetti Dinner Plates
- 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 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.
- 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 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.