Fornasetti More Mirrors

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.

Creator: Fornasetti

FORNASETTI Greek Key Round Mirror

$3,600

FORNASETTI Greek Key Round Mirror

By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage original round wall mirror, featuring greek keys motif in a gold tone over a green and black granite like pattern / made in Milan Italy by Fornasetti, 1970s Original label un...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti More Mirrors

Materials

Wood, Mirror

FORNASETTI Gold Cammeo Round Mirror

$3,600

FORNASETTI Gold Cammeo Round Mirror

By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage original round wall mirror, featuring golden cammeos over a green marble effect background / made in Milan Italy by Fornasetti, 1970s Original label underside Measures: diame...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti More Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Spanish Rattan Bamboo Round Mirror, 1960s

$1,363

H 1.58 in Dm 19.69 in

Spanish Rattan Bamboo Round Mirror, 1960s

By Paul Frankl

Located in Barcelona, ES

Stunning Mid-Century Modern round bamboo wall mirror with wrapped rattan detail on the top. This mirror has reminiscences of Paul Frankl designs. Two concentric circular bamboo frame...

Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti More Mirrors

Materials

Wicker, Mirror, Bamboo, Rattan

Round Mirror in Brown Glazed Ceramic, 1960

$2,845

H 1.19 in Dm 24.81 in

Round Mirror in Brown Glazed Ceramic, 1960

Located in Barcelona, ES

Eye-catching ceramic circular mirror. Maufactured in Spain, 1960s. Round shape and large glass mirror surface. The frame is made of glazed ceramic large tiles in brown color. A decor...

Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti More Mirrors

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Andrianna Shamaris Bamboo Inlay Round Mirror

$690

H 24 in Dm 24 in

Andrianna Shamaris Bamboo Inlay Round Mirror

By Andrianna Shamaris

Located in New York, NY

Beautiful design of sliced bamboo set into white resin with coconut shell inserted on the side. Custom color resin available. Andrianna Shamaris. The Leader In Modern Organic Design™

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Organic Modern Fornasetti More Mirrors

Materials

Bamboo, Resin, Wood, Coconut, Reclaimed Wood

Orbis Rose Gold / Peach Tinted Round Modern Frameless Mirror, XL

$1,127 / item

H 0.24 in Dm 39.38 in

Orbis Rose Gold / Peach Tinted Round Modern Frameless Mirror, XL

By Alguacil & Perkoff Ltd.

Located in London, London

Charming and minimalist rose gold / peach tinted round frameless Orbis™ mirror with a floating effect. Quality design that ensures the mirror sits perfectly parallel to the wall. Des...

Category

2010s British Organic Modern Fornasetti More Mirrors

Materials

Mirror

'Greca' Greek Key Round Mirror by Piero Fornasetti, Signed, circa 1970s

$3,050Sale Price|35% Off

H 1 in Dm 19.25 in

'Greca' Greek Key Round Mirror by Piero Fornasetti, Signed, circa 1970s

By Piero Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is the 'Greca' (Greek in Italian) mirror by Piero Fornasetti, signed on the back with the Fornasetti label, is a gorgeous collectors piece ideal f...

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti More Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Large Italian Fontana Arte Style Round Beveled Mirror

$3,650

H 0.5 in Dm 36 in

Large Italian Fontana Arte Style Round Beveled Mirror

By Max Ingrand, Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa, Cristal Arte

Located in Houston, TX

Large Italian Fontana Arte style round beveled mirror. Stunning large round Italian Fontana Arte inspired round beveled mirror. This beautiful Mid-C...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti More Mirrors

Materials

Mirror

Pocket Watch Beveled Wall Mirror in Brass and Garnet Velvet, 1950s

$2,359

H 20.87 in W 12.41 in D 1.58 in

Pocket Watch Beveled Wall Mirror in Brass and Garnet Velvet, 1950s

By Fornasetti

Located in Barcelona, ES

Eye-catching Brass and Garnet Velvet Fornasetti Pocket Watch Mirror, Italy 1940-1950s Nicely constructed in brass and hanging from a garnet velvet ribbon. Large size and beveled glas...

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti More Mirrors

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair of Black Lacquer Asian Greek Key Panel Mirrors

$4,500 / set

H 47 in W 25 in D 1.25 in

Pair of Black Lacquer Asian Greek Key Panel Mirrors

Located in Chicago, IL

Pair of black lacquer Asian inspired decorative mirrors. Greek key carved open fretwork top panels and inset beveled frames.

Category

1960s American Vintage Fornasetti More Mirrors

Materials

Wood, Mirror

'Cammei Marbalia' Round Mirror by Piero Fornasetti, circa 1970s, Signed

$3,200Sale Price|33% Off

H 1 in Dm 19.25 in

'Cammei Marbalia' Round Mirror by Piero Fornasetti, circa 1970s, Signed

By Piero Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is the 'Cammei Marbalia' (Marbled Cameos in Italian) mirror by Piero Fornasetti, signed on the back with the Fornasetti label, is a gorgeous collectors piece ideal for the interior designer looking for the perfect unique splash of fun and intrigue. This mirror features gold Cameos over a white and black marble motif and has been completely restored, the frame has been re-lacquered with a protective French Polish clear coat. Some signs of age and patina still present under the lacquer which adds to the beauty of this simple yet beautiful piece. *Note, we have the matching umbrella stand, see our other listings or contact us for details. The 'Cammei' aka 'Cameo Motif' and 'Marbalia' aka 'Marbled Motif' is documented in the book "Fornasetti, The Complete Universe" and offered in Fornasetti's full range of designs including an umbrella bin...

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti More Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Large Round Vintage Modern Wall Mirror

$600

H 48 in Dm 48 in

Large Round Vintage Modern Wall Mirror

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This ample sized mid-century style wall mirror features lovely wood and metal trim and makes a great accent for any room. Please confirm item location (NY or NJ).

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti More Mirrors

Materials

Mirror

Greek Key Chrome Mirror

$2,850

H 39.5 in W 31.5 in D 0.82 in

Greek Key Chrome Mirror

By Romeo Rega, Maison Jansen, Maison Baguès

Located in Houston, TX

Greek Key Chrome Mirror. Offered is a great Post-Modern rectangular chorme mirror with a Greek key perimeter. This stunning versatile chrome mirror, possibly Italian, can be used in ...

Category

1980s Post-Modern Vintage Fornasetti More Mirrors

Materials

Chrome

Round Rattan Mirror

$929Sale Price|20% Off

H 4.5 in Dm 45 in

Round Rattan Mirror

Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France

This round mirror is made of rattan. This is a French work. Circa 1970.

Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Fornasetti More Mirrors

Materials

Rattan

Previously Available Items

FORNASETTI Bar Cart

Sold

H 28.94 in W 27.56 in D 17.33 in

FORNASETTI Bar Cart

By Fornasetti, Piero Fornasetti

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage original bar cart made in brass and wood with two removable trays / made in Milan Italy by Fornasetti, 1950s Original label underside, stamped D.B.G.M. SW on the cart wheel M...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti More Mirrors

Materials

Brass

Fornasetti more mirrors for sale on 1stDibs.

Fornasetti more mirrors are available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider more mirrors by Studio Job (Job Smeets & Nynke Tynagel), Hynek Gottwald, and Sergio Mazza.

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Questions About Fornasetti More Mirrors

What is Fornasetti?
1 Answer
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.
Where can I buy Fornasetti?
1 Answer
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.
Who is Piero Fornasetti?
1 Answer
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.
What style is Fornasetti?
1 Answer
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.
How can I hang Fornasetti plates?
1 Answer
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.
What is Piero Fornasetti famous for?
1 Answer
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.
Where are Fornasetti plates made?
1 Answer
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.
What style of art is Fornasetti?
1 Answer
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.
Is Fornasetti hand painted?
1 Answer
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.
Who is the woman on the Fornasetti plates?
1 Answer
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.
How do I display Fornasetti plates?
1 Answer
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.
How do I burn a Fornasetti candle?
1 Answer
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.
Are Piero Fornasetti images public domain?
1 Answer
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.
Can a Fornasetti porcelain figurine be factory-made?
1 Answer
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.